Martin Brailsford, Author at Association of Meter Operators

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

Exciting News: Gas Metering Forum Coming Up

Posted on 1st December 2025 by Martin Brailsford

We are delighted to invite all members to our upcoming Gas Metering Forum, taking place on Tuesday, 2nd December. This highly anticipated event is designed to bring together industry professionals, technical experts, and thought leaders to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore the latest developments shaping the gas metering sector.

Why Attend?

The Gas Metering Forum is more than just a meeting—it’s a platform for collaboration and innovation. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of regulatory changes, understand emerging technologies, or connect with peers across the industry, this forum offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and contribute to meaningful discussions.

What’s on the Agenda?

Our carefully curated agenda ensures that you’ll leave with actionable insights and a deeper understanding of key topics impacting the sector:

🔹 UP1B Update – Stay informed on the latest progress and implications for operational processes.
🔹 GT1 Process – Explore improvements and best practices for efficient gas metering operations.
🔹 I0274: Gas Pressure and Capacity Information Transparency – Learn how enhanced transparency can drive better decision-making and compliance.
🔹 CoMCoP – Understand the role of the Code of Metering and its importance in maintaining industry standards.

Who Should Join?

If you’re a member of our organisation, this is your chance to engage directly with experts, ask questions, and share your perspective on the future of gas metering. Your participation helps shape the dialogue and ensures that the sector continues to evolve in a way that benefits all stakeholders.

Don’t Miss Out – RSVP Today!

Change Report Published for Consultation: Clarification of SIP Qualification Requirements (R0270)

Posted on 28th November 2025 by Martin Brailsford

27 November 2025 – The Change Report (For Consultation) regarding the clarification of Safe Isolation Provider (SIP) Qualification Requirements has been published and is now available for review by the Metering Expert Panel.

The metering expert panel will formally consider the report at its meeting on 10 December 2025. Stakeholders are invited to submit any comments on the report by 23:59 on 5 December 2025.

Background

The Change Proposal, previously referenced as I0270 – Clarification of SIP Qualification Requirements, addresses an unintended consequence from a previous change (REC Change Proposal R0064) that inadvertently excluded Electricity Metering Operatives (EMOs) from qualifying as SIPs. Currently, REC Schedules 1, 14, and 15 state that only Qualified Meter Operator Agents (MOAs) can be SIPs. The proposal seeks to ensure that EMOs are also eligible, thereby broadening the pool of qualified SIPs and preventing potential shortages or the risk of unqualified individuals undertaking SIP works.

Timeline and Next Steps

The following REC Issue has now progressed into a REC Change Proposal:
R0207 Clarification of SIP Qualification Requirements – REC Portal
As a result of this progression, I0270 will now be referenced as R0270. All existing and future documentation can be accessed via the existing links. This Change Proposal will now proceed through the Change Proposal process in line with its Proposal Plan.

The proposal is currently at the Proposal Plan stage, with the following milestones:

Definition Phase: 16 September – 30 November 2025
Code Manager Initial Assessment: September 2025
Solution Development: October – November 2025
Legal Review: November 2025
Change Proposal Stage: 1 December 2025 – 10 February 2026
Business Case Assessment: December 2025
Consultation: December 2025 – January 2026
Solution Refinement: January – February 2026
Final Determination: February 2026
Voting: 11 February 2026
Appeal Window: 12 – 26 February 2026

REC Publishes Q&A and Slides for I0230 & I0261 Session – Responses Invited

Posted on 28th November 2025 by Martin Brailsford

The Retail Energy Code (REC) has published the slide deck and Q&A responses from the joint I0230 and I0261 Q&A session, held on 19 November 2025. These materials are now available to all stakeholders via the REC Portal.

Session Overview

The session, hosted by he REC Code Manager team, addressed two key REC issues impacting Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) and Meter Operator Agents (MOAs):

I0230 – D0303 Flow Following MHHS Design Changes:
The “Effective from Settlement Date” (J0049) in the D0303 flow has changed from mandatory to optional, following Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) design changes. This adjustment may impact MAPs’ ability to accurately invoice suppliers, as critical data may not always be available.
I0261 – Addition of Export Flag in D0303 Flows:
The rise in microgeneration has led to the creation of Export MPANs, complicating installation flows and increasing manual checks for MAPs. The proposal seeks to introduce an export flag in the D0303 flow to streamline operations and reduce errors.

Published Materials

The following documents are now available on the REC Portal:

I0230 I0261 Q&A session

Joint Information Request – How to Respond

A joint information request covering both I0230 and I0261 has been published and can be accessed from the Information Request Register on the REC Portal.

I0230 – (D0303 flow following MHHS design changes) and I0261 – (Addition of Export flag in D0303 flows)

Responses are invited by 05 December 2025.

Key Q&A Highlights

Accessing the EES API:
MAPs can apply for access via the REC Portal under Organisation Management > Make an Application. Approval typically takes around three months, subject to completion of information security and data protection assessments.
Data Privacy:
Portfolio extracts can exclude address information if required, and MAPs can request only the data they need. Address is an allowed data item as set out in the REC Data Access Matrix.Change Dependencies:
The change to add Supplier Effective From Date to the IF-036 Market Message has been descoped as a REC Change, as IF-036 is owned by the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC). Any future changes will require further coordination.

I0282 Return of Legacy Meters

Posted on 28th November 2025 by Martin Brailsford

I0282 is a Retail Energy Code (REC) change proposal focused on the challenges associated with the return of non-smart (legacy) electricity meters to Meter Asset Providers (MAPs). As the energy sector transitions to smart metering, thousands—if not millions—of legacy meters are being removed and transported across the country. This process has raised significant questions about cost, environmental impact, and operational efficiency.

Key Issues

Cost and Environmental Impact: The transportation and handling of legacy meters incur substantial costs and contribute to environmental concerns due to the scale of logistics involved.
Unclear Requirements: It is not always clear whether all MAPs require the return of old meters, leading to potential inefficiencies and unnecessary movements.
Recycling and Disposal: There is uncertainty around whether these meters are being recycled, disposed of responsibly, or simply stored. The net value of returning and disposing of old meters remains unclear.
Operational Complexity: Storage providers often struggle to identify the original MAPs, especially when company names have changed over time, complicating the process of return and disposal.

Proposed Solution

The I0282 proposal suggests several improvements:

Streamlining the Process: Simplify the return and disposal process to reduce unnecessary transportation and handling.
Environmentally Responsible Disposal: Encourage recycling or environmentally friendly disposal of legacy meters, rather than defaulting to return.
Clearer Commercial Arrangements: Establish more transparent agreements between parties to clarify responsibilities and reduce costs.
Direct Collection by Waste Management: Where possible, allow waste management companies to collect meters directly, bypassing unnecessary steps.

Industry and Consumer Impact

Industry: The proposal primarily affects Distribution Network Operators, Energy Suppliers, MAPs, and Metering Equipment Managers. It references the Consolidated Metering Code of Practice (CoMCoP), which currently requires meters to be returned to MAPs unless alternative arrangements exist.
Consumers: No direct impact on consumers is anticipated, but there are potential environmental benefits from improved recycling and disposal practices.

Next Steps

I0282 will be presented by the Code Manager at the next REC Change Issues Group meeting on 04 December 2025 (10:00–12:00). Stakeholders are encouraged to attend and contribute to the discussion on how best to address these challenges and implement more sustainable practices.

For more information or to participate in the upcoming meeting, please refer to the official REC Portal or contact the Code Manager.

REC Portal Relaunch – Stay Connected and Get Involved

Posted on 28th November 2025 by Martin Brailsford

The Retail Energy Code (REC) Portal is evolving, and they want you to be part of the journey! The REC Portal Relaunch page on the REC Portal is your go-to destination for the latest updates on this exciting transformation.

What’s happening?
REC are redesigning the Portal to make it more intuitive, efficient, and aligned with your needs. This is your chance to influence the tools and features you use every day.

Here’s what you can do:

Explore what’s new: Check out the latest developments and see how the Portal is shaping up.
Join interactive workshops: Share your feedback and ideas directly with the team.
Test prototypes: Get hands-on experience with upcoming features and help us refine them.
Stay informed: Dip in whenever it suits you and keep close to the work that impacts you most.

Your input matters. Together, we can create a Portal that truly works for you and the wider energy community.

👉 Visit the page now: REC Portal Relaunch – Retail Energy Code Company

New Guidance Released: Managing NHH Meter Technical Details for Reverse Migrated Advanced Metering Points

Posted on 28th November 2025 by Martin Brailsford

The Retail Energy Code Company has published new guidance to support Meter Operator Agents (MOAs) and Suppliers in handling Meter Technical Details (MTDs) for Metering Points that have been reverse migrated from the Advanced Market Segment to Non-Half Hourly (NHH) arrangements.

Background

With the Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) migration underway, all electricity Metering Points are expected to transition to MHHS arrangements by 7 May 2027. During this period, some Metering Points initially operating in the Advanced Market Segment may be reverse migrated—particularly if the new Supplier is not MHHS Qualified. In such cases, the Metering Point can be reallocated to the NHH market, requiring the appointed MOA to provide NHH MTDs, even though only Half Hourly (HH) MTDs may have been received as part of the migration process.

The Reverse Migration Scenario

Reverse Migration occurs when a Metering Point, previously operating under MHHS Advanced arrangements, is moved back to legacy NHH arrangements.
The Gaining MOA receives the D0268 ‘Advanced Meter Technical Details’ from the Losing MOA.
If the new Supplier chooses to operate the Metering Point under NHH (Measurement Class A), the MOA must convert the D0268 into the appropriate NHH market messages:
- D0149 ‘Notification of Mapping Details’
- D0150 ‘Traditional Meter Technical Details’
- D0313 ‘Auxiliary Meter Technical Details’

The Supplier is responsible for informing the Gaining MOA that NHH MTDs are required. Communication methods should be agreed bilaterally, with the D0142 message recommended for requesting changes to the metering system.

Key Guidance for MOAs

D0149 Creation: Mapping details are not included in the D0268. The incoming NHH MOA should interrogate the Advanced Meter to determine or update the setup. If this is not possible, assume a single rate (SSC 0393) with a single register (TPR = 00001).
D0150 and D0313 Creation: Most data items can be directly translated from the D0268, but SSC and register details should align with the D0149.

Important Considerations

Suppliers should carefully consider the risks of converting Advanced Segment Metering Points back to NHH, especially the accuracy of MTD conversion and the need to migrate these sites back to the Advanced MHHS segment before the next milestone.
Reverse migration of Advanced Metering Points is expected to be rare, as most will not migrate to MHHS until April 2026 or later.

Further Information

New guidance is available on the REC Portal, Population of NHH MTDs when Reverse Migrated from Advanced, to support MOAs and Suppliers in managing this scenario. For more details, visit www.recportal.co.uk or contact enquiries@recmanager.co.uk.

NOW PUBLISHED: IGEM/G/1 Edition 3

Posted on 28th November 2025 by Martin Brailsford

The Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) has released IGEM/G/1 Edition 3 – Defining the boundaries between the network, primary meter installation and installation pipework. This latest edition supersedes the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Impressions and Edition 2 (Communication 1765) of IGEM/G/1.

Download now from the https://www.igem.org.uk.

What’s New?

Previously known as “Defining the end of the network”, this updated technical standard provides a clear framework for the arrangement of:

Gas distribution mains
Services
Primary meter installations
Installation pipework

Key Features of IGEM/G/1 Edition 3

Clear definitions for boundaries between gas networks, primary meter installations (including any associated meter regulator), and installation pipework.
Illustrations of recommended arrangements that reflect current industry practice and simplify future designs, ensuring a safe and secure gas supply.
Examples of legacy arrangements that are no longer recommended due to design or layout concerns.
Identification of boundaries and interfaces to support accurate information exchange between organisations and individuals with safety responsibilities.

Defining these boundaries and interfaces is critical for maintaining a safe and secure gas supply to premises. It ensures clarity and consistency across the industry, enabling effective collaboration and compliance.

IGEM/G/1 Edition 3 – Defining the boundaries between the Network, primary meter installation and installation pipework | The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM)