Proposer | David Walsh (DCC) |
Lead Analyst | SEC Change |
Date raised | 15/07/2021 |
Stage | Pending Implementation |
Implementation date | June 2024 SEC Release |
Latest update | On 21 June 2023 the Change Board voted to approve this modification under Self-Governance. This will be implemented in the June 2024 SEC Release. |
What is the issue?
Installation and Commissioning (I&C) of Smart Metering Systems (SMS) or exchange of Devices within a SMS are failing due to on-site installers being unable to ‘unjoin’ Devices.
There are occasions when the initial join is unsuccessful or there was an issue with the Devices being joined, and therefore the engineer will need the unjoin the Devices before attempting to re-join them again. Alternatively, when a Device is being exchanged it needs to be un-joined before the new Device can be joined.
The unjoin request currently requires validation of the initial join. However, where the join has not been processed properly, the unjoin command will fail. When this occurs the only way to complete the I&C process for that specific Device is a manual update of the Smart Metering Inventory (SMI) database. This is completed by the DCC at a cost of £2,000 per update, and this cost is then socialised across SEC Parties in Fixed Charges. There are known instances where Parties replace the Device if the unjoin command fails, or the Device is left stranded.
There are occasions when the initial join is unsuccessful or there was an issue with the Devices being joined, and therefore the engineer will need the unjoin the Devices before attempting to re-join them again. Alternatively, when a Device is being exchanged it needs to be un-joined before the new Device can be joined.
The unjoin request currently requires validation of the initial join. However, where the join has not been processed properly, the unjoin command will fail. When this occurs the only way to complete the I&C process for that specific Device is a manual update of the Smart Metering Inventory (SMI) database. This is completed by the DCC at a cost of £2,000 per update, and this cost is then socialised across SEC Parties in Fixed Charges. There are known instances where Parties replace the Device if the unjoin command fails, or the Device is left stranded.
What is the solution?
The Proposed Solution will remove the Data Service Provider (DSP) validation of Join status in the SMI when sending an Unjoin Service Request. This will allow the processing of unjoin commands irrespective of the join status held in the SMI.
Who is impacted?
Large Suppliers
Small Suppliers
Other SEC Parties
DCC
Small Suppliers
Other SEC Parties
DCC
What SEC documents are affected?
SEC Appendix AD ‘DCC User Interface Specification’
Timeline
15 Jul 2021
Draft Proposal raised
27 Jul 2021
Presented to CSC for initial comment
28 Jul 2021
to
31 Aug 2021
Problem Statement discussed with Sub-Committees
06 Aug 2021
to
26 Aug 2021
Request for information issued to industry
28 Sep 2021
Presented to CSC for final comments and decision
28 Sep 2021
Draft Proposal converted to Modification Proposal
28 Sep 2021
to
27 May 2022
Modification placed on hold
27 May 2022
Developing business requirements with the Proposer
11 Jul 2022
Modification discussed at Requirements Workshop
03 Aug 2022
Modification discussed with Working Group
01 Sep 2022
Modification discussed with TABASC
23 Sep 2022
DCC Preliminary Assessment requested
21 Oct 2022
DCC Preliminary Assessment returned
02 Nov 2022
Modification discussed with Working Group
08 Nov 2022
to
28 Nov 2022
Refinement Consultation
01 Dec 2022
Modification discussed with TABASC
21 Dec 2022
Change Board approves Impact Assessment costs
21 Dec 2022
DCC Impact Assessment requested
01 Mar 2023
05 Apr 2023
03 May 2023
21 Jun 2023
Change Board vote
Modification documents
No files
No files
No files
No files
No files
If you believe there is a problem with this modification, please let us know HERE.