Ive been pressing my MP for some clarity from DCC on the actual statistics on smart meter coverage . The answer to the first written parliamentary question was "Today, the Data Communications Company (DCC) provides Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage for smart meters to at least 99.5% of premises across its ‘North’ region.
The DCC also has a license obligation to explore solutions for increasing WAN coverage even further. It is currently developing a business case exploring such solutions, including an option for using already available internet-connected Consumer Access Devices to provide smart services. The consumer would need to have their own broadband connection and be prepared to enable the Consumer Access Device to utilise it. The Department expects to receive initial proposals from DCC shortly for review.".
My second question looking for some more specific information on the real regional performance and what's being done to deal with the known gap generated the following answer:- (noting that I already have about 100 wind turbines within 10 miles of the house, several hydro schemes, yet no community based support or obligation via developers or Nat grid to get linked up!)
“When the SM WAN was conceived, designed and built some 10+ years ago a radio solution was used in the North to overcome some of the challenges of topography and the lower levels of cellular network penetration in rural areas. In the South and Central regions we use a cellular solution. At the time there were a small number of areas (currently impacting circa 200,000 households nationally) where it was agreed it wasn’t economically viable to provide coverage (either radio or cellular) and unfortunately your constituent's postcode falls into a declared no coverage area.
Whilst our current network coverage rates nationally sit at 99.3% and therefore meeting our obligated coverage rates, we recognise the importance of the accessibility of smart meters to consumers, particularly in rural areas. We also face an additional problem that requires resolve, where coverage is available but localised issues are creating a barrier preventing connectivity to the SM WAN. We’ve therefore created a project to solve both issues under the banner of ‘No WAN Connectivity’.
Our ambition, through this project is to develop an additional cost effective and national technological solution that solves the issue of No WAN Connectivity and does not rely on either cellular or radio signal. To that end we’re exploring the development of a solution that utilises Wi-Fi signal in the home. As connectivity between the smart meter and the SM WAN is made through a device called the Communications Hub (CH) we need to develop a new CH to work this this third technology solution.”
DCC note that they are currently developing a roadmap for the design, build, testing and manufacture of this solution and expect a Wi-Fi CH solution for pilot in September 2024. It must be noted that progress on the roadmap and timelines are subject to Department of Energy and Net Zero (DESNZ) agreement to our approach. That said, DCC feel that the plans they have in place to augment the network will help Energy Suppliers meet the revised target of 74.5% of homes and nearly 69% of small businesses connected to a smart meter by the end of 2025."
The question for me as a Kirkhill shareholder, is does this mean I (and others in the same rural position) are effectively locked out of benefitting fully from the power from Kirkhill (and other schemes) when they comes online? Are there any workarounds or alternatives? Is there scope for Ripple members to get involved in trialling some of these internet based solutions DCC mention?
I'm on a day/night rate only and run an EV, so my use is of the order of 15000kwh per annum- (and that's whilst running an oil Aga cooker 24/7 and oil central heating- currently in the process of switching to electric). 1995 "Eco" house of its time. It's been about minus 2-4 overnights for the last 3 ish weeks already here at 400m btw...