Why Energy‑Intensive Businesses Are Appointing Their Own DC/DA

As energy costs continue to shape the bottom line of UK manufacturers and other high-consumption sectors, more businesses are taking a closer look at their energy data and how it’s managed. One clear trend is the growing number of organisations choosing to appoint their own Data Collector (DC) and Data Aggregator (DA), rather than relying on the supplier’s default selection.

So, what’s driving this shift? And what are the practical benefits of managing your own DC/DA relationship?

What Are DC/DA Services, and Why Do They Matter?

If your business operates half-hourly metered sites (common in manufacturing, processing, and large multi-site operations), the DC and DA play a critical role in how your energy usage is recorded, analysed, and billed.

• The Data Collector (DC) is responsible for reading your energy meters and validating the data.
• The Data Aggregator (DA) compiles and processes the data before it’s passed to your energy supplier for settlement and billing.

These two roles directly influence the accuracy and timeliness of your consumption data, and by extension, your energy costs and compliance efforts.

The Default Model: Supplier-Appointed DC/DA

By default, your energy supplier will assign a DC/DA to your account. On the surface, this may seem convenient, it reduces administrative tasks and keeps everything under one roof.

However, this hands-off model can introduce several limitations for energy-intensive organisations:

• Limited visibility: You may not have direct access to raw consumption data in real time, which makes it harder to monitor usage trends or flag anomalies quickly.
• Standardised service levels: Supplier-appointed DC/DAs often operate at scale, which means they may not offer bespoke reporting, tailored alerts, or industry-specific insights.
• Harder to challenge billing discrepancies: If your usage data is controlled by the same party responsible for billing, it becomes more difficult to independently verify or dispute charges.

Why More Businesses Are Taking Control

For businesses where energy is a major cost centre, the case for managing your own DC/DA is growing stronger. Here’s why:

1. Greater Data Transparency

By selecting your own DC/DA, you gain direct access to granular, real-time usage data, often broken down by site, circuit, or process.

This level of insight supports:

• Early identification of usage spikes or equipment faults
• More informed procurement decisions
• Better reporting for ESOS, SECR, and Scope 3 obligations

2. Improved Accountability

Working directly with your appointed DC/DA means you have a clearer chain of responsibility. If discrepancies arise, you can address them with the data provider, without relying on your supplier to mediate.

This setup also simplifies internal audits and external compliance reporting, as the data source is independent and verifiable.

3. Customised Reporting and Alerts

Independent DC/DAs often provide flexible reporting tailored to your industry. Whether you need night/day splits, out-of-hours usage flags, or energy intensity benchmarking across multiple sites, a bespoke provider can configure outputs around your needs, rather than offering standardised dashboards.

4. Potential for Cost Optimisation

In some cases, the default DC/DA charges passed through your supplier may exceed the rates you could negotiate directly with a third party. Appointing your own DC/DA opens the door to competitive tendering and cost comparisons.

Over time, the visibility and insights gained from a direct relationship can also support broader cost-saving measures, from energy efficiency investments to load shifting strategies.

5. Enhanced Control Over Multi-Site Operations

For businesses with multiple meters across different sites, an independent DC/DA can unify your data sources into one platform, enabling centralised analysis, better forecasting, and more strategic procurement.

This level of control is particularly valuable if you’re aligning contract end dates or managing energy as part of a broader sustainability programme.

When Should You Appoint Your Own DC/DA?

Appointing a DC/DA is easiest during a new supply contract, as the setup process is managed during onboarding. However, it’s also possible to make the switch mid-contract, subject to the supplier’s terms and appropriate notice periods.

The key is to work with a partner who understands both the technical and commercial implications, ensuring the transition is smooth and that data flows remain uninterrupted.

A Note on MOPS: The Future of DC/DA

The energy industry is undergoing a significant transition under the Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MOPS)programme. As part of this change, the traditional roles of Data Collector (DC) and Data Aggregator (DA) are being restructured, with new terminology such as Metering Services and Data Services Provider beginning to replace legacy acronyms.

For energy-intensive businesses, this makes it even more important to understand who manages your usage data, and how those services are delivered. The core principles remain the same: accuracy, accountability, and control over your energy information.

By proactively reviewing your current setup, you’ll be better positioned for a smooth transition when MOPS is fully implemented and avoid the risk of being locked into arrangements that may not reflect your operational needs.

Final Thought

Relying on supplier-appointed services can work well for lower-consumption businesses or those without in-house energy expertise. But for energy-intensive industries where data accuracy and operational insight are critical, managing your own DC/DA gives you greater visibility, independence, and control.

If you’re unsure where to start, or want to understand how switching might work in your organisation, our energy management experts can help you assess your current setup and explore the options.