What is the Smart Energy Code (SEC)?
The SEC is the agreement that defines the rights and obligations of energy suppliers, network operators and other relevant parties involved in the management of smart metering in Great Britain.
How is the SEC operated?
The SEC is enforced under the Data and Communications Company (DCC) licence, which has been established to manage the smart metering communications infrastructure.
The DCC, Energy Suppliers and Network Operators are required by the licence to become a Party to the SEC and comply with its provisions. Other bodies that wish to use the DCC’s services must also accede to the SEC.
The SEC is self-governed and is managed by the SEC Panel, with oversight, where appropriate, from Ofgem.
Gemserv is the Smart Energy Code Administrator & Secretariat (SECAS).
What are the SEC objectives?
The SEC has eight objectives against which all changes to the SEC are assessed:
| SEC Objectives | |
|---|---|
| a) | Facilitate the efficient provision, installation, operation and interoperability of smart metering systems at energy consumers’ premises within Great Britain. |
| b) | Enable the DCC to comply at all times with the objectives of the DCC licence and to discharge the other obligations imposed upon it by the DCC licence. |
| c) | Facilitate energy consumers’ management of their use of electricity and gas through the provision of appropriate information via smart metering systems. |
| d) | Facilitate effective competition between persons engaged in, or in commercial activities connected with, the supply of energy. |
| e) | Facilitate innovation in the design and operation of energy networks to contribute to the delivery of a secure and sustainable supply of energy. |
| f) | Ensure the protection of data and the security of data and systems in the operation of the SEC. |
| g) | Facilitate the efficient and transparent administration and implementation of the SEC. |
| h) | Facilitate the establishment and operation of the Alternative Home Area Network (Alt HAN) arrangements. |