RECCo’s Switching Programme Implementation project is moving into its operational testing and readiness phase as we prepare for CSS Go-Live and the transition to REC Governance. Each month we bring you the key updates across the project.
On 9th February 2022, Ofgem's Switching Programme Regulatory Group baselined the following REC Version 3 documents at a meeting:
This marks a significant milestone with most of the REC drafting needed for CSS go-live now ready and available on the REC Portal.
On 17th February 2022, the Regulatory Design User Group (RDUG) reviewed the updates required for the REC Data Specification with the remaining part of the REC expected to be baselined in March.
To provide assurance that the programme design requirements have been accurately reflected in the REC drafting, Ofgem is commissioning two independent reviews that will take place during March. RECCo will support this activity as required.
If you have any questions on the baselined documents, please contact the REC Code Manager at enquiries@recmanager.co.uk.
Creating a single set of metering arrangements under the REC
Metering Code Consolidation Project Status
Prior to the implementation of REC Version 2.0 which gave effect to Retail Code Consolidation on 1st September 2021, there were five separate Codes of Practice (CoPs) covering the performance expected of a metering agent undertaking various activities:
Consistent with the design principles of the Retail Code Consolidation, when these CoPs were migrated into the REC it was largely on an ‘as is’ basis. While the governance arrangements of the schemes were updated to fit within the REC architecture, the technical requirements of each scheme were not changed.
The consolidated governance for the CoPs is largely set out in the Metering Accreditation Schemes Schedule, though the consumer facing aspects of the former SMICoP, are set out in the standalone Smart Meter Installation Schedule. Accreditation activities are overseen by the Performance Assurance function within the Code Manager service and the scheme auditors continue to deliver the audits for REC Parties to obtain and maintain their accreditations.
Each of the CoPs has a separate scheme auditor that awards accreditation to those who demonstrate adherence to the CoPs requirements.
In line with our strategic objectives, we will explore further consolidating and simplifying the CoPs into a single set of metering requirements within the REC, which should facilitate the establishment of a single accreditation scheme.
Although the scheme will retain separate modules for discrete areas of competency, we anticipate there being a single audit scheme and service provider able to meet all of our requirements. This will reduce the burden on metering agents of having to go through multiple audits, driving efficiencies.
We also aim to ensure that those requirements are, and remain, wholly relevant and proportionate to the needs of metering customers and ultimately to the protection of end consumers. The project has now commenced with a target implementation date of April 2023.
We are currently looking for a metering governance subject matter expert to support this project, please get in touch via careers@retailenergycode.co.uk.
Energy Saving Trust Workshop
The Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation whose mission is to target climate emergencies and act as a trusted voice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions. They also created and maintain the REC Energy Theft Calculator tool, which is used by industry to estimate the consumption used within cases of energy theft.
At 2pm, on 8th March 2022, the Energy Saving Trust will be holding a workshop on the Energy Theft Calculator tool, which is open to all REC Parties.
Topics will include:
This is an excellent opportunity for users of the tool to provide feedback and discuss future developments.
To register for the workshop, or send through any questions to be considered, please email: theftcalcsupport@est.org.uk.
