Welcome to our latest edition of the SEC Newsletter.
We are going digital! SECAS has been busy working to digitalise the SEC. Why? To make the Code clearer and more user friendly for you. Read on to learn more and find out how you can get involved.
This edition also includes details of our next SECAS event, plus we have teamed up with the Smart Meter Device Assurance team to provide you with an exciting update.
Spotlight on the SEC
Calling all SEC Parties! You should have received an invitation to our Spotlight on the SEC event which takes place on 12 September. We have a great range of speakers and topics lined up and we look forward to seeing you there.
Places are restricted to two attendees per SEC Party and are expected to fill quickly so don’t delay and reserve your place today by emailing SECAS@gemserv.com.
The SEC is going digital!
We’ve listened to your feedback that you’d like the SEC to be more accessible and have been busily working on a solution.
Very soon we will be launching CodeWorks, a web-based, searchable version of the SEC, which will allow you to search for content relevant to your Party type. So, if you are a Small Supplier, you’ll be able to download details of SEC Obligations which are only relevant to YOU.
We are also looking to use CodeWorks as a collaboration tool for Modifications Proposals, which will allow more Parties to interact with the change process through virtual collaboration. Additionally, there is a plan to move security self-assessments onto CodeWorks to increase efficiency, which we will be discussing with the Security Sub-Committee. The initial launch is expected mid-September, which subsequent releases in November and early 2020.
The SEC Panel support a move to digitally transform the way we all interact with the SEC and its associated processes and are looking for feedback from Parties on any areas or processes that they feel would benefit from being included within the scope of this project. Please contact SECAS@gemserv.com with any thoughts, ideas, if you would like a CodeWorks demonstration or to be part of the testing and deployment of the new digital SEC.
Consequential changes of the Ofgem Switching Programme on the SEC
Ofgem’s Switching Programme is introducing new arrangements to ensure that customers can switch quickly, reliably and easily. The Retail Energy Code (REC) will set out the rules and obligations for switching and the Centralised Switching Service (CSS) will enable customer to switch their energy supply within 24 hours.
The new arrangements will impact the SEC. See here for more information on the consequential changes to the SEC and the proposed draft redlining. Please send your comments, thoughts or concerns to SEC.Change@gemserv.com by 28 August 2019.
Key Custodian Nominations
A Key Custodian is an employee of a SEC Party who holds key shares. Multiple people from across the industry must be present to operate Smart Metering Key Infrastructure (SMKI) recovery, and are a requirement of the SMKI Recovery system, vital to ensure the system remains secure.
Would you like to become a Key Custodian or know someone who may be interested? Or, not sure what a Key Custodian is and want to find out more? This could be an opportunity for you, so please click here to find out more.
The first Devices to be awarded Smart Meter Device Assurance (SMDA)
19 July saw the first Devices being awarded with SMDA Assurance. These Devices are now recognised to provide assurance to consumers, Suppliers and financiers that the smart meter equipment will work effectively in a smart environment. The Devices are listed on the Device Assurance Register (DAR) which is available to SMDA members. To become a member, simply follow the steps here. SMDA Members receive access to the DAR, monthly updates plus additional benefits, such as reduced testing fees and access to test specifications.
Assurance status is currently available for Credit functionality in the Central and South regions. If you’re interested in getting Assurance for your device, please email smda@nmi.nl to request a quote. For any questions regarding SMDA please contact smdaso@gemserv.com.
New Draft Proposals
Three new Draft Proposals have been raised since the last newsletter:
- DP80 ‘Ensuring a managed move to DUIS version 3.0’, plans all Users to move to DUIS 3.0 by November 2020 when DUIS 1.0 and 2.0 will no longer be used
- DP81 ‘Alignment of DUIS and CHISM to reflect current DCC Processing’ will aim to avoid DCC Incidents
- DP82 ‘Alt HAN Channel Selection’ will allow Communications Hub channels to be changed after installation and avoid meters competing for the same Zigbee channels
We welcome your feedback and input on any open Draft Proposals. Please email your comments to SEC.Change@gemserv.com.
Withdrawn Changes
Two changes have been withdrawn as the Proposers felt that their concerns had been addressed. These were DP072 ‘Change of Supplier Process’ and MP075 ‘Third Party Metering Service Providers’.
Modcasts
Take a listen to the following latest Modcasts:
- Our weekly update covers the outcomes of the August Working Group meeting, how Ofgem’s Switching Programme may affect the SEC and more
- An overview of SECMP0062 ‘Northbound Application Traffic Management – Alert Storm Protection’
DCC Consultations
The DCC has the following open consultations:
- A proposal on how the DCC intend to undertake testing to enable additional Device Model Combination (DMC) to be added to the SMETS1 list of Eligible Product Combination. The deadline for responses is 28 August 2019.
- SMETS1 Consultation: Alignment of Migration Testing and System Integration testing SEC Variation. The changes relate to all forthcoming Capability Releases to align System Integration Testing and Migration Testing. The deadline for responses is 6 September 2019.
- Consultation on the Transition Migration Approach Document to enable the migration of the SMETS1 Devices operated by Morrisons Data Services SMETS1 Smart Metering Service Operator. The deadline for responses is 6 September 2019.
Responses for all three consultations should be sent to consultations@smartdcc.co.uk.
Automated, low cost charging of electric vehicles through the smart metering system
EDF Energy and EDMI Meters have been awarded a total of £2.7m innovation funding by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to demonstrate smart charging of electric vehicles using the smart metering system. See here for further information.
Proportional Load Control and associated SMETS drafting
BEIS have published a consultation on the government’s proposal to add proportional load control functionality to the Smart Metering System. This relatively small and incremental change will enable more precision and flexibility in the control of load on behalf of consumers than is currently possible. The deadline for responses is 20 September 2019.
Publication of SMICoP Customer Surveys
Ofgem intends to change the Smart Meter Installation Code of Practice (SMICoP) to require publication of the results of the SMICoP customer surveys. Ofgem requests that all domestic gas and electricity suppliers review the features of SMICoP. The deadline for responses is 30 August 2019.