DP151 'Amending Payment Terms for User CIO Invoices'

To use the Data Communications Company (DCC) systems, all SEC Parties must undertake a User Security Assessment conducted by the User Competent Independent Organisation (CIO). Upon completion of a User Security Assessment, the DDC issue invoices to the respective Smart Energy Code (SEC) Parties allowing them five Working Days to pay, following receipt of such invoice. The invoice cost can range from between £5,000 to £45,000. This is a significant amount for smaller SEC Parties.
SEC Parties, especially Small Suppliers have raised concerns surrounding the cost incurred from the User CIO Assessments which are too high to pay at such short notice.

SECAS are now providing advance notice to Users notifying them of the cost of their assessment and highlighting that it will appear in a future DCC charging statement. This new process allows Parties the opportunity to request for any cost breakdown which are required in advance.