Martin Brailsford, Author at Association of Meter Operators

New Asset Condition Code C21 to Streamline Meter Installations from February 2026

Posted on 28th January 2026 by Martin Brailsford

A significant improvement to service termination reporting is set to come into effect on 27 February 2026, following industry approval of REC Change R0244. The change introduces a new asset condition code—C21: Non‑standard PME Connection Arrangement—into the Service Termination Issue Reporting Guidance (STIRG). The update is expected to reduce aborted meter installation visits and improve operational efficiency across the sector.

Addressing Long‑standing Installation Barriers

Historically, scenarios where the meter supply neutral was taken from a shared neutral/earth (N/E) block were recorded under B07, a code requiring the job to be stopped and the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to attend—even when no network intervention was necessary. This process resulted in avoidable delays, extra costs, and poorer customer journeys.

The introduction of C21 provides a more accurate reporting route for these non‑standard PME arrangements, enabling Meter Operator Agents (MOAs) to continue installations safely without requiring automatic escalation. The update aligns data guidance in DI51121 / J1824 with current field conditions.

Industry Support and Expected Benefits

The proposal received unanimous backing from respondents representing both DNOs and other industry parties. Feedback highlighted the value of reducing unnecessary aborts, cutting back on unproductive DNO callouts, and improving installation success rates—particularly important during large‑scale programmes such as meter exchanges and legacy equipment removals.

Responses indicated varied implementation lead times across organisations, ranging from just a few days to several months. To support a consistent, coordinated rollout across all affected parties, a six‑month lead time was agreed upon.

Governance and Implementation

The change was reviewed and approved through the REC Metering Expert Panel (RECMEP), with updates made to STIRG guidance and associated legal drafting. The governance process confirmed that the change is low‑cost, proportionate, and beneficial for both operational performance and consumers.

Implementation will follow a “big bang” approach on 27 February 2026, ensuring all market participants adopt the updated reporting code simultaneously.

A Step Toward Greater Efficiency

The introduction of C21 marks a practical improvement in addressing real‑world installation scenarios. By reducing unnecessary site visits and simplifying how non‑standard PME arrangements are reported, the change is ex

RECCo Launches Annual Rating Initiative for Metering Agents

Posted on 17th December 2025 by Martin Brailsford

The RECCo Performance Assurance team has announced the development of an Annual Rating Initiative designed to introduce a transparent, fair, and constructive peer comparison system for Metering Agents, including MEMs, MAMs, MOAs, EMOs, and AMIs. This new framework builds on the established system for Suppliers and DNOs, aiming to benchmark compliance, encourage positive behaviours, and support continuous improvement across the market.

Consultation Period Now Open

The consultation period runs from December to February, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to refine assessment criteria. An impact assessment will be published shortly via the REC and shared with members. Draft ratings are scheduled for release between July and August, followed by a query window for parties to review and challenge provisional ratings. Final market-wide scores will be published in September, after the query window closes. Criteria will be reviewed annually to ensure relevance and fairness.

Assessment Criteria

For MEMs, ratings will focus on:

Data Quality: High-quality data transfer to support market performance.
Compliance with CoMCoP: Timely audits and addressing all findings, not just minimum compliance.
Consumer Experience: Responsiveness and prompt issue resolution.

For MAMs and MOAs, criteria include:

CoMCoP Audit Timeliness: Delays negatively impact ratings.
Action Plan PATs: Issuance and progress on action plans, especially for data cleanse.
Maintenance of Qualification: Delays in submission are penalised.
Persistent Performance Issues: Escalations or repeated poor engagement reflected in ratings.
CME Condition Breach: Breaches affect ratings proportionally to severity.

Ratings will range from “No Material Weakness” to “Severe Weakness”, with the lowest score across criteria determining the overall rating. Discussions are ongoing to better recognise positive performance and refine terminology to avoid negative connotations.

Controls and Engagement

Key measures include:

Query Window: Parties notified of provisional ratings and reasons, with time to respond and provide evidence.
Education: Targeted webinars and published guidance on criteria and methodology.
Annual Review: Stakeholder input sought to ensure relevance and fairness.

Key Discussion Points

Consistency and Fairness: Concerns about consistent application of CoMCoP and audit processes.
Recognising Positive Performance: Calls for better acknowledgement of those exceeding expectations.
Transparency and Commercial Impact: Phased approach to visibility to balance transparency with sensitivities.
Continuous Improvement: Iterative process offering opportunities for feedback and refinement.

Representatives from RECCo will attend the General Meeting on 26 February 2025 to present an update and answer questions.

AMO 2026 Calendar & ICET Forum Evolution

Posted on 17th December 2025 by Martin Brailsford

AMO 2026 Calendar Final Draft Announced

We are pleased to announce that the final draft of the proposed AMO calendar for 2026 is now ready. This schedule reflects the valuable input gathered through several forums in recent months, and we extend our sincere thanks to all members for their contributions and engagement.

ICET Forum Evolution

In addition to the calendar update, plans are underway to evolve the ICET Forum to better meet the needs of our members and support strategic growth. As part of this evolution, the forum will be rebranded and will focus on two key agenda areas:

Net Zero
Health & Safety

While these topics will take centre stage, industry change will remain at the heart of every discussion, ensuring that all subjects are relevant and impactful for our audience. Further details will be provided for discussion at the upcoming general meeting.

Next Steps

The proposed schedule will be finalised at the AMO General Meeting on 26 February, and placeholder invites are currently being sent for the year ahead.

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration – together, we’re shaping a stronger future for our industry.

AMO General Meeting 2025 – 26 February 2026

Posted on 15th December 2025 by Martin Brailsford

The Association of Meter Operators (AMO) is pleased to announce its upcoming General Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, 26 February 2026. This important event will take place in person at Talan’s London office, with a remote option available for those unable to attend on site.

We appreciate your understanding regarding the change from the originally planned date in late 2025. The revised schedule ensures we can deliver a meeting that reflects the latest developments and priorities for our industry.

The meeting will be held at Talan, 77 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0AS, and remote participants will be able to join via Microsoft Teams (joining details will be shared upon registration).

The session will feature a comprehensive agenda, including a Chairperson’s report, a review of AMO’s recent activities and future outlook, discussion on constitution matters, and an industry keynote address. We will also introduce an exciting programme of innovative events planned for 2026 and beyond. The meeting will conclude with a networking lunch, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with peers across the metering community.

This is a key moment to shape AMO’s direction for the year ahead. Members will gain valuable insights into industry developments, hear from expert speakers, and learn about initiatives designed to drive innovation and collaboration.

To confirm your attendance, please register and indicate whether you will join in person or remotely by emailing AMO@Gemserv.com. If you have any dietary, accessibility, or other requirements, please include these details when you RSVP.

We look forward to welcoming you on 26 February 2026 for an engaging and forward-looking session that sets the tone for the year ahead.

REC Manager Announces 2026 OMF Meeting Schedule

Posted on 10th December 2025 by Martin Brailsford

The Retail Energy Code (REC) Manager has officially released the schedule for the 2026 Operational Metering Forum (OMF) meetings. These sessions will continue to provide a vital platform for industry stakeholders to collaborate on metering-related matters across electricity and gas.

Confirmed Meeting Dates and Times:

Meeting	Date	Time
Electricity OMF	11 February 2026	14:00
Gas OMF	11 March 2026	14:00
Electricity OMF	13 May 2026	14:00
Gas OMF	10 June 2026	14:00
Electricity OMF	12 August 2026	14:00
Gas OMF	09 September 2026	14:00
Electricity OMF	11 November 2026	14:00
Gas OMF	09 December 2026	14:00

Calendar invitations will be sent later this week to all stakeholders who have previously expressed interest in receiving OMF updates. If you have not registered your interest but would like to attend, please contact committees@recmanager.co.uk.

These meetings are an essential opportunity for participants to stay informed, share insights, and contribute to the ongoing development of metering practices within the energy sector.

Ofgem Launches Consultation on Competitive Code Manager Selection

Posted on 9th December 2025 by Martin Brailsford

Ofgem has opened a consultation on its proposed approach to selecting energy code managers through a competitive licensing process. This marks the next phase of the energy code reform programme introduced under the Energy Act 2023, which aims to modernise governance and improve market efficiency.

The consultation, published on 8 December 2025, sets out updated guidance on how candidates will be assessed. Key elements include:

Competitive Licensing Framework – Ofgem will evaluate applicants based on capability, governance standards, delivery assurance, and stakeholder engagement.
Draft Guidance – Updated to reflect competitive requirements, including eligibility checks and assessment stages.
Stakeholder Impact – Code administrators, industry parties, system operators, and consumer groups are invited to respond.

Responses must be submitted by 23 January 2026 using Ofgem’s template or via email to industrycodes@ofgem.gov.uk. The final guidance will shape how future code managers are appointed, ensuring transparency and accountability in managing critical energy codes.

For full details and to participate in the consultation, visit:
Energy Code Reform: Competitive Code Manager Selection.

RECCo’s Enquiry Services Evolution: A Modern Dual-Fuel Approach

Posted on 5th December 2025 by Martin Brailsford

The Retail Energy Code Company (RECCo) is taking a bold step forward in transforming its Enquiry Services to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving energy market. Following a comprehensive assessment and detailed proposals from current Service Providers, RECCo is introducing a modern Dual-Fuel Service designed for long-term reliability, improved efficiency, and better value for stakeholders.

Why the Change?
As the energy sector continues to innovate, the demand for streamlined, future-proof services has grown. RECCo’s new model ensures that enquiry handling is not only robust and responsive and also aligned with the industry’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Key Highlights of the Evolution

Dual-Fuel Capability: A unified service supporting both gas and electricity enquiries for greater consistency and convenience.
Enhanced Reliability: Built with scalability and resilience at its core to meet future market demands.
Value-Driven Approach: Optimised processes and technology to deliver better outcomes for participants and consumers alike.

What’s Next?
This evolution marks the beginning of a new chapter for RECCo’s Enquiry Services. The updated model will enable faster resolution times, improved transparency, and a more integrated experience for all stakeholders.

To learn more about this initiative and what it means for the industry, read the full update on RECCo’s website: https://www.retailenergycode.co.uk/strengthening-the-enquiry-services-for-whats-next/?utm_source=emailoctopus&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Weekly%20Bulletin%20-%202025-12-05.

Energy Consumer Satisfaction Hits Record High in Latest Ofgem Survey

Posted on 4th December 2025 by Martin Brailsford

The latest Energy Consumer Satisfaction Survey, conducted by Ofgem and Citizens Advice, reveals that overall satisfaction among domestic energy consumers has reached 82%, the highest level since the survey began in 2018. This marks a significant improvement in customer experience across Great Britain’s energy market.

Key Findings

Overall Satisfaction: Climbed to 82%, up from 80% in January 2025.
Customer Service: Satisfaction rose to 76%, the highest recorded since the survey’s inception.
Billing Accuracy & Understanding: Improved to 82% and 85% respectively, reflecting clearer and more accurate billing practices.
Ease of Contact: 77% of consumers found it easy to contact their supplier, compared to 75% earlier this year.
Support for Vulnerable Customers: Among those struggling with affordability, proactive supplier contact increased from 14% in January to 20% in July–August.

Supplier-Level Insights

For the fifth time, Ofgem has published supplier-level indicators, enabling consumers to compare performance across seven major energy supply groups. These indicators cover:

Overall satisfaction with supplier
Satisfaction with customer service received

This transparency aligns with Ofgem’s commitment to improving standards and empowering consumer choice.

Why It Matters

The findings underscore progress in customer service and billing clarity, but challenges remain—particularly for vulnerable groups. Ofgem continues to monitor these trends to ensure suppliers meet high standards and deliver fair outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The next wave of research is scheduled for early 2026, as Ofgem works toward its goal of setting clear consumer outcomes and driving innovation in the energy sector.

Energy Consumer Satisfaction Survey: July to August 2025 | Ofgem

Ofgem Unlocks £28 Billion to Future-Proof Britain’s Energy Grid

Posted on 4th December 2025 by Martin Brailsford

Britain’s energy regulator, Ofgem, has unveiled a landmark £28 billion investment package designed to strengthen the nation’s energy networks, safeguard resilience, and prepare the grid for the demands of a rapidly changing energy landscape. Spread over the next five years, the funding represents one of the largest commitments ever made to modernize the UK’s infrastructure, ensuring that households and businesses can rely on a secure, stable, and future-ready supply of energy.

The bulk of the investment—around £17.8 billion—will be directed toward maintaining and upgrading the country’s gas networks. Ofgem emphasized that Britain’s gas infrastructure is already among the safest and most resilient in the world, but the regulator believes continued investment is essential to keep it that way. This funding will help reinforce pipelines, improve safety standards, and ensure that the system remains robust even as the nation transitions toward cleaner energy sources.

Meanwhile, £10.3 billion will be allocated to electricity transmission. This portion of the package is aimed at strengthening the grid, expanding capacity, and enabling the integration of renewable energy at scale. With the UK’s growing reliance on electrification—through electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other low-carbon technologies—the electricity system must be capable of handling surging demand. Ofgem’s plan seeks to ensure that the grid can not only cope with this growth but also support the country’s ambitious net zero targets.

Consumers will inevitably see some impact on their bills. Ofgem estimates that the average household will face an increase of £108 by 2031. However, the regulator stresses that the net effect will be closer to £30 once the benefits of reduced reliance on imported gas and greater stability in wholesale energy markets are factored in. By investing now, Ofgem argues, the UK will shield consumers from the volatility of global energy prices and avoid the risks of underinvestment that could lead to higher costs in the long run.

Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem’s Chief Executive, described the package as a critical step in securing Britain’s energy future. “This investment will keep our networks among the safest, most secure and resilient in the world,” he said, adding that the upgrades will prepare the system for the challenges of tomorrow while delivering long-term value for consumers.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the UK’s energy sector. With demand rising and the transition to renewables accelerating, the resilience of the grid has become a national priority. By unlocking this £28 billion, Ofgem is signaling a commitment not only to maintaining current standards but also to building a system capable of supporting the country’s economic growth and environmental ambitions.

In essence, the investment represents a balancing act: short-term increases in household bills offset by long-term gains in stability, security, and sustainability. For consumers, it means paying a little more today to avoid paying much more tomorrow. For the nation, it marks a decisive step toward a resilient, low-carbon energy future.

Ofgem Approves Urgent Changes to the Smart Energy Code: Protecting Connectivity for Thousands of Smart Meter Users

Posted on 3rd December 2025 by Martin Brailsford

On 3 December 2025, Ofgem announced its decision to approve a critical modification to the Smart Energy Code (SEC), known as SECMP308. This change comes at a pivotal moment for the energy sector, as it addresses the growing issue of “Out of Region” Communications Hubs (CHs) installed in areas where service providers are not contractually obliged to maintain connectivity. The modification was proposed by the Data Communications Company (DCC) and granted urgent status by Ofgem, reflecting the pressing need to safeguard smart meter functionality for tens of thousands of consumers across Great Britain.

Smart meters rely on the Smart Meter Wide Area Network, which is divided into regions based on the technology used. The North region, for example, utilises Long Range Radio, while the Central and South regions depend on cellular infrastructure. The SEC requires that the correct variant of Communications Hub is installed according to the region, but in recent months, a significant number of CHs have been installed outside their permitted regions. This has led to a situation where, without intervention, connectivity for these devices would be removed from 1 January 2026.

The consequences of such a disconnection would be severe. Ofgem’s decision document highlights that around 46,000 consumers would be affected, including over 16,000 on prepayment and more than 21,000 on the Priority Services Register (PSR). Many of these individuals rely on remote top-ups and support provided by smart meters, and losing connectivity could result in disconnection, particularly during the winter months when energy needs are greatest.

To address this, SECMP308 establishes a formal mechanism for maintaining connectivity for existing Out of Region CHs. DCC will enter into contractual agreements with service providers to ensure continued service for these devices in the North region. This arrangement will remain in place until 1 June 2026, giving suppliers time to replace the affected hubs with compliant alternatives. The modification also introduces a new charging mechanism, with suppliers required to pay up to £500 per Out of Region CH in their portfolio. If the pace of replacements increases and costs exceed this cap, additional expenses will be socialised across all suppliers and network providers.

The decision to approve SECMP308 was not taken lightly. The SEC Change Board, after considering the proposal and responses to a short consultation, recommended its approval, noting that it would better facilitate the objectives of the Smart Energy Code. Ofgem agreed, concluding that the modification would ensure the efficient provision and operation of smart metering systems, enable DCC to meet its licence obligations, and support consumers in managing their energy use.

Industry stakeholders raised concerns about the fairness of the charging arrangements, particularly for suppliers who had not installed Out of Region CHs and for Distribution Network Operators who benefit from network health data provided by these hubs. Ofgem acknowledged these concerns but emphasised that the situation had arisen due to continued installations in contravention of SEC requirements. The regulator stressed the importance of suppliers acting quickly to replace Out of Region CHs and avoid unnecessary charges.

Ultimately, Ofgem’s decision prioritises the needs of vulnerable consumers and the continuity of smart meter services. By approving SECMP308, the regulator has ensured that thousands of households will retain access to essential energy services through the winter and into the new year, while giving the industry time to implement a permanent solution.

MP308 Smart Energy Code (SEC) changes | Ofgem