On the UK smart metering system and value of data for distribution system operators

The Smart Metering Implementation Programme (SMIP) is an ongoing energy infrastructure upgrade that is delivering 53 million smart electricity and gas meters for homes and small businesses in the UK. The programme is expected to deliver economic benefits for customers, energy suppliers and the national grid. The programme is also enabling the transition to a more efficient, and flexible smart grid as well as the decarbonisation of the energy sector to achieve the Net Zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. However, with the immense data generated by smart meters connected to the low voltage distribution networks, further technical benefits can be unlocked. This paper provides an overview of the smart meter system in the UK with its originally intended benefits. Then the physical, functional, interface and data specifications of the smart meters are detailed to give an idea of the possible uses of these data. Finally, the paper discusses the technical benefits that are possible from combining the smart meters' data with industry 4.0 technologies such as decision support systems for network reinforcement and investment, active monitoring and management of the network and its assets, and data-driven digital twins of the distribution networks.