DECC looks for market feedback on Smart Meter Implementation Programme

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has issued an information notice to tell potential tech suppliers about opportunities related to data and communications services for the Smart Metering Implementation Programme SMIP.

DECC will hold an 'industry day' in June that will provide a briefing on the scheme.

It has also asked interested participants to complete of a data and communication and services questionaire.

The department will also release a memorandum to the market. This will contain project information and look for feedback and advice from interested parties.

DECC has committed to rolling out smart meters to 26 million households by 2020.

The data contained in the system will be managed by a country-wide body covering the electricity and gas sectors. This will be called the central Data and Communications Company (DCC).

For the DCC to provide services to its users it will be required to contract for a number of IT and communication services.

It is these IT and communication services that DECC intends to procure following its consultation with the market.

It said in the notice: "We are interested to hear from parties who wish to be considered for the data and communications service provision contracts or that have an interest in the SMIP."

Interested parties should respond to this notice and express their wish to receive further information and to participate in the data and communication services questionnaire.

Responses should be received by DECC by 1 June 2011.