Ofgem SIF backs solutions for Britain’s biggest energy challenges

Posted on 8th October 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Ofgem and Innovate UK have announced £16.2 million of Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) investment across 16 energy innovation projects. This is the first funding round to directly support Ofgem’s new 2026-2033 Strategic Innovation Challenges, which are focused on delivering a faster, more resilient and consumer-focused energy system.

The successful projects address a range of priority areas, including accelerated infrastructure delivery, consumer-led decarbonisation, flexible EV charging, system resilience, green gas and improved network visibility. Several projects aim to support the growing demand placed on energy networks by electrification, data centres, low-carbon technologies and increasing customer expectations.

Notable projects include:

DISPATCH, exploring how network capacity and waste heat from data centres can support faster connections for strategic industrial and commercial developments.
RAPID, developing interoperable data frameworks to reduce planning and consent times for network infrastructure, supporting Ofgem’s ambition of delivering network projects faster and at lower cost.
Roaming MPANs, which aims to make public EV charging as seamless as home charging by linking consumers’ electricity accounts and tariffs directly to public charging infrastructure.
SOS Racer, investigating how distributed flexibility can improve security of supply and reduce the likelihood and impact of network outages.

The programme also introduces Innovation Delivery Groups (IDGs), bringing together networks, policymakers and industry experts to oversee delivery of each challenge area and accelerate the deployment of successful innovations into operational use.

For Metering UK members, the announcement highlights the growing role of data, flexibility, smart technologies and customer-focused innovation in enabling Net Zero. Many of the funded projects rely on improved visibility of energy usage, smarter network operations and seamless integration of low-carbon technologies, reinforcing the importance of metering infrastructure as a foundation for the future energy system.

Ofgem SIF backs solutions for Britain’s biggest energy challenges – UKRI

What Drives Consumer Satisfaction with Energy Suppliers?

Posted on 2nd October 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Recent research published by Ofgem provides valuable evidence on the factors that drive customer satisfaction with energy suppliers and highlights the growing importance of accurate billing, effective customer service, and smart metering performance. The findings are particularly relevant to Metering UK members as they demonstrate the direct link between metering activities and the customer experience.

Billing Remains the Strongest Metering-Related Driver

The research found that customer satisfaction with billing is one of the strongest predictors of overall satisfaction with an energy supplier. Consumers place significant value on receiving accurate bills, understanding those bills, and receiving them on time. Where billing performance is perceived to be poor, overall supplier satisfaction falls substantially.

For the metering industry, this reinforces the importance of accurate meter readings, timely data flows, effective settlement processes, and the ongoing transition to smart metering. Meter asset providers, meter operators, data services organisations and suppliers all play a role in ensuring customers receive bills they can trust.

Smart Meters Influence Supplier Satisfaction

The study identified satisfaction with smart meters as a significant predictor of overall customer satisfaction, ranking behind billing and ease of contact with suppliers. Customers who are satisfied with the performance of their smart meter are more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction with their energy supplier overall.

This aligns with wider government and industry findings showing continued improvements in smart meter performance and consumer confidence. Government data referenced in the smart metering policy framework shows that satisfaction with smart meters increased from 72% to 76% during 2024-25, while dissatisfaction fell from 10% to 7%.

Reliable Meter Data Underpins Customer Experience

The research highlights that customer perceptions are shaped not only by supplier interactions but also by the quality of underlying operational processes. Accurate meter data supports:

Correct and timely billing.
Reduced customer complaints and disputes.
Improved confidence in energy consumption information.
Better access to time-of-use and smart tariffs.
Enhanced customer engagement with energy usage.

As suppliers increasingly offer flexible tariffs and demand-side participation programmes, dependable smart meter data will become even more critical in delivering positive customer outcomes.

Customer Service and Metering Must Work Together

While billing and smart metering performance are important, the research found that ease of contacting suppliers and effective handling of customer enquiries remain major influences on satisfaction. For meter-related issues, customers ultimately judge their experience based on how quickly problems are resolved, whether accurate information is provided, and whether the issue is fully addressed.

This suggests an increasing need for closer collaboration between suppliers, meter operators, meter asset providers and data services organisations to deliver a seamless customer journey when metering issues arise.

Implications for Metering UK Members

The research provides further evidence that metering has moved beyond an operational function and is now a key component of the consumer experience. Accurate metering data, reliable smart meter performance, effective asset management and timely fault resolution all contribute directly to customer satisfaction and trust in the energy market.

As the industry continues its transition towards a smarter, more flexible energy system, Metering UK members have a critical role in ensuring that metering infrastructure, data quality and customer outcomes remain at the heart of service delivery.

GB Grid – New Public Investment Body for Britain’s Electricity Network

Posted on 1st October 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to create Great British Grid (GB Grid), a publicly owned body that will invest in the UK’s electricity network and work alongside existing network operators. The proposal was unveiled at the Labour Party Conference and forms a central part of the Government’s ambition to reduce UK energy costs to levels comparable with those in Europe within the next decade.

The Government argues that delays in connecting businesses, renewable energy projects and major infrastructure developments to the grid are restricting economic growth and slowing the transition to clean energy. GB Grid is intended to increase competition in the delivery of grid infrastructure projects, speed up connection times and support investment in the transmission network needed to accommodate growing electricity demand.

Under the proposals, GB Grid would operate within the wider Great British Energy framework and be funded from its existing budget. In addition to investing directly in grid projects, the organisation would support businesses seeking to develop their own connection infrastructure, potentially providing co-investment and reducing reliance on traditional network companies. The Government points to similar approaches in other countries that have accelerated grid connections and enabled faster economic development.

The announcement comes against a backdrop of increasing pressure on Britain’s ageing electricity network. Significant investment is required to connect new renewable generation, electrified transport, data centres and industrial demand. Ofgem has previously estimated that tens of billions of pounds of investment will be needed this decade, while concerns have been raised about growing grid connection queues.

For energy industry stakeholders, including meter operators, suppliers, network companies and flexibility providers, the creation of GB Grid signals a stronger government focus on accelerating network upgrades and enabling faster connections. If successful, the initiative could support the rollout of low-carbon technologies, facilitate increased electrification and improve access to the grid for new generation and storage projects. However, detailed implementation plans, governance arrangements and funding mechanisms have yet to be published.

Single Sign-On for TAAMT Coming Soon

Posted on 1st October 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Elexon has announced the introduction of Single Sign-On (SSO) for the Technical Assurance Agent Management Tool (TAAMT), marking an important step in improving user access and security across metering assurance systems.

The change is intended to simplify the login experience for organisations and individuals using TAAMT by enabling a more streamlined and secure authentication process. By reducing the need to manage separate credentials, the new approach is expected to improve usability while supporting stronger access controls and cyber security practices.

TAAMT is a key platform used within the Balancing and Settlement Code’s Performance Assurance Framework to manage metering inspections, share information with the Technical Assurance Agent, and access historical inspection data. The move to SSO reflects the wider industry trend towards consolidated identity management and enhanced digital security.

Metering participants and users of TAAMT should review Elexon’s communications regarding implementation timelines and any actions required ahead of the transition to ensure continued access to the platform.

Executive Summary: Central Volume Allocation (CVA) Workshop – Solution Options

Posted on 1st October 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Executive Summary: Central Volume Allocation (CVA) Workshop – Solution Options

Elexon’s second CVA workshop focused on developing potential solutions to address the challenges identified through industry engagement. The session provided participants with an opportunity to review emerging solution options, discuss wider policy considerations, and shape the direction of future CVA reform. The workshop forms part of a broader programme assessing whether current CVA arrangements remain fit for purpose in an increasingly complex and data-driven electricity market.

The workshop built upon concerns previously raised by market participants, particularly:

Heavy reliance on manual and email-based processes.
Limited automation and system integration.
Significant dependence on specialist industry knowledge.
Poor visibility of process status and issue resolution.
Administrative complexity within registration and market entry activities.
Operational and financial risks arising from data quality and estimation processes.

Proposed Direction of Change

Elexon presented a strategic vision for a more modern CVA environment, centred on:

Increased automation of operational processes.
Greater digitalisation of customer journeys and registrations.
Improved transparency and process visibility.
Enhanced data quality controls and validation.
Better integration between systems through modern digital interfaces.
Reduced dependency on manual intervention and specialist knowledge.

Participants broadly supported the ambition to create a more streamlined, customer-focused and resilient CVA framework capable of supporting future market reforms.

Strategic Considerations

The workshop also examined external policy developments that may significantly increase pressures on existing CVA arrangements, including:

Reform National Pricing, which could substantially increase the number of assets operating within CVA arrangements if thresholds are reduced.
Faster Settlement initiatives, which will require more timely and accurate data processing and reduce the viability of manual workarounds.

There was recognition that current systems were not designed for the scale and flexibility that future industry reforms may require, reinforcing the case for modernisation.

Next Steps

The workshop concluded with agreement that further discovery work and customer engagement are required to refine solution options and determine the most effective delivery approach. Elexon indicated that future activity will focus on:

Assessing potential funding approaches.
Undertaking detailed discovery and design work.
Continuing engagement with industry stakeholders.
Developing both short-term improvements and longer-term transformational change proposals.

The review is particularly relevant as many of the challenges identified mirror long-standing concerns around complex registration processes, reliance on manual interventions, limited visibility of market activities and growing operational pressures. A successful modernisation programme has the potential to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden, strengthen settlement accuracy and support future market reforms affecting transmission-connected assets.

The workshop demonstrated strong industry support for modernising CVA arrangements. While current arrangements continue to fulfil their core role, stakeholders agreed that greater automation, transparency and system integration will be essential to ensure CVA remains resilient, efficient and capable of supporting future electricity market developments.

Ofgem Consults on Providing Low Carbon Technology Information During Smart Meter Visits

Posted on 1st October 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Ofgem has launched a consultation on proposed changes to electricity and gas supply licence conditions that would clarify the ability of energy suppliers and smart meter installers to provide consumers with objective information about low carbon technologies (LCTs) during smart meter installation visits. The consultation opened on 24 September 2026 and closes on 22 October 2026.

The proposed changes would enable installers to discuss technologies such as heat pumps, solar PV, battery storage and electric vehicle charging in a factual and non-promotional manner while carrying out smart meter installations. Ofgem intends to provide greater clarity on the distinction between consumer information and marketing activity, addressing feedback received through previous government and industry engagement. Information provided during visits would need to remain secondary to the installation itself, be objective in nature, and cease immediately if requested by the customer. Marketing activities would continue to require prior customer consent.

For the metering industry, the proposal represents a potential evolution of the installer-consumer interaction, recognising the trusted position smart meter installers occupy within customers’ homes. If implemented, the changes could support wider consumer awareness of low carbon technologies while maintaining existing safeguards around consumer protection and sales practices.

The consultation is likely to be of particular interest to meter operators, energy suppliers, smart metering service providers and organisations involved in delivering the UK’s net zero objectives. AMO members may wish to review the proposed licence changes and consider the potential implications for installer training, customer engagement processes and industry codes of practice.

Consultation closing date: 22 October 2026.

Ofgem Research Highlights Potential for Standing Charge Rebates to Support Consumer Flexibility

Posted on 1st October 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Ofgem has published the findings of a major research programme examining whether standing charge rebates can encourage households to reduce electricity consumption during peak demand periods. The study provides valuable insights into how innovative tariff structures could support a more flexible and efficient energy system while improving customer engagement with energy usage.

The research involved two large-scale randomised controlled trials with more than 43,000 customers from British Gas and ScottishPower. Using half-hourly smart meter data, surveys and customer interviews, Ofgem assessed whether linking standing charge rebates to reduced peak-time electricity consumption could influence consumer behaviour.

Key findings indicate that standing charge rebates can encourage some households to lower electricity usage between 4pm and 7pm, although the overall impact was modest and observed consistently in only one of the two trials. Increasing the value of the rebate produced only limited additional reductions in peak-time consumption, suggesting that larger financial incentives alone may not significantly increase participation.

Notably, customers in vulnerable circumstances, including some prepayment meter users and those registered on the Priority Services Register, demonstrated relatively strong responses to the incentives. Participants also reported that the rebate structure gave them greater control over their energy use and helped address some of the negative perceptions associated with standing charges.

The research identified several barriers to sustained behavioural change, including household routines, competing commitments, forgetting peak periods and difficulties recognising potential savings. These findings suggest that future flexibility programmes may need to combine financial incentives with clear communications, customer engagement and user-friendly technologies.

For the metering sector, the trials demonstrate the continuing importance of smart meter data in enabling innovative tariff designs, understanding customer behaviour and supporting the transition to a more flexible energy system. The research will help inform future decisions on standing charges, consumer flexibility propositions and wider retail market reforms.

Closure of the Industry and Supplier Forum and Joint Industry Plan

Posted on 16th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced the formal closure of the Industry and Supplier Forum (IMF) and the Joint Industry Plan (JIP) with effect from 15 September 2026.

The IMF and JIP have played a significant role in supporting the smart meter rollout, providing a collaborative forum for industry, Government and stakeholders to identify, escalate and manage issues affecting programme delivery. Over the years, these arrangements have helped facilitate engagement, coordination and oversight across the smart metering landscape.

DESNZ has advised that the decision reflects the progress made in the smart meter programme and the evolution of governance and stakeholder engagement arrangements now in place across the sector. The Department considers that existing governance structures provide the appropriate mechanisms for oversight and engagement going forward.

While the IMF and JIP have now closed, DESNZ has confirmed its continued commitment to overseeing programme delivery and engaging with stakeholders on policy and implementation matters. Should future developments require enhanced coordination or issue management, the Department has indicated that similar governance arrangements could be established to support effective oversight and industry engagement.

No further IMF meetings will be convened, and any outstanding matters will be transitioned to the appropriate owners and managed through existing governance processes.

Ofgem Publishes Strategic Direction Statement for Energy Codes

Posted on 15th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Ofgem has published its second preliminary Strategic Direction Statement (SDS), setting out how it expects energy industry codes to evolve in support of government policy, market reform and the transition to a smarter, more flexible energy system. The SDS is intended to provide a coordinated framework for prioritising code changes and guiding future decision-making across the energy sector.

The updated SDS builds on the first preliminary statement issued in 2025 and reflects stakeholder feedback, policy developments and emerging industry priorities. It identifies areas where code modifications may be required over the next one to five years and categorises these against three delivery horizons:‘Act Now’, ‘Think and Plan’, and ‘Listen and Wait’. This approach is designed to help industry focus resources on the most strategically important changes while providing greater visibility of future reform requirements.

The statement covers a broad range of policy objectives, including consumer protection, market innovation, network development, low-carbon technology deployment, energy flexibility, system resilience and governance reform. It also aligns with the wider Energy Act 2023 reforms, which introduce a new code governance framework, licensed Code Managers and enhanced strategic oversight of industry codes.

Alongside publication of the SDS, Ofgem has highlighted the role the document will play in coordinating strategic change across industry codes and supporting the implementation of harmonised code governance arrangements. The SDS will be reviewed and updated annually, providing an evolving roadmap for code modifications as government policy and sector priorities develop.

For metering stakeholders, the SDS provides important insight into the regulatory and market developments that may drive future changes to the Retail Energy Code (REC), Smart Energy Code (SEC) and Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC). Topics such as smart metering, consumer-led flexibility, data sharing, low-carbon technology deployment and market digitalisation are expected to remain central themes as the industry progresses towards a more integrated and data-driven energy system.

Energy Code Reform to Transform BSC Governance

Posted on 14th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

The Energy Code Reform programme, being delivered jointly by Ofgem and the UK Government, will introduce significant changes to the way Great Britain’s energy codes are governed. As part of the reforms, code managers such as Elexon will become licensed organisations operating under a new regulatory framework designed to create a more strategic, coordinated and consumer-focused approach to code governance.

One of the most notable changes for Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) Parties is the planned replacement of the BSC Panel with a Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF). The new forum will provide strategic stakeholder input to support licensed code managers in delivering the objectives set out by Ofgem through an annual Strategic Direction Statement (SDS).

The reforms are intended to improve collaboration across the energy sector, strengthen alignment between industry codes, and ensure that code change processes better support the transition to a smarter, more flexible and net zero energy system. Licensed code managers will be expected to work together to deliver regulatory priorities while continuing to engage closely with industry participants.

For organisations operating within the BSC framework, understanding these governance changes will be important as the industry prepares for a new era of code management and stakeholder engagement.

Further information is available in Elexon’s article on Energy Code Reform and its impact on the BSC Panel.