Our Programmes
We met with non-domestic Brokers and Suppliers in a series of workshops on the 21st and 22nd of March to ask; “How can we more effectively govern non-domestic Brokers?” Participants at both events agreed that the TPI market needs greater governance and a mandatory code of practice should be introduced. As such, we will be starting work on the code of practice, with the aim of introducing it into the REC by October 2023.
In this article, we provide links to the full summaries from both workshops and a timeline of the steps we need to take to introduce the code of practice.
What happened at the Supplier workshop?
Read the full notes from our Supplier session here.
What happened at the Broker workshop?
Read the full notes from our Broker session here.
What are the next steps?
Both the workshops demonstrated the need for greater governance around the TPI market. Participants agreed that RECCo should commence work on draft mandatory Code of Practice (CoP) to be introduced into REC by October. RECCo will also look at the development of a performance assurance regime to support the CoP. In addition to this we will also draft and consult on a standardised letter of authority. Finally, we will undertake some analysis of the issues around change of tenancy and potential solutions. We set out below, at a high level, our key deliverables and indicative timeframes for each of these workstreams.
Get involved
Thank you to everyone who took the time to join our events and provide feedback. If you would like to provide further comments please contact RECCo_Strategy@retailenergycode.co.uk
As of 1st April 2023, our new metering audit scheme is in place. This article gives an overview of the new scheme, information about the Scheme Auditors and where to access further information.
What is the new scheme, and why has it been introduced?
A new metering audit scheme has been introduced as part of the Consolidated Metering Codes of Practice (CoMCoP). This will provide consistency across the metering audits and accreditation process.
Wilcock Consultants manage the new scheme on behalf of RECCo. The scheme covers the initial accreditation and renewal of Gas Meter Equipment Managers (MEMs), Gas Meter Installers (MIs), Electricity MEMs, Automated Meter Reading (AMR) service providers and the initial accreditation of Smart Meter service providers.
In the latest podcast from the REC Code Manager, David Haddock from Wilcock Consultants discussed some changes that will be seen under the scheme, including:
All audits under the scheme will be completed using CoMCoP as a base;
Audits will be moved to a two-year cycle to remove historical inconsistencies;
Desktop audits will be remote where possible;
Wilcock Consultants will be responsible for scheduling, planning and invoicing audits. They will reach out to companies to organise their audit.
How will Parties be notified about their metering audit?
Wilcock Consultants will contact you via email. Should you need to update your email or discuss your audit, you can reach out to them by emailing eric@wilcock.co.uk
Where can I learn more?
The REC Code Manager has provided comprehensive information about the new metering audit scheme, including:
The Metering Accreditation User Guide, which you can access here;
A podcast episode from the Code Manager, available here and;
A webinar from the Code Manager, a recording of which is available here.
You can also reach out via email to eric@wilcock.co.uk
Our Regulation and Policy Manager, Dr Andy Mower, has published a new paper which proposes a potential solution to this growing problem. Exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, people who must run medical equipment at home face high electricity bills. As costs increase, these consumers have reported facing difficult decisions – choosing between paying for their food or paying their bills.
Current schemes, such as the NHS energy rebates, fail to provide the financial support medical equipment users need. The scheme only covers certain types of medical equipment and often doesn’t reflect the actual cost of covered equipment.
In his paper, Andy considers the current situation, the approach other countries have taken, options for reform and how the Retail Energy Code Company could ultimately manage a new service that would deliver better consumer outcomes.
This is a short summary of Andy’s paper. You can read the paper fully here or by clicking the button to the right. We’d encourage you to submit feedback to RECCo_Strategy@retailenergycode.co.uk