The number of messages sent from smart meters surged to more than 12.1 billion in 2022, nearly doubling the 6.3 billion messages the previous year, according to the Data Communications Company (DCC).
The smart meter network operated and maintained by the DCC grew by 37% last year with 6.3 million smart meters added in 2022, bringing the total to nearly 24 million smart meters.
With the data traffic almost doubling year-on-year, the DCC predicted in August that the growth would keep that upward pace in the following years with a 500% increase over the next four years.
Angus Flett, CEO at DCC, said: “It is great to see energy data increase at such pace – this information is allowing the grid to do more with less. Breaking the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels will help us avoid future energy crises, and progress towards our Net Zero ambition.”
Among the projects DCC participated in 2022 was the use of its smart meter system data in support with Energy Systems Catapult to help identify consumers at risk of or in fuel poverty and deliver targeted support.
Second generation smart meters (SMETS2) passed the 14 million mark on 3 January, with EDF connecting an electricity meter in Weston-super-Mare, while 9.7 million first generation meters (SMETS1) have migrated onto the smart meter network, allowing them to switch energy suppliers seamlessly.
There are currently more than 60 million devices that are connected to the network, from meters to displays and communication hubs.
Customers that have a smart meter which delivers half-hourly readings have been able to take part in the National Grid ESO’s Demand Flexibility Service (DFS). The service, which went live in early November, consists of participants receiving notifications from the ESO requesting consumers to decrease their demand during constrained periods.
Installation of smart meters continues to gather pace with E.ON announcing last month it installed its fifth million smart meter across the UK, while software platform manager ESG reached the ten million milestone in late November.
