On 03 April 2024, a Category 3 Change Proposal was raised C3-0077 Updates to STIR Guidance.
Industry Change
Update on Ofgem’s Market Compliance Review into Involuntary Prepayment Meter Practices
Last year, Ofgem initiated a comprehensive Market Compliance Review (MCR) aimed at addressing the issue of involuntary prepayment meter practices within the energy sector. The primary focus of this review was to prevent the wrongful installations of involuntary prepayment meters, ensuring fair treatment for energy consumers across the board.
In a significant development, new regulations were introduced in November 2023, integrated into the standard gas and electricity licences. These regulations are binding for all energy suppliers, mandating strict adherence to prescribed guidelines and practices.
As part of the review process, energy suppliers unanimously agreed to halt involuntary installations and remote switches. Furthermore, they have actively collaborated with Ofgem throughout the review, undertaking proactive assessments of customers who had prepayment meters installed without their consent. This evaluation spanned the period from January 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023, with the objective of identifying individuals eligible for compensation.
Initial data provided by energy suppliers indicate that 1,502 affected customers have already received compensation, totalling £342,450. Additionally, suppliers are in the process of preparing further compensatory payments, amounting to approximately £200,000, which will benefit an additional 1,000 customers.
REC R0094 Update
Change R0094 has been raised to address an issue with the ‘Switch with a Concurrent Change of MEM process.’.
MEMs are obliged to issue ONJOBs to the CDSP as part of a meter exchange. However, this would not be issued if the MEM has received a de-Appointment flow as part of the Switch. This change proposes to obligate MEMs to issue ONJOBs for any completed meter exchanges, even after receiving a de-Appointment flow. This will ensure accurate Meter Technical Details are available to the gaining Supplier and MEM.
R0093 – Authority decision to reject appeal
On 21 March 2024, the REC Authority issued its decision to reject an appeal raised on Change Proposal R0093 – Uplift to CSS Maximum Demand Volumes during MHHS Migration Period.
The decision document can be found on the REC Portal here.
R0093 was due for implementation on 23 February 2024, however, was removed from this release to allow the appeal to reach its conclusion. R0093 will now be implemented at the earliest opportunity and further details will be communicated via the REC Change Bulletin and release pages. Read more
REC R0043 Solution Update
Following discussion with impacted Parties and the REC Change Panel, REC have applied some updates to the Solution documentation for R0043 – Commissioning of Works by the Crowded Meter Room Coordinator (CMRC) to Resolve Issues In Crowded Meter Rooms. This is to ensure alignment with the Legal Text and to provide clarity to parties as they begin development for this change release in June 2024.
REC final change report publications
The Final Change Report for the following Change Proposal was published on 12 March 2024:
The Final Change Reports for the following Change Proposals have also now been published:
R0158 – Amendment to the ‘Supplier Registration Report (MAP)’ report methodology
The following Consultation have been published and can be accessed on the REC Portal
R0158 – Amendment to the ‘Supplier Registration Report (MAP)’ report methodology
Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) can query the Gas Enquiry Service (GES) as part of their billing process to establish the Registered Gas Suppliers of their portfolio of Metering Assets. The reports via which MAPs can query the GES are not currently working exactly as intended due to incorrect wording in the GES Definition; this change seeks to rectify that.
The response deadline 05/04/2024
SECCo – New Head of Industry Operations
The SECCo Board has been advertising for a Head of Industry Operations and that Dave Waner had advised the OPSG members that he will be standing down as Chair of the OPSG once the new role is filled. Following a competitive recruitment process it has been announce that the SECCo Board has now concluded the process of appointment and Jason Stevens will be joining SECCo in mid-June.
Members will appreciate that Jason taking up this role means that the SECCo Board has to consider the CTG Chair role, which is something that they are looking at. Once there is more detail in this regard SECCo will issue further communications.
Review of electricity market arrangements (REMA): second consultation
On 12 March 2024, the UK Government published consultation regarding the review of electricity metering arrangements. This second consultation is an opportunity to provide feedback to government on the ongoing review of electricity market arrangements (REMA).
The UK government is welcoming views from a range of stakeholders including:
- energy industry
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Consumer groups
- academics
- policy think tanks
Review of electricity market arrangements (REMA): second consultation – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
This consultation closes on 7 May 2024
SEC ; CPL Removals Notice
A Security Notification was sent to SEC Parties on 19 December 2023 notifying an intention to mark the Devices listed in below as ‘Removed’ on the CPL on 29 March 2024. In recognition that this is Good Friday, the SSC has since amended the date to avoid any operational impact over the Easter weekend. In accordance with SEC Appendix Z section 6.4, the Devices will be marked as ‘Removed’ on Tuesday 2 April 2024.