Bills are far too high. This isn’t unexpected!

Bye gas network; had our gas meter removed today

4 years ago our aging (23 yr old) gas boiler was replaced with an air-source heat pump. 3 weeks ago our aging (26 yr old) cooker/ gas hob was replaced with new electric cooker/ induction hob. So we could finally disconnect from the gas grid. Yay!

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From 1 January 2026, the average price cap unit rates for energy are changing. The standing charge for those on a standard variable tariff is increasing.

These are caps on unit rates plus the standing charge (not a cap on your total bill). 

More: https://ow.ly/9zi350XvB1E

BBC have sensationalised “Households face unexpected rise in energy prices in new year”

If they did any analysis, then a Jan increase is expected. This feels quite a modest increase before the April and July 2026 price cap decreases

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Energy regulator Ofgem confirms the energy price cap will rise 0.2% from Jan–Mar 2026, adding ~28p/month to average dual fuel bills (£1,758/year). While costs are lower in real terms vs 2025, households are urged to explore tariffs & payment options to save more. ofgem.gov.uk

Dame Gillian Guy appointed as Independent Non-Executive Director
Smart DCC have confirmed the appointment of a Dame Gillian Guy DBE to the Board as a Non-Executive Director

4G Communications Hub roll out hits major milestone

As part of our ongoing work to upgrade and enhance the smart metering network, GB has now connected the 100,000th 4G Communications Hub.

The REC Code by Manager has published an Information Request (lnkd.in/erey4E-s) for Issues I0230 - D0303 flow following MHHS design changes and I0261 - Addition of Export flag in D0303 flows.

At the recent REC Metering Expert Panel, Members agreed that R0271 should proceed for implementation on 27 February 2026, subject to no appeal being raised.

This Change Proposal is particularly expected to impact Approved Meter Installers (AMIs) and Electricity Metering Operatives (EMOs).

The latest REC Podcast episode is now LIVE

I0230 - (D0303 flow following MHHS design changes) and I0261 - (Addition of Export flag in D0303 flows)(lnkd.in/erey4E-s) are progressing through the REC Change Process,

📢 Supplier Seat Vacancy – REC Metering Expert Panel
Nominations are now open to fill a Supplier seat on the RECMEP, a vital sub-committee shaping metering standards across the energy industry.

📢 CoMCoP v3.1 Released!
The REC Code Manager has introduced a filterable spreadsheet to make compliance checks & data analysis easier than ever. Access both the code doc & Excel version now via the REC Portal Operational Documents section.

Ofgem is consulting on a new harmonised process for prioritising changes to the Retail Energy Code (REC)—aimed at boosting transparency, consistency, and strategic focus in UK energy governance.

Ofgem is taking steps to improve governance and financial resilience in the energy market. The consultation focuses on transparency, independent oversight, and robust decision-making to protect consumers and prevent future supplier failures.