The Code Manager convened a Q&A session on 19 November to address two significant Retail Energy Code (REC) issues impacting Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) and potentially Meter Operator Agents (MOAs) as part of the Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) programme. These issues have raised concerns across the industry due to their implications for billing accuracy, operational efficiency, and compliance.

Key Issues Discussed

• I0230 – J0049 Field Optionality
  The “Effective from Settlement Date” (J0049) within the D0303 flow has changed from mandatory to optional following MHHS design changes. This adjustment, while aligned with programme requirements, introduces a risk that MAPs may not receive critical data needed for accurate billing and meter-to-MPAN association. Without this information, MAPs could face challenges in determining which electricity supplier to invoice.

• I0261 – Export MPAN Confusion
  The growing adoption of microgeneration at domestic sites has led to the creation of Export MPANs, complicating installation flows. MAPs must now manually verify whether a D0303 flow is corrective or ignorable, increasing workload and the potential for errors. This issue is expected to escalate as more households adopt renewable technologies.

Proposed Temporary Solutions

Due to dependencies on MHHS, immediate resolution is not feasible. The Code Manager outlined four temporary solutions leveraging the Electricity Enquiry Service (EES):

1. EES API Access for MAPs

   • Pros: Flexible, already available, addresses both issues without REC change.
   • Cons: High query volumes could impact API stability and performance.

2. Regular Portfolio Extracts from EES

   • Pros: No API impact, uniform delivery, supports invoicing.
   • Cons: Monthly frequency only, requires development and cost assessment.

3. Portfolio Extracts for MHHS Metering Points Only

   • Pros: No API impact, suitable for I0230.
   • Cons: Does not resolve I0261, monthly frequency, development needed.

4. Update D0303 to Add Export Flag

   • Pros: Provides an enduring fix for I0261.
   • Cons: Must be combined with another solution for I0230, may require future updates.

Highlights from the Q&A

• Access to EES API: MAPs can apply via the REC Portal under Organisation Management. Approval typically takes around three months, subject to completion of information security and GDPR compliance checks.
• GDPR and Data Protection: Concerns were raised about data privacy and API performance. The Code Manager confirmed that EES adheres to GDPR standards similar to ECOES, and tailored risk assessments are required due to differences in data scope and usage.
• Industry Impact: Attendees emphasised the need for enduring solutions and further engagement, noting that MHHS changes clearly affect MAP operations despite initial assumptions to the contrary.

Next Steps

• The Q&A outcomes will be published on the REC Portal by 26 November 2025.
• The Information Request remains open until 23:59 on 5 December 2025.
• Following this, the Code Manager will review responses and consult with issue proposers to determine the most viable path forward.

REC code manager has also produced podcast episode is regarding these changes. In this episode Caroline Freimuller explores how I0230  and I0261 are progressing through the REC Change Process, and how REC Parties can engage with the Code Manager as part of a collaborative solution development approach for these Issues. https://lnkd.in/ehGmHXKb

This session underscores the complexity of implementing MHHS changes and the importance of collaborative problem-solving across the energy sector. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback before the consultation closes to ensure solutions meet operational and compliance needs.

The AMO is pleased to announce that Dean Berry, AMO Vice Chair, and Martin Brailsford, AMO Consultant, have been successfully voted onto the Retail Energy Code (REC) Metering Expert Panel.

The REC Metering Expert Panel plays a pivotal role in shaping the governance and evolution of metering provisions under the REC. Its key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing Change Proposals: Evaluating preliminary Change Reports from the Code Manager and confirming consultation plans.
• Voting on Changes: Approving or rejecting REC Change Proposals, including amendments to Market Domain Data tables, and making recommendations to the Authority where appropriate.
• Operational Oversight: Addressing operational issues related to REC metering, proposing industry-wide solutions, and escalating risks when necessary.
• Maintaining Guidance: Ensuring the upkeep of Category 3 operational products and guidance documents as outlined in the REC Baseline Statement.

These appointments reflect Dean and Martin’s valuable expertise and their continued commitment to advancing metering standards and operational excellence across the energy sector.