MP178 'Removing DSP validation against the SMI join status for SR8.8.x'

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.

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.