Avro Energy’s failure to join DCC leaves it “unprepared” for SMETS2 rollout, says Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice, in its role as the official consumer champion for energy, has welcomed Ofgem’s decision issue Avro Energy with a final order for breaching the requirement to become a Data Communications Company (DCC) user.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“Engaging with the DCC is essential for the roll out of second generation smart meters (SMETS2). Avro’s failure to join the DCC means it’s unprepared for that rollout, leaving its customers with with first generation meters (SMETS1) that lose smart functionality if they switch suppliers. Suppliers shouldn’t risk consumer confidence in the programme by giving their customers a sub-par experience.

“Smart meters are critical for the long term development of our energy infrastructure and it is vital that we get it right. There have been substantial delays to the rollout and costs are escalating. The government needs to publish a new cost-benefit analysis at the earliest opportunity.”

Notes to editors

  1. Citizens Advice includes the national charity; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.

  2. Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.

  3. The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

  4. Citizens Advice offers Pension Wise services at 500 locations in England and Wales.

  5. Citizens Advice’s services are free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to all regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  6. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  7. For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 to talk in Welsh.

  8. We helped 2.6 million people face to face, by phone, email and webchat in 2017-18. For service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.

  9. Citizens Advice staff are supported by over 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 locations in England and Wales.