Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 7 September 2023 to Question 197604 on Energy: Prices, what steps her Department plans to take to support households in those areas that will not be covered by the smart metre rollout.

The Data Communications Company (DCC) provides Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage for smart meters to at least 99.25% of premises across Great Britain. The DCC is also obligated under its licence conditions to explore solutions to increase the overall level of coverage even further.

Ofgem is responsible for regulating the DCC against these obligations.

The DCC is currently developing a business case exploring solutions, including an option for using already available internet-connected Consumer Access Devices to provide smart services, which require a broadband connection. The Department expects to receive initial proposals from DCC shortly for review.