SEC Newsletter 19 December 2019

Welcome to the final SEC newsletter of 2019.

In this edition you can read about the engagement events we have planned for you in 2020, new guidance released from the Security Sub-Committee, and several Modification Consultations seeking your views.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the SECAS team!

Engagement Event Dates for your Diary

We hold regular engagement events to help keep SEC Parties informed and provide opportunities to share their views, ask questions and network.

Our next event will be a Spotlight on the SEC on 23 January 2020 at the Gemserv offices. This event is designed for SEC Parties already familiar with the SEC to hear updates from SECAS and key stakeholders on hot topics and developments. The draft agenda is available here.

Places are limited to two per SEC Party. To reserve your place please email the SECAS Helpdesk with name(s), email(s) and any dietary requirements by close on 13 January 2020.

Please click here for further details of events confirmed so far for 2020.

Guidance on Device Refurbishment

The Security Sub-Committee (SSC) has issued a new version of the Guidance on Device Refurbishment. Version 1.02 has additional functionality by linking the Responsible Supplier to the Public SMKI Organisation Certificate on the Device.

Subject to commercial arrangements, the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) will now be able to arrange the return of a refurbished Device to the Responsible Supplier for installation.

The clean and tracked documents can be found on the SEC website here.

SEC Version 6.22 Designated

BEIS has approved the further Device Model Combinations (DMCs) to be added to the Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications (SMETS)1 Eligible Product Combination List (EPCL). SEC Version 6.22 has been designated to include amendments to SEC Appendix J ‘Enduring Testing Approach Document’ and SEC Appendix AM ‘SMETS1 Supporting Requirements’.

New Draft Proposals

The following new Draft Proposals have been raised since the last newsletter:

• DP098 ‘Incorporating Issue Resolution Proposals (IRP) into the SEC – Batch 3’ – The IRPs included in this proposal affect SEC documentation only.
• DP099 ‘Incorporating Issue Resolution Proposals into the SEC – Batch 4’ – The IRPs included in this proposal have an impact on systems.
  
• DP100 ‘Service Response Traffic Management’ – In the event of a DCC systems outage once the system is restored, Service Responses are not sent in a prioritised order. This means that a User’s adaptor system will receive the Service Responses all at once regardless of priority, posing a risk that serious issues may not be managed promptly.
  
• DP101 ‘Large Gas Meter Displays’ – Some large meters cannot measure to thousandths of a metre cubed, and require more than the five most significant digits to meet the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) requirements. This modification seeks to address the inconsistency with the current requirement in the SMETS to have only five digits before a decimal point, and the MID requirement.

Open Consultations

The following Modifications are currently out for Refinement Consultation, the deadline for submitting comments to the Change team is 3 January 2020:

• SECMP0067 ‘Service Request Traffic Management’
  This Modification proposes to define a maximum system capacity, operating threshold and appropriate Service User allocations.
  
• MP084 ‘Other User Panel Seating Amendment’
  The SEC Panel currently has two seats occupied by Other SEC Parties. However as Other SEC Parties aren’t always Other Users, there is a risk that Other Users may be underrepresented. MP084 proposes to either:
  • Split the two existing Other SEC Party seats into one Other SEC Party Seat and one Other User seat; or
  • Add an extra seat for an Other User representative in addition to the existing Other SEC Party seats.
  
• MP088 ‘Power to raise Modifications’
  MP088 proposes to enable SECAS and the SEC Panel to raise Draft Proposals to modify the SEC and for SEC Sub-Committees and the Alt HAN Forum to raise proposals on those sections of the SEC relating to their remit.

Please contact the Change team with any comments or feedback on the following Modifications currently out for Modification Report Consultation until 9 January 2020:

• SECMP0062 ‘Northbound Application Traffic Management – Alert Storm Protection’
  This modification proposes to enable the implementation of a traffic management solution northbound (communication from a Device). This will aim to protect the DCC system and Service Users against alert storms originating from a single device.
  
• MP079 ‘Provisions for withdrawing modifications’
  The SEC allows a Proposer to withdraw their proposal prior to final decision, however this power is limited to the Proposer. MP079 proposes to enable SECAS, the Panel or their Sub-Committees to withdraw a Modification Proposal.
  
• MP097 ‘Improving SMETS2 Meter Installs at New Connections’
  This modification proposes a small change to Appendix H to clarify and simplify situations where a postcode has been issued for a new connection but the DCC systems (SM WAN Coverage Database) have not been updated.

DCC Publications

The DCC has published the following responses to recent consultations:
• Conclusions on SMETS1 Pending Product Combinations Tests – The DCC consulted on proposals for a Security fast track process for SMETS1 Pending Product Combinations Tests (PPCT) and has provided the documentation to BEIS;
• DCC Consultation Response: Enhanced Non-standard Delivery – This consultation looked at providing SEC Parties with the ability to request non-standard delivery of Communications Hubs at the latest firmware; and
• DCC Consultation Response: Communication Hub Supporting Information Incorrect Timestamps – This consultation focused on additions to the Communications Hub reset times and processes.

Ofgem Publications

Ofgem has published:
• Reviewing Smart Metering Costs in the Default Tariff Cap: Decision for cap period four. Ofgem will use the contingency allowance when setting the tariff cap for period four covering April – September 2020. They have not reached conclusions on other parts of the methodology;
• Guidance for licensees on the Smart Export Guarantee (the replacement for the Feed-in Tariff); and
• Two consultations on claims for Supplier of Last Resort Payments:
Consultation on Last Resort Supplier Payment Claim from Ovo Energy Limited (regarding costs incurred when Ovo Energy Limited became the Supplier for Spark Energy Supply Limited customers); and
Consultation on Last Resort Supplier Payment Claim from Shell Energy Retail Limited (regarding costs incurred when Shell Energy Retail Limited (then First Utility) became the Supplier for Usio Energy Limited customers).

Would you like to join the SECAS Team?

Do you have strong relationship management skills, the flexibility to manage changing and competing priorities, and a keen eye for detail?

We are currently recruiting for a Governance Consultant to join our SECAS Committee Support team. For more information please visit the recruitment page here.

SECAS Helpdesk

Please contact the SECAS Helpdesk with any questions and a member of the team will be happy to help.
Helpdesk hours are Monday-Friday 9-5pm (excluding bank holidays).