Ofgem has launched a consultation on the Data Communications Company’s (DCC) Required Revenue for November 2026 to March 2028, marking the first use of a forward-looking ‘ex-ante’ price control framework for Great Britain’s smart metering network. Ofgem proposes allowing DCC revenues of £1.091 billion over the 17-month period, around £70 million lower than DCC’s £1.162 billion request, after reducing allowances for areas including Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications (SMETS1) operational costs, switching service procurement, future system management and licence renewal activities. Ofgem said the new framework is intended to improve transparency, cost predictability and value for money by assessing costs before they are incurred, while continuing to support reliable smart metering services. The consultation also proposes ringfenced budgets for major programmes, including long-range radio network upgrades, Data Service Provider 2.0 (DSP2) system delivery, post-quantum cryptography and future 4G connectivity, alongside automatic revenue adjustment mechanisms for costs outside DCC’s direct control, such as inflation-linked contracts and volume-driven communications hub costs. Ofgem stated that DCC had generally justified most of its proposed spending but identified weaknesses in forecasting, internal cost evidence and some change programmes, and said it expects stronger cost control, improved contract management and reduced reliance on consultants under the new regime. The consultation closes on 14 July 2026.