MP207 Allowing Registered Supplier Agents to Maintain Meter Firmware

Supplier Parties authorise Meter Operators (MOPs) and Meter Asset Managers (MAMs) to install and maintain Smart Meters as Registered Supplier Agents (RSAs). However, the Smart Energy Code (SEC) does not allow MOPs and MAMs to use the Data Communications Company (DCC) System to remotely manage the meters’ firmware.
Device firmware management is integral to the health of the Smart Metering ecosystem. The Proposer believes that MOPs and MAMs are in a better position than Suppliers to facilitate this, and that enabling Suppliers to outsource these operations to their RSAs will improve the overall Smart Metering service.

The Proposed Solution aims to add capability for RSAs to send Service Reference Variant (SRV) 11.1 to Electricity Smart Metering Equipment (ESMEs) and Gas Smart Metering Equipment (GSMEs) where they are the appointed RSA for the Device. RSAs will receive all the Alerts related to the firmware distribution if they send the SRV 11.1 and will also receive copies of the firmware receipt Device Alerts sent from the Device to the Supplier. RSAs will also receive DCC Alerts relating to changes of firmware on Devices. RSAs and Suppliers will be able to see the firmware tracking for Devices where the other Party has sent the SRV 11.1 using the Self-Service Interface (SSI).

The definition of invalid Device check W110101 (used when Device does not exist, or sender is not the Registered Supplier) will be extended to include checking that an RSA is appointed to the Device (which must be an ESME or GSME).

Large Suppliers
Small Suppliers
DCC
Other SEC Parties

SEC Appendix E ‘DCC User Interface Services Schedule’
SEC Appendix AD ‘DCC User Interface Specification’