Name: TAG Meeting 67
Start: 2020-05-27T10:30:00+00:00
End: 2020-05-27T16:00:00+00:00
Location: Gemserv

Question 1

Q1) SEC modifications seem to be the longest process out of all the codes. What changes can be done to make this faster and smoother?

Accepted Answer

We acknowledge that modifications are taking longer to progress than we would expect, and we are taking steps to address this.

We are working with the DCC to reduce their timescales in providing DCC Assessments, to align with the SLAs introduced into the SEC in November 2018. The DCC is now engaged earlier in the process as business requirements are developed, and we are encouraging a lighter-touch approach at the Preliminary Assessment stage. The Panel will continue to monitor timescales and act as necessary.

Additionally, since the start of the year, several changes have been introduced to the modifications framework in order to streamline the process. The Development Stage, overseen by the Change Sub-Committee, was introduced to ensure the issue or problem identified in a proposal is fully understood, before any consideration of solutions begin. We have also placed greater onus on the Proposer to own their proposals and seek industry comments offline, minimising the number of Working Group meetings needed.

We will be performing a post-implementation review of these changes at the start of next year, where we will assess the impact these changes have had and what else we can do to further improve the framework.

Question 2

Q2) Does the Panel think the SEC change process is working well - and if not why?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the response provided to Question 1 above.

The Panel believes that the underlying framework is effective, however has expressed some disappointment regarding the timescales for delivery of DCC Assessments and the cost of change are falling short of expectations.

The wider BEIS-led projects such as Release 2.0 and SMETS1 Enrolment and Adoption have also contributed to delays, impacting both the DCC’s ability to complete Assessments and the time it takes to implement changes. The Panel also schedules SEC Releases to avoid overloading Parties with too much change.

The Panel recognises the frustrations of Parties and is working to ensure the Modifications Process is effective and allows for change to be progressed. The Panel has been fully engaged and supportive of the initiatives SECAS has developed and implemented over the last 12 months, in order to improve the SEC Modifications Process and ensure it is delivering an effective mechanism for change.

Question 3

Q3) Given that the average elapsed time for a SEC Mod to be implemented is 305 days, does the Panel consider this to be fit for purpose?

Accepted Answer

Please see responses to Q1 and Q2.

The Panel recognises that the lead-time for some modifications to reach decision has been too long. Primary drivers behind this have been the duration of DCC Assessments and obtaining full DCC implementation costs, which have resulted in significant delays to decisions on some proposals. The Panel is working to ensure that the DCC reduces its timescales in line with the new SLAs introduced into the SEC in November 2018.

The Panel has been fully engaged and supportive of the initiatives SECAS has developed and implemented over the last 12 months, in order to streamline the SEC Modifications Process and ensure it provides an effective and efficient mechanism for change. These improvements are now beginning to realise benefits, with Panel Members providing positive feedback from their Party Categories on the new Development Stage.

The Panel will continue to monitor and drive improvements to the process to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

Question 4

Q4) How will the Panel ensure that the transition from current change process to future process brings all groups / concerns with them?

Accepted Answer

The transition from BEIS-led programmes to the enduring arrangements has been an area of focus for the Panel. Towards the end of 2018, the Panel considered the powers and provisions needed for overseeing releases on an enduring basis, resulting in SECMP0061 being implemented in February 2019. The Panel is now reviewing the underlying mechanisms for delivering SEC Releases as documented in the SEC Release Management Policy. As the BEIS-led programmes come to an end, Modification Proposals, which can be raised by any SEC Party in response to issues or concerns they have with the current arrangements, will be the primary driver of change to the SEC. Expert groups under the transitional arrangements are also being retained under the enduring arrangements. In particular, the Technical Specifications Issues Resolution Subgroup (TSIRS) will become a sub-group under the Technical Architecture and Business Architecture Sub-Committee (TABASC), ensuring this group of experts can continue to review and resolve issues in this area.

Question 5

Q5) G3.20 continues to be an issue for Suppliers - current SEC obligations and licence conditions put MAPs in a position of power. Is this being addressed?

Accepted Answer

The SEC obligations in G3.17 to G3.20 are mitigations for identified security risks, considered necessary by the Security Sub-Committee (SSC). The SSC has provided suggested contractual wording here, which is deemed suitable for Suppliers to meet the requirements of G3.17 – G3.20. The wording was originally developed with SSC members comprising Large and Small Supplier Representatives, the User CIO and the Community of Meter Asset Providers (CMAP) and has been generally accepted by all parties. The arrangements well established for installed Devices. The SSC is aware of some isolated issues experienced with inherited Devices and the SSC has liaised with MAPs in relation to this. The SSC Chair and TABASC Chair will be attending the next CMAP meeting to discuss any remaining problems to ensure that arrangements continue to be suitable for G3.17 – G3.20. Both SECAS and the SSC continue to work with Suppliers on an ad-hoc basis where concerns are raised with compliance to G3.17 – G3.20.

Question 6

Q6) Given the new smart meters will be able to gather information, for example show a consumer’s peak usage time, would this be viewed as a personal data breach?

Accepted Answer

Suppliers have a condition in their license (SLC 47), introduced through the Data Access and Privacy Framework, that prevents them from accessing smart meter data for periods of less than a day (e.g. half-hourly data) without providing notice to the customer of the purpose that they may use this data and receiving explicit consent to the data being obtained for those purposes. SLC 47.10 also sets out restrictions on the use of consumption data which must be adhered to. The customer has the right to withdraw their consent to accessing consumption data relating to a period of less than one month at any time. Suppliers are also required to notify customers of how they use and process their data in a Privacy Notice, that is normally available on their website.

Question 7

Q7) Is the SEC thinking further ahead to future 'strategic' changes in the industry, e.g. demand-side response, flexibility, Electric Vehicle charging and storage?

Accepted Answer

We are in the process of preparing a strategic plan and roadmap for the SEC, which considers these areas, and will share this with SEC Parties once completed.

Question 8

Q8) Do you feel Suppliers get good value for money and how would you advise this is measured?

Accepted Answer

We are very aware of the need to deliver value for money to SEC Parties. As such, we engage SEC Parties in the annual budgeting process, to ensure we are focussing on the areas that matter to the industry. We also manage outputs and expenditure closely to budget, working to deliver efficiencies where possible, and returning any unspent budget to the DCC.

On an annual basis, we commission an independent customer satisfaction survey in order to establish the extent to which we are meeting customer needs, and at the end of each year perform a ‘look-back’ review to assess what we have achieved against what we set out to, identifying areas for focus in the coming year.

Question 9

Q9) What are the Panel’s thoughts on current consumer engagement? Are there any plans from BEIS/SECAS to drive consumer engagement to support Suppliers rollout plans?

Accepted Answer

We have identified that Consumer Engagement is a hot topic for Suppliers and have engaged Smart Energy GB to provide insight and guidance at our upcoming Spotlight on the SEC event on 12 September, and in future newsletters. In terms of whether the Panel play a broader role in consumer engagement, we will discuss this as part of our upcoming Strategic Planning.

Question 10

Q10) Credit arrangements: have rules in other gas/electricity codes been looked at to see whether better rules exist already? Could an all codes review be an option?

Accepted Answer

SECAS has initiated a cross-code review of Credit Cover arrangements and will communicate progress via the SECAS newsletter.

Question 11

Q11) Do we know when the last eligible DMC will make it on to the Eligible Products Combination List for Initial Operating Capability?

Accepted Answer

Following the BEIS SMETS1 Industry Day on 5 September 2019, the DCC took an action to update the Joint Industry Plan with regards to the forecast DMC readiness dates. The DCC is working on a Change Request, and its anticipated that BEIS will publish the Change Request consultation to industry in late September.

Question 12

Q12) The first two Itron meters to be enrolled on 5 August 2019 - how were they selected? Can Suppliers put their supply points forward to be involved in early stages of Enrolment and Adoption?

Accepted Answer

While the DCC has deemed consent on dormant meters, they work closely with energy Suppliers to ensure the full end to end process is understood in these early days. The selection of the actual installations was jointly decided by the DCC, the MSP and energy Supplier. If you have dormant meters in the current DMC that is being enrolled, you have the option to put forward a list of priority MPxNs. If you wish to discuss this with the DCC, please contact Enrolment.adoption@smartdcc.co.uk.

Question 13

Q13) How do I know whether I have one of the 4,000 Itron dormant meters, and when it will be enrolled?

Accepted Answer

The DCC has proactively engaged energy Suppliers to advise them of the eligible devices that they are responsible for and discuss the enrolment timetable. In line with the Transition and Migration Approach Document, Suppliers will also be formally notified of pending enrolment through the receipt of Configuration Update File and Dormant Meter Migration Schedule File at least 15 Working Days prior to enrolment.

Question 14

Q14) If during the SMETS1 migration i.e. 1st cohort a meter set to be migrated occurs an issue who is informed and how would this be communicated?

Accepted Answer

This is managed by the DCC Migration Control Centre (MCC) and the Early Life Support Team. They work with the end-to-supply chain and including the MSP and Energy Supplier.

Question 15

Q15) If smart meter WAN coverage is so good in the North, why are installs still proving be problematic?

Accepted Answer

A15) The Panel recognise there have been a number of issues however these have now been resolved, with thousands of second-generation meters are being installed in the North every day.

Question 16

Q16) What is the future of DCC engagement with stakeholders and how can we work together to ensure value for money is achieved?

Accepted Answer

Regular events are run by SECAS and DCC to engage with SEC Parties. Details of engagement events are communicated to SEC Parties via the newsletter and published on the SEC and DCC websites.

Question 17

Q17) Will DCC run hackathons to stimulate innovation?

Accepted Answer

The DCC are considering how appropriate this would be.

Question 18

Q18) Is access to labs charged? If so, are small Suppliers at a disadvantage?

Accepted Answer

There is no charge for access to labs.

Question 19

Q19) If the consumer does not want smart meter functionality, is there a process in place if they have dormant SMETS1 meter in place?

Accepted Answer

Smart metering will bring significant benefits to consumers and the wider energy system. Government expects energy suppliers to have processes in place to respond to concerns about smart metering, including providing information that may reassure consumers. Once installed, energy suppliers are required under their licence to take all reasonable steps to maintain the smart metering system, including the HAN and WAN. Ofgem is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with these licence conditions.

Question 20

Q20) Is there a possibility Alt HAN may never actually deliver a viable solution, that it may just be an expensive experiment?

Accepted Answer

Alt HAN is important because it seeks to ensure that no classes of customers, for example residents in high-rise apartment blocks, are left behind in the rollout of smart metering functionality and the service improvements that this can support. The solutions in development by Alt HAN use proven technologies and will be rigorously tested before being rolled out at scale. From an economic perspective, there are controls in place to ensure costs are kept to efficient levels, and that these costs are acceptable. For example, Alt HAN Co must demonstrate that its costs are “economic and efficient”, and there are annual and milestone-specific mechanisms to approve budgets. Government can also reduce the scope of Alt HAN if it concludes, based on evidence, that the costs of delivering Alt HAN solutions are “disproportionate” for certain classes of premise.

Question 21

Q21) If the smart deadline is end of 2020, surely July 2020 is too late for Alt HAN to make a significant impact?

Accepted Answer

The economic case for Alt HAN assumes that the rollout of smart meters will continue beyond 2020 and the policy objective of a mass rollout will be retained, even if at this stage the regulatory obligations and targets for the period beyond 2020 are not set.

Question 22

Q22) Is AltHANCo co-ordinating with the CSS provider regarding building data?

Accepted Answer

The data requirements for identifying Alt HAN candidate premises have been developed fully through a competitive procurement process for Operational Services. A wide range of data sources are being used and kept under review.

Question 23

Q23) Are the costs of Alt HAN socialised to all SEC Parties?

Accepted Answer

Alt HAN costs are recovered in full via DCC charges from All Relevant Supplier Parties. Costs which are appropriate to socialise (e.g. the current development phase) will be recovered through Fixed Charges, but costs relating to the provision of equipment for use at individual premises will be recovered through Supplier-specific Explicit Charges.

Question 24

Q24) What evidence is there from the deployment of smart meters that consumers are changing their energy usage?

Accepted Answer

Smart Energy GB undertake regular research into smart meters and how they are used. The outcomes are published on their website. Research published in May 2019 here found that smart meter owners are more engaged with energy compared to non-owners. They are more likely to understand their own energy use and have a desire to reduce it. Households with a smart meter are doing slightly more to save energy than those without. In particular, smart meter owners are more likely to look into ways to use less energy. Over time, smart meter owners continue to encourage others to use less energy, and increasingly look into energy efficiencies.

Question 25

Statutory Consultation for adjusting the Electricity Market Reform Delivery Body Incentives and mechanisms to recover uncertain costs (Closing date: 17 April 2020)

Accepted Answer

Ofgem is consulting on its proposal to make changes to National Grid Electricity System Operator’s (NGESO) Electricity Transmission Licence under Ofgem’s role as the Electricity Market Reform (EMR) Delivery Body (DB). Policy areas: • Business consumers • Corporate information • Electricity - distribution • Electricity - transmission • Electricity - wholesale markets • Licences, codes and standards Who should respond? • Stakeholders • General Public • Individuals interested in Capacity Market and Contract for Difference regimes Related Documents The consultation documents can be found here. How to respond Please submit your response, including any attachments, addressed for the attention of Tom Kenyon-Brown at EMR@Ofgem.gov.uk by 17 April 2020.

Question 26

Statutory consultation on the proposed Whole Electricity System Licence Condition [D17]~[7A] for Electricity Distributors and transmission owners (Closing date: 17 April 2020)

Accepted Answer

Statutory consultation on the proposed Whole Electricity System Licence Condition [D17]~[7A] for Electricity Distributors and transmission owners Ofgem is consulting on proposals to make changes to National Grid Electricity System Operator’s (NGESO) Electricity Transmission Licence under Ofgem’s role as the Electricity Market Reform (EMR) Delivery Body (DB). Who should respond?

Stakeholders
General Public
Individuals interested in Capacity Market and Contract for Difference regimes

Related Documents The consultation documents can be found here. How to respond Please submit your response, including any attachments, addressed for the attention of Tom Kenyon-Brown at EMR@Ofgem.gov.uk by 17 April 2020.

Question 27

Electricity Network Access and Forward-Looking Charging Review: Demand-weighted distributed reference node (Closing Date: 30 April 2020)

Accepted Answer

Electricity Network Access and Forward-Looking Charging Review: Demand-weighted distributed reference node Ofgem is seeking industry feedback on proposed changes to the demand weighted reference node approach. Ofgem invites the energy industry to provide them with clear rationale for any changes to the current reference node approach. Quantitative analysis of any options is not required although parties are welcome to submit this. Who should respond?

Stakeholders
Individuals interested in Electricity Network Access and the Reference Node Approach

Related Documents The related workshop slides can be found here. How to respond Please send your responses to FutureChargingandAccess@ofgem.gov.uk by 30 April 2020.

Question 28

BEIS Consultation on the DCC’s provision of an enrolment service for EDMI SMETS1 meters; changes to DCC, Electricity and Gas Supply Licence Conditions; and changes to the SEC, BSC and UNC (Closing Date: 11 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

BEIS Consultation on the DCC’s provision of an enrolment service for EDMI SMETS1 meters; changes to DCC, Electricity and Gas Supply Licence Conditions; and changes to the SEC, BSC and UNC On 6 April 2020, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) issued a consultation on whether the Data Communications Company (DCC) should be required to provide an enrolment service for first generation (SMETS1) EDMI Smart Meters, as well as a number of matters that require amendments to the standard conditions of gas and electricity supply licences, the DCC licence and the Smart Energy Code (SEC), the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) and the Uniform Network Code (UNC). Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Individuals interested in SMETS1 EDMI Smart Meters

Related Documents Please find the consultation letter and accompanying annexes here. How to respond Please send your responses to Smartmetering@beis.gov.uk by 5pm on 11 May 2020.

Question 29

CfD: Proposed amendments to the scheme 2020 (Closing date: 22 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

CfD: Proposed amendments to the scheme 2020 This consultation seeks views on several proposed changes to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme to ensure it continues to support low carbon electricity generation at the lowest possible cost to consumers. The consultation proposes changes to the CfD scheme that would, if implemented, apply to contracts awarded through future allocation rounds, the next of which is planned to open in 2021 subject to any required state aid approval of planned changes. The proposed changes relate to:

delivering the UK’s 2050 net zero emissions target
bioenergy
allocation round design
improving the operation of the CfD
supporting a smart, flexible system

Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in the Contracts for Difference scheme

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please click the link here to complete the online survey. For more information, please contact BEISContractsForDifference@beis.gov.uk.

Question 30

Modification Report Consultation – SECMP0067 ‘Service Request Traffic Management’ (Closing Date: 24 April 2020)

Accepted Answer

SECMP0067 ‘Service Request Traffic Management’ The Data Communications Company (DCC) Systems are limited by a finite capacity. As numbers of Smart Meters and Devices increase in the Smart Metering Implementation Programme (SMIP), this will increase the traffic of Service Requests in the DCC Systems. In exceptional instances this traffic, if left unchecked, could result in an overload of the DCC Systems and cause an outage, resulting in no Service Requests being sent from the Data Service Provider (DSP). The DCC has recommended management of the System, in order to prevent an outage without the expense of expanding the DCC infrastructure. Who should respond?

Large Suppliers
Small Suppliers
Electricity Network Parties
Gas Network Parties
Other SEC Parties

Related Documents The consultation documents can be found here. How to respond Please send your responses to sec.change@gemserv.com by 5pm on 24 April 2020.

Question 31

Modification Report Consultation – MP080 ‘Managing DUIS uplifts’ (Closing Date: 11 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

MP080 ‘Managing DUIS uplifts’ The DCC User Interface Specification (DUIS) is contained in Smart Energy Code (SEC) Appendix AD. It sets out the technical details for how Users send and receive data from the DCC. Currently, no versions of the DUIS have designated start or end dates. This means there are multiple versions of the DUIS existing. These can’t be removed from the SEC due to Users still currently using the earlier versions. This results in the DCC having to maintain the historical versions and expend additional testing costs against these. Additionally, only versions of DUIS v3.0 and higher can support both Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specification (SMETS) 1 and SMETS2 meters, meaning that in the event of a Change of Supplier (CoS), a SMETS1 meter could lose “smart” functionality. Who should respond?

Large Suppliers
Small Suppliers
Electricity Network Parties
Gas Network Parties
Other SEC Parties

Related Documents The consultation documents can be found here. How to respond Please send your responses to sec.change@gemserv.com by 5pm on 11 May 2020.

Question 32

Refinement Consultation - MP099 ‘Incorporation of multiple Issue Resolution Proposals into the SEC - Batch 4’ (Closing Date: 11 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

MP099 ‘Incorporation of multiple Issue Resolution Proposals into the SEC - Batch 4’ Issue Resolution Proposals (IRPs) identify issues within the SEC Technical Specification documents and put forward a solution to the identified problems through the BEIS led group, the Technical Specification Issue Resolution Sub-Group (TSIRS). The IRPs in this Modification Proposal will impact the Technical Specifications documents and the DCC Systems and implementing them into the SEC will resolve the identified issues. Who should respond?

All SEC Parties

Related Documents The consultation documents can be found here. How to respond Please send your responses to sec.change@gemserv.com by 5pm on 11 May 2020.

Question 33

Modification Report Consultation – MP115 ‘Changes to the NCSC Good Practice Guides’ (Closing Date: 11 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

MP115 ‘Changes to the NCSC Good Practice Guides’ A Smart Energy Code Administrator and Secretariat (SECAS) review of the SMKI Document Set has found that it contains several references to Good Practice Guides (GPGs) that have been discontinued and will not be replaced. The SMKI PMA wishes to address this by aligning the SEC with these changes and by making available authorised replacement SMKI PMA guidance. In addition, the Proposer wishes to include provisions for updated or replacement standards, procedures and guidelines in relation to the SMKI Document Set in the SEC. This is also the case for the transitional periods for such documents. Who should respond?

DCC

Related Documents The consultation documents can be found here. How to respond Please send your responses to sec.change@gemserv.com by 5pm on 11 May 2020.

Question 34

Modification Report Consultation – MP123 IVP realignment of SMETS2 v2.0 and v3.1 (Closing Date: 24 April 2020)

Accepted Answer

MP123 IVP realignment of SMETS2 v2.0 and v3.1 In March 2020 the UK Government issued social distancing guidance to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus also known as COVID-19. This resulted in only essential meter installations taking place. As a consequence, Suppliers are holding a large number of Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications (SMETS) 2 v2.0 and v3.1 Devices and many more are in the global supply chain with currently too short a window of time until 27 October 2020 to install them. In addition, the Commercial Product Assurance (CPA) processes are also being affected by the COVID-19 situation. There is a high probability a number of SMETS2 v4.2 Devices will not be assured in sufficient time to allow manufacture and supply by 27 October 2020. Who should respond?

Large Suppliers
Small Suppliers
Other SEC Parties

Related Documents The consultation documents can be found here. How to respond Please send your responses to sec.change@gemserv.com by 5pm on 24 April 2020.

Question 35

Changes to the DCC Performance Measurement Methodology – SMETS1 measures (Closing Date: 11 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

Changes to the DCC Performance Measurement Methodology – SMETS1 measures The DCC Performance Measurement Methodology (PMM) is a document that details the methodology used to calculate the Service Level for each Performance Measure which DCC and the DCC Service Providers are required to report on following the end of each Performance Measurement Period. In this consultation, the DCC are proposing the addition of SMETS1 performance measures. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in the Performance Measurement Methodology and SMETS1 Meters.

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. Please also find the Draft Tracked Changes DCC PMM document here. How to respond Please contact consultations@smartdcc.co.uk by 10 May 2020.

Question 36

Error Handling Strategy (EHS) Consultation (Closing Date: 7 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

Error Handling Strategy (EHS) Consultation The DCC is consulting on amendments to the Error Handling Strategy (EHS) document. The amendment focuses on additions of EHS procedures for SMETS1 Response Codes. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in DCC Error Handling Strategy procedures

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. Please also find the Draft Tracked Changes DCC Error Handling Strategy document here. How to respond Please contact consultations@smartdcc.co.uk by 6 May 2020.

Question 37

Consultation on the changes to the SMETS1 Supporting Requirements Document (Closing Date: 1 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

Consultation on the changes to the SMETS1 Supporting Requirements Document The DCC is consulting on changes to be made to the SMETS1 Supporting Requirements Document related to the MOC Secure cohort. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in the SMETS1 Supporting Requirements Document.

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please contact consultations@smartdcc.co.uk by 30 April 2020.

Question 38

DP111 ‘SMDA Budget Amendments’ Joint SEC/SMDA Consultation (Closing Date: 22 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

DP111 ‘SMDA Budget Amendments’ Joint SEC/SMDA Consultation This is a joint Smart Energy Code (SEC) and Smart Meter Device Assurance (SMDA) consultation relating to the issues raised under SEC Draft Proposal DP111 ‘SMDA Budget Amendments’. This consultation is designed to review the funding mechanism of the SMDA Scheme, with the aim of establishing a fair and sustainable model to enable the Scheme to continue its vital work for the smart meter industry. We invite you to respond to this consultation and welcome your responses to the questions set out in the Consultation document. To help us better understand your views, please provide rationale to support your responses. Who should respond? • Stakeholders • Individuals interested in the SMDA Scheme. Related Documents Please find the DP111 SMDA Budget Amendments Consultation document and the DP111 Modification page. How to respond To help us process your response efficiently, please email your completed response form to either sec.change@gemserv.com or smdaso@gemserv.com with the subject line ‘DP111 SEC/SMDA Consultation response’ by 5pm on Friday 22 May 2020.

Question 39

Proposed changes to the Self-Service Interface required by SECMP0062 ‘Northbound Application Traffic Management – Alert Storm Protection’ (Closing Date: 18 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

Proposed changes to the Self-Service Interface required by SECMP0062 ‘Northbound Application Traffic Management – Alert Storm Protection’ Closing Date: 18 May 2020 As part of the solution for SECMP0062, a new dashboard in the Self-Service Interface (SSI) is being developed to show Service Users whether any Alert Storm Protection is currently active for any of their Devices. The purpose of this consultation is to consult on the dashboard. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in the Self-Service Interface (SSI)

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please contact SSIRemedyImprovements@smartdcc.co.uk by 18 May 2020.

Question 40

Shetland transmission project: Consultation on proposed Final Needs Case and Delivery Model (Closing Date: 18 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

Shetland transmission project: Consultation on proposed Final Needs Case and Delivery Model Closing Date: 18 June 2020 This consultation document sets out Ofgem’s views and proposals on the Final Needs Case for the Shetland transmission link project and delivery model. Who should respond? • Stakeholders • General Public • Individuals interested in the Shetland transmission link project Related Documents The consultation documents can be found here. How to respond Please submit your response, including any attachments, addressed to James Norman at NTIMailbox@ofgem.gov.uk by 17 June 2020.

Question 41

SMETS1 Device Security Testing and Notification Period (Closing Date: 15 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

SMETS1 Device Security Testing and Notification Period Closing date: 15 May 2020 On 28 April 2020, the DCC issued a consultation on changes to the Transition and Migration Approach Document (TMAD) related to security testing of SMETS1 Devices and notification periods. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in the Transition and Migration Approach Document

Related Documents Please find the consultation document and the draft SMETS1 TMAD document. How to respond Please contact the DCC using the provided response template by 4pm on Friday 15 May 2020 via consultations@smartdcc.co.uk.

Question 42

Changes required to deliver against BEIS’ Q4 Package to be included in the November 2020 SEC Release (Closing Date: 19 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

Changes required to deliver against BEIS’ Q4 Package to be included in the November 2020 SEC Release The DCC is proposing changes to the DCC User Interface Specification (DUIS) and Message Mapping Catalogue (MMC) to deliver against recent BEIS proposals to change the SEC. They are also seeking consultation feedback on the technical changes to the DUIS in order to deliver a defect fix. Following consultation, the documents will be submitted to the Secretary of State for consideration for designation alongside the SEC November 2020 Release. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in the DCC User Interface Specification and the Message Mapping Catalogue

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please contact consultations@smartdcc.co.uk by 4pm 19 May 2020.

Question 43

How can I view the CPL?

Accepted Answer

You can view the CPL Live Workbook here. It contains a number of tabs:

Version Control – details a history of changes made between versions.
CPL New Entry – the submission form that a submitter must complete and provide to SECAS.
Central Products List – provides the list of the added and removed Device Models.
CPL saveable in CSV – provides the same list as the CPL, but in a format for the DCC to manage its Smart Meter Inventory.

Please note, once a new version of the CPL is published, there may be a delay for those changes to be reflected into the DCC Smart Meter Inventory. This is because the DCC has up to 24 hours to make the relevant modifications.

Question 44

How can I submit a Device Model?

Accepted Answer

Please read our submission guidance document available here. If you have a Device Model that you would like to add to the CPL, please complete the form in the Live Workbook under the tab ‘CPL – New Entry’. The form provides guidance on each field and the required format that you will need to use. Validation rules are applied to prevent invalid entries being submitted. The applicable versions of the Technical Specifications and Great Britain Companion Specification (GBCS) must be specified as part of completing the CPL – New Entry form. For more information about interactions between different versions of the Technical Specifications and the CPL please read the guidance here. Please email your completed form to the SECAS Helpdesk, along with all required Assurance Certificates and any additional supporting evidence or Release Notes. We will process your submission within one Working Day of receipt (provided it is a valid submission). If you have any questions please contact the SECAS Helpdesk.

Question 45

The Firmware Information Repository (FIR)

Accepted Answer

SEC Parties can use the FIR to find the relevant Meter Manufacturer to contact regarding the latest firmware on a Device, following an update to the CPL. SECAS produce the FIR using the details that a submitter provides on the ‘CPL – New Entry form’ for Electricity Smart Metering Equipment (ESME) and Gas Smart Metering Equipment (GSME) Devices only. SEC Parties can download the FIR here.

Question 46

Is there a Plain English description of CPL Meter Model entries?

Accepted Answer

The SEC has a required format in which to describe Electricity Smart Metering Equipment (ESME) and Gas Smart Metering Equipment (GSME) Meter Models in the CPL, which can be difficult to understand. SECAS supports the UK Metering Forum (UKMF) to maintain a mapping spreadsheet which helps SEC Parties understand the CPL Meter Model entries. The spreadsheet maps ESME and GSME Meter Models hardware entries contained in the CPL in the SEC required format (hexadecimal), to an industry wide understood ‘Plain English’ description. The CPL Meter Model mapping to Plain English descriptions spreadsheet contains four tabs:

Version Control – details a history of changes made between versions
SMETS2 Meter Model Mapping – maps SMETS2 CPL Meter Model hardware entries to a Plain English description
SMETS1 Meter Model Mapping – maps SMETS1 CPL Meter Model hardware entries to a Plain English description
Zigbee Manufacturer Codes – a listing of Device Manufacturers and their associated ZigBee Manufacturer Codes.

You can view the spreadsheet here.

Question 47

Proposed changes to the Self-Service Interface Reporting Smart Meter Inventory Reporting Fix (SIP#3) (Closing Date: 29 May 2020)

Accepted Answer

Proposed changes to the Self-Service Interface Reporting Smart Meter Inventory Reporting Fix (SIP#3) The Self-Service Interface (SSI) is a web-based portal which allows Users to obtain information about, and interact with, DCC Services. In this consultation, the DCC are proposing amendments to SSI Reporting Smart Meter Inventory (RSMI) reporting to resolve issues encountered when large amounts of data are requested, or where the underpinning query is complex. The proposal is to provide additional functionality, and not the amendment or removal of functionality. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in the Self-Service Interface Reporting Smart Meter Inventory

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please contact consultations@smartdcc.co.uk by 5pm 29 May 2020.

Question 48

What is the Privacy Controls Framework?

Accepted Answer

The SEC Panel has arranged the development of a Privacy Controls Framework (PCF). The Framework includes:

Arrangements designed to ensure that Privacy Assessments provide reasonable assurance that Other Users are complying with their SEC obligations under Sections I1.2 to I1.5; and
The Principles and criteria to be applied in the carrying out of any Privacy Assessment, including principles designed to ensure that Privacy Assessments take place on a consistent basis across all Other Users; and
The Provisions for determining the timing, frequency and selection of Other Users for the purposes of Random Sample Privacy Assessments.

For more information please see the Privacy Controls webpage.

Question 49

How do I book a Privacy Assessment?

Accepted Answer

Please complete the Privacy Assessment Online Booking Form available here. A member of the SECAS team will contact you to discuss your request. Please note that requested assessment dates are required to be at least twelve weeks after the date your request is submitted. Security and Privacy Assessments can be performed by the User Competent Independent Organisation (CIO) and IPA in parallel. The rate card can be found in the documents section of this page, following member login.

Question 50

How do I amend or cancel an assessment?

Accepted Answer

If you wish to reschedule or cancel your assessment, you are required to do so at least four weeks prior to the assessment commencement date. After this point a cancellation fee of 25% of the total cost is chargeable. Please note that the IPA are entitled to recover any costs they have incurred relating to an assessment, regardless of the notice provided. Please submit your amendment or cancellation request to SSC@gemserv.com.

Question 51

DCC Operational Performance Regime Review: May 2020 Consultation (Closing Date: 12 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

DCC Operational Performance Regime Review: May 2020 Consultation Ofgem are consulting on a revised Operational Performance Regime (OPR) framework. This includes proposals for incentivising the DCC’s system performance under four new outcome-based measures, broken down by meter type and region where relevant. In addition, we propose incentivising the DCC under two new areas that have caused concern among DCC’s stakeholders: DCC’s engagement with its customers, and contract management and procurement. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in the Operational Performance Regime (OPR) framework

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please send your responses to Andrew Roberts at smartmetering@ofgem.gov.uk by 12 June 2020.

Question 52

SMETS1 Consultation on changes to the Incident Management Policy (Closing Date: 12 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

SMETS1 Consultation on changes to the Incident Management Policy The DCC has issued a consultation on changes the Incident Management Policy (IMP) regarding Telefonica UK Limited’s role as a SMETS1 Communications Service Provider. Who should respond? • Businesses • Stakeholders • Those interested in the Incident Management Policy Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please contact consultations@smartdcc.co.uk by 4pm Friday 12 June 2020.

Question 53

Statutory consultation for protecting energy consumers with prepayment meters (Closing Date: 26 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

Statutory consultation for protecting energy consumers with prepayment meters This consultation sets out how Ofgem proposes to protect Prepayment Meter (PPM) customers on default tariffs. Alongside the main consultation document, Ofgem have also published a draft notice for amending Standard Licence Condition (SLC) 2AD of the gas and electricity supply licences and an updated model to calculate the level of the default tariff cap. Who should respond?

Suppliers
Customers
Those interested in the Prepayment Meter default tariffs

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please contact retailpriceregulation@ofgem.gov.uk by Friday 26 June 2020.

Question 54

November 2020 SEC Variation Testing Approach (Closing Date: 10 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

November 2020 SEC Variation Testing Approach The DCC has been directed by the Secretary of State to develop a draft SEC Variation Testing Approach Document in respect of those variations to the SEC proposed to be made for the “BEIS Q4 2020” package of changes. The DCC are consulting on the proposed November 2020 SVTAD and its proposed designation date of 30 June 2020. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in the SEC Variation Testing Approach Document

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please contact consultations@smartdcc.co.uk by 10 June 2020.

Question 55

MP103 DCC SOC2 Assessments Refinement Consultation (Closing Date: 1 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

MP103 DCC SOC2 Assessments Refinement Consultation The SEC Change Team are consulting on proposed changes to the legal text in SEC Section G which would enable the DCC to make necessary changes to replace Systems Organisation Controls 2 (SOC2) assessment. The key aim is for the legal text in SEC Section G8 which relate to the assessment of a DCC User, to be translated into G9 for the DCC. This will allow the DCC to tender for a DCC Security Assessment Service Provider to assess them against a framework that will developed by the SSC with input from the assessor. Who should respond?

Stakeholders
Those interested in the Systems Organisation Controls 2 and SEC Section G

Related Documents Please find the consultation document and response form here. How to respond Please email the completed response form to sec.change@gemserv.com with the subject line ‘MP103 Refinement Consultation response’ by 5pm 1 June 2020.

Question 56

MP101 'Large Gas Meter Displays' Modification Report Consultation (Closing Date: 8 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

MP101 'Large Gas Meter Displays' Modification Report Consultation The Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications (SMETS) 2 sets out the specifications for what is displayed on Gas Smart Metering Equipment (GSME). Large Gas Meters must comply with the display requirements set out in Section 4 of the SMETS2. However, some Large Gas Meters are unable to measure to thousandths of a metre cubed. This modification proposes an amendment to the SMETS2 that would make Large Gas Meters exempt from the requirements for the display of consumption information. It mainly impacts Large Gas Meter manufacturers and will have minor impacts on Suppliers and consumers. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in Large Gas Meters

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please contact sec.change@gemserv.com by 5pm 8 June 2020.

Question 57

MP098 ‘Incorporation of multiple Issue Resolution Proposals into the SEC – Batch 3’ Modification Report Consultation (Closing Date: 8 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

MP098 ‘Incorporation of multiple Issue Resolution Proposals into the SEC – Batch 3’ Modification Report Consultation The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has previously implemented Issue Resolution Proposals (IRPs) via BEIS-led designations; however, this process was handed over to the Smart Energy Code Administrator and Secretariat (SECAS) for changes to be implemented through the Modifications Process. To improve efficiency, it was agreed these changes should be progressed under a single proposal at regular intervals. This Proposal has been raised to introduce 20 non-Data Communication Company (DCC) System impacting IRPs into the Smart Energy Code (SEC). Who should respond?

Stakeholders
Those interested in the Issue Resolution Proposals (IRPs) process

Related Documents Please find the consultation document and response form here. How to respond Please email the completed response form to sec.change@gemserv.com with the subject line ‘MP098 Modification Report Consultation response’ by 5pm 8 June 2020.

Question 58

MP102A ‘Power Outage Alerts triggered by an OTA firmware upgrade’ Refinement Consultation (Closing Date: 1 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

MP102A ‘Power Outage Alerts triggered by an OTA firmware upgrade’ Refinement Consultation Experience has shown that implementing an Over the Air (OTA) firmware update on some Electricity Smart Metering Equipment (ESMEs) generates a Power Outage Alert (POA). The Proposed solution for this modification is to amend sections of SEC Schedule 9 ‘Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications 2’. Amendments will be made to sections 4.3, 5.4, 5.10 and 5.16. this will ensure that the obligations are applied to single phase ESME, twin element single phase ESME, poly-phase ESME and Gas Smart Metering Equipment (GSME). The document changes will state that under no circumstances will a smart meter cut the power to a CH for more than three minutes when an OTA firmware upgrade takes place. Who should respond? • Stakeholders • Those interested in the Power Outage Alerts due to Over the Air firmware updates Related Documents Please find the consultation document and response form here. How to respond Please email the completed response form to sec.change@gemserv.com with the subject line ‘MP102A Refinement Consultation response’ by 5pm 1 June 2020.

Question 59

MP118 ‘Communications Hub Finance Charges’ Refinement Consultation (Closing Date: 1 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

MP118 ‘Communications Hub Finance Charges’ Refinement Consultation The DCC is required to produce two invoices for all SEC Parties every month; as a result, tracking payments has proven burdensome. The DCC frequently has to reconcile payments which have been made in error, either because they have been made in the wrong amount or to the wrong accounts (i.e. the DCC’s invoices are paid to the Approved Finance Party (AFP) in error, which happens on a regular basis). The solution to the problem is a change to the drafting of SEC Sections J1.2 and J1.7 so that DCC is no longer obliged to bill Communications Hub Finance Charges under separate invoices. No business requirements need to be developed. Who should respond?

Stakeholders
Those interested in DCC Charges

Related Documents Please find the consultation document and response form here. How to respond Please email the completed response form to sec.change@gemserv.com with the subject line ‘MP118 Refinement Consultation response’ by 5pm 1 June 2020.

Question 60

MP110 ‘Aligning SEC Appendix D with DCC Processes’ Modification Report Consultation (Closing Date: 8 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

MP110 ‘Aligning SEC Appendix D with DCC Processes’ Modification Report Consultation A Smart Metering Key Infrastructure (SMKI) Independent Assurance Scheme audit was carried out in June 2019 and the auditor identified non-compliances where the DCC internal processes did not conform to the processes set out in SEC Appendix D. The audit identified these differences and the SMKI Policy Management Authority (PMA) agreed the best solution is to retain the current processes and amend Appendix D therefore the obligations in Appendix D will be updated to reflect the current DCC processes. Who should respond?

Businesses
Stakeholders
Those interested in Appendix D of the SEC and DCC processes

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond Please contact sec.change@gemserv.com by 5pm 8 June 2020.

Question 61

SECMP0015 ‘GPF timestamp for reading instantaneous Gas values’ Modification Report Consultation (Closing Date: 8 June 2020)

Accepted Answer

SECMP0015 ‘GPF timestamp for reading instantaneous Gas values’ Modification Report Consultation Instantaneous Gas Smart Metering Equipment (GSME) register values can be read from the Gas Proxy Function (GPF). These will not normally be in-line with the readings on the GSME, since the GSME only provides intermittent updates to the GPF, typically once every 30 minutes. Without a timestamp to know when the GSME last updated the GPF, the Supplier cannot know how up to date the information is. The proposed solution is to allow Parties and devices reading the instantaneous values from the GPF to know the time on the GSME's clock when the value was provided Who should respond?

Stakeholders
Those interested in the Gas Proxy Function (GPF).

Related Documents Please find the consultation document here. How to respond To help us process your response efficiently, please email your completed response form to sec.change@gemserv.com with the subject line ‘SECMP0015 Modification Report Consultation response’ by 5pm 8 June 2020.

Question 62

1. I have a question about the Smart Energy Code who do I contact?

Accepted Answer

"The SECAS Party Support team is available to answer your queries Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) between 9am and 5pm. You can contact us by email via SECAS@gemserv.com, submit your query via our online contact form or call our Helpdesk on 020 7090 7755."

Question 63

2. How can I become a SEC Party?

Accepted Answer

Please visit our Becoming a SEC Party webpage for Guidance Notes explaining the steps required to complete the Accession process. You will need submit your SEC Accession Application Form and the Application Fee of Â£540 (plus Â£1 payment for a share in SECCo for Energy Licensees or if you choose to take a share). Please email your completed form to SECAS@gemserv.com. We will usually review your application and respond within 2 working days.

Question 64

3. How do I become a DCC User?

Accepted Answer

Please visit our Becoming a DCC User webpage and download the Guidance Notes which outline the steps required. On this page you will also find the estimated timescales to become a DCC User and the latest DCC testing completions.

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