An updated version of the SEC came into effect on 27 January 2022 to implement MP191 ‘Extending CHTS v1.0 & v1.1 IVP and MVP end dates’.

MP191 extends the Installation Validity Period (IVP) and Maintenance Validity Period (MVP) end dates for Communications Hub Technical Specifications (CHTS) v1.0 by 12 months. These dates have been changed to 31 January 2023 and 28 February 2023 respectively. For CHTS v1.1 the IVP and MVP end dates have been extended by two years to 30 April 2024 and 31 May 2024 respectively.

What parts of the SEC were affected?

The following parts of the SEC were affected:

• SEC Schedule 11 ‘TS Applicability Tables’

Where can I access the redlining?

The redlined changes can be found on CodeWorks via the links below:

• Getting access to CodeWorks
• Already registered? Log in here at codeworks.energy

Our Document Log lists the versions of each SEC document now in effect following this release.

You can download the individual SEC documents from the SEC and Supporting Documents section of our website or via CodeWorks.

Where can I find further information?

Further information can be found on the MP191 page of our website. If you have any questions, you can call the SECAS Helpdesk at 020 7090 7755 or email sec.change@gemserv.com.

On 16 November 2021, the Authority decided to approve MP185 ‘Additional controls to support the SoLR process’. An updated version of the SEC came into effect on 17 November 2021 to implement MP185.

The Authority Decision letter can be found on the MP185 page of our website.

In a Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) event, MP185 allows the Smart Metering Key Infrastructure (SMKI) Policy Management Authority (PMA) the authority to delay, where appropriate, the transfer of the Market Participant Identifiers (MPIDs) of the failed Supplier to the SoLR. The transfer of the MPIDs to the SoLR would need to be agreed with the SMKI PMA and the Data Communications Company (DCC) by the SoLR once they have an agreed set of information.

What parts of the SEC were affected?

The following parts of the SEC were affected:

• SEC Section A ‘Definitions and Interpretation’
• SEC Section B ‘Accession’
• SEC Section L ‘Smart Metering Key Infrastructure and DCC Key Infrastructure’

Where can I access the redlining?

The redlined changes can be found on CodeWorks via the links below:

• Getting access to CodeWorks
• Already registered? Log in here at codeworks.energy

Our Document Log lists the versions of each SEC document now in effect following this release.

You can download the individual SEC documents from the SEC and Supporting Documents section of our website or via CodeWorks.

Where can I find further information?

Further information can be found on the MP185 page of our website. If you have any questions, you can call the SECAS Helpdesk at 020 7090 7755 or email sec.change@gemserv.com.

An updated version of the SEC came into effect on 11 November 2021 to implement MP128B ‘Incorrect Gas Network Operator Certificates’.

MP128B has amended the Post Commissioning obligations so that Suppliers can leave the Access Control Broker (ACB) Certificate in the Gas Network Operator (GNO) slot of a Gas Proxy Function (GPF) if there is no unrevoked GNO Certificate available in the Smart Metering Key Infrastructure (SMKI) Repository. It is now also optional instead of mandatory for GNOs to become Subscribers for SMKI Organisation Certificates.

What parts of the SEC were affected?

The following parts of the SEC were affected:

• SEC Section B ‘Accession’
• SEC Appendix AC ‘Inventory, Enrolment and Decommissioning Procedures’

Where can I access the redlining?

The redlined changes can be found on CodeWorks via the links below:

• Getting access to CodeWorks
• Already registered? Log in here at codeworks.energy

Our Document Log lists the versions of each SEC document now in effect following this release.

You can download the individual SEC documents from the SEC and Supporting Documents section of our website or via CodeWorks.

Where can I find further information?

Further information can be found on the MP128B page of our website. If you have any questions, you can call the SECAS Helpdesk at 020 7090 7755 or email sec.change@gemserv.com.

An updated version of the SEC came into effect on 1 September 2021 to implement MP161 ‘Significant Code Review – Retail Code Consolidation’.

This is an Authority-Led Variation raised as part of the Significant Code Review (SCR) for Retail Code Consolidation.

This modification amends a number of refences to other Energy Codes alongside the SCR to ensure consistency between all the impacted Codes.

Additionally, it will introduce a new framework for progressing cross-Code modifications. The amendments will require the SEC Panel to nominate representatives to a new Cross Code Steering Group who will help coordinate and progress cross-Code issues. It also sets out the concept of Lead Codes and Consequential Changes and allows the Panel to appeal decisions on such changes to the Authority where appropriate. The intent is to ensure better coordination of cross-Code issues and the progression of related changes as a suite rather than piecemeal and staggered change.

What parts of the SEC were affected?

The following part of the SEC was affected:

• Section A ‘Definitions and Interpretation’
• Section B ‘Accession’
• Section D ‘Modification Process’
• Section E ‘Registration Data’
• Section K ‘Charging Methodology’
• Schedule 5 ‘Accession Information’
• Appendix X ‘Registration Data Interface Specification’
• Appendix Y ‘Registration Data Interface Code of Connection’

Where can I access the redlining?

The redlined changes to this Schedule can be found on CodeWorks via the links below:

• Getting access to CodeWorks
• Already registered? Log in here at codeworks.energy

Our Document Log lists the versions of each SEC document now in effect following this release.

You can download the individual SEC documents from the SEC and Supporting Documents section of our website or via CodeWorks.

Where can I find further information?

Further information can be found on the MP161 page of our website. If you have any questions, you can call the SECAS Helpdesk at 020 7090 7755 or email sec.change@gemserv.com.

We have provided further details of the implementation approach for SECMP0007 ‘Firmware Updates to IHDs and PPMIDs’, and what it will mean for you being able to fully utilise the solution following the November 2021 SEC Release.

The SEC documentation changes and Data Services Provider (DSP) elements will be implemented on 4 November 2021 (November 2021 SEC Release). The DCC and SECAS propose that the Communication Services Provider (CSP) system changes be delivered in the June 2022 SEC Release with the subsequent Communications Hub firmware updates being rolled out as soon as they are available. SECAS and the DCC consulted on this approach with the industry before the SEC Panel agreed it on 16 April 2021.

Please note that Prepayment Meter Interface Devices (PPMIDs) and Home Area Network (HAN) Connected Auxiliary Load Control Switches (HCALCSs) can only be updated over-the-air (OTA) once the associated Communications Hub has its firmware updated to reflect the SECMP0007 solution.

We have provided further details below on what benefits Parties will receive from each date:

November 2021 SEC Release

The main benefit implemented here will be the added DSP Device level firmware tracking. Currently, once firmware updates pass DSP validation, Service Users have no knowledge of where their updates are in between the DSP and Communications Hubs. Effectively this means that there can be a multiday waiting period with no further updates for Users between having their Service Request accepted by the DCC and the target device responding to confirm that the firmware update has been successfully received or rejected.

From the November 2021 SEC Release, Service Users will receive new DCC Alerts (N60 and N61) to confirm that their Electricity Smart Metering Equipment (ESME) and Gas Smart Metering Equipment (GSME) firmware updates have either been successfully delivered or failed to be delivered to the associated Communications Hub. This will give Service Users more visibility over the progress of their firmware updates and allow them to identify and mitigate issues more quickly. This same tracking will apply to PPMIDs and HCALCSs once the necessary CSP system changes and Communications Hub firmware updates have been implemented from June 2022.

Also, a new screen will be added to the Self-Service Interface (SSI) for “Firmware Distribution Tracking”, providing Users with a view of the Processing Status of each Update Firmware request within a recent time period.

PPMID and HCALCS OTA functionality

PPMIDs and HCALCSs will be over-the-air (OTA) updateable once the associated Communications Hubs have received their firmware updates. The DCC will work with its Service Providers and Users to plan the Communications Hub firmware release and deliver these as soon as they become available. The DCC is putting together a roadmap of how this release will be rolled out. Once this is available, we will publish it on this page.

Where can I find further information?

Further information on the solution itself and the legal text changes can be found on the SECMP0007 page of our website. If you have any questions, you can call the SECAS Helpdesk at 020 7090 7755 or email sec.change@gemserv.com.

An updated version of the SEC came into effect on 25 January 2021 to implement MP111 ‘SMDA Budget Amendments’.

MP111 ‘SMDA Budget Amendments’

MP111 will bring the Smart Meter Device Assurance (SMDA) Scheme under SEC governance and funding. The SMDA Co Board will become a SEC Panel Sub-Committee (SMDASC) and the SMDA Management Panel will become a Sub-Group of the SMDA Sub-Committee.

The fixed costs of running the SMDA Scheme will be funded via the SEC Panel budget. The SEC Panel will oversee the SMDASC and the Smart Energy Code Company (SECCo) will become responsible for contracting with the Test House(s). This will bring the essential task of assuring interchangeability and interoperability under the SEC where long-term funding can be ensured.

What parts of the SEC were affected?

The following part of the SEC was affected:

• SEC Section A ‘Definitions and Interpretation’
• Section F ‘Smart Metering System Requirements’

Where can I access the redlining?

The redlined changes to this Schedule can be found on CodeWorks via the links below:

• Getting access to CodeWorks
• Already registered? Log in here at codeworks.energy

Our Document Log lists the versions of each SEC document now in effect following this release.

You can download the individual SEC documents from the SEC and Supporting Documents section of our website or via CodeWorks.

Where can I find further information?

Further information can be found on the MP111 page of our website. If you have any questions, you can call the SECAS Helpdesk at 020 7090 7755 or email sec.change@gemserv.com.

An updated version of the SEC came into effect on 21 January 2021 to implement MP139 ‘MVP and IVP dates for CHTS’.

MP139 extends Communications Hub Technical Specification (CHTS) v1.0 and v1.1 end dates in the Technical Specifical Applicability Tables (TSAT) by 12 months. This will allow Suppliers more time to install or upgrade their currently held stocks of Communications Hubs.

What parts of the SEC were affected?

The following part of the SEC was affected:

• SEC Schedule 11 ‘TS Applicability Tables’

Where can I access the redlining?

The redlined changes to this Schedule can be found on CodeWorks via the links below:

• Getting access to CodeWorks
• Already registered? Log in here at codeworks.energy

Our Document Log lists the versions of each SEC document now in effect following this release.

You can download the individual SEC documents from the SEC and Supporting Documents section of our website or via CodeWorks.

Where can I find further information?

Further information can be found on the MP139 page of our website. If you have any questions, you can call the SECAS Helpdesk at 020 7090 7755 or email sec.change@gemserv.com.

SEC version 6.23 came into effect on 20 January 2020 to implement MP089 ‘Changes to Appendix R ‘Common Testing Scenarios Document’’ as an ad-hoc SEC Release.

What parts of the SEC were affected?

The following part of the SEC was affected:

• Appendix R ‘Common Testing Scenarios Document’

The redlined changes to this document can be downloaded here.

You can download a zip folder containing SEC v6.23 here, or download the individual sections of the SEC from the SEC and Guidance Documents page of our website.

Where can I find further information?

Further information can be found on the MP089 page of our website. If you have any questions, you can call us via our helpdesk on 020 7090 7755 or email sec.change@gemserv.com.

SEC version 6.15 came into effect on 27 June 2019 to implement SECMP0058 ‘Changes to the governance of the Self-Service Interface’ as part of the June 2019 SEC Release.

The sections of the SEC affected were:

• Section A ‘Definitions and interpretations’
• Section H ‘DCC Services’
• Appendix I ‘CH Installation and Maintenance Support’
• Appendix T ‘DCCKI Interface Design Specification’
• Appendix W ‘DCCKI Registration Authority Policies and Procedures’
• Appendix AA ‘Threshold Anomaly Detection Procedures’
• Appendix AH ‘Self Service Interface Design Specification’
• Appendix AI ‘Self Service Interface Code of Connection’

Where can I find further information?

• You can download a zip folder containing SEC v6.15 here, or download the individual sections of the SEC from the SEC and Guidance Documents page of our website;
• The redlined changes to these documents can be downloaded here; and
• SSI Change Governance Process can be found here.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the changes to the SEC further, please contact the SEC Change Team on 020 7090 7755 or email sec.change@gemserv.com.

We have issued SECMP0034 ‘Changes to the SEC Section D for DCC analysis provisions’ and SECMP0045 ‘Incorporation of the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations’ forModification Report Consultation, (MRC), which you are invited to respond to by 5pm on Friday 9^th March 2018.

• SECMP0034 Modification Report Consultation
• SECMP0045 Modification Report Consultation

Who will be impacted?

SECMP0034 will impact the Data Communication Company (DCC). It will not have an impact on any other SEC Parties or on any systems.

SECMP0045 will not have an impact on any SEC Parties or systems.

What are the proposed solutions?

SECMP0034 seeks to recognise the DCC’s Preliminary Assessment and Impact Assessment processes, the timescales for these and associated reporting to the Panel within the SEC.

SECMP0045 proposes to introduce the necessary changes required to the SEC to implement the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

How are these Modification Proposals being progressed?

The SEC Panel considered these Modification Proposals on 9^th February 2018 and agreed that:

• SECMP0034 should be progressed as a Path 3: Self-Governance modification;
• SECMP0045 should be progressed as a Path 2: Authority Determined modification; and
• both modifications should be issued for MRC.

How can I respond?

We invite you to respond to these MRCs by completing the response form attached to each consultation, indicating whether you believe these modifications should be approved or rejected.

If you do not wish to register an opinion on the outcome of a modification, then please indicate ‘no interest’. If you are abstaining for reasons other than no impact on your organisation, then please indicate ‘abstain’ in the consultation response form.

When providing your views, please provide supporting rationale, making reference to the relevant SEC Objectives.

Please send your responses to SEC.Change@gemserv.com using the attached consultation response forms by 5pm on Friday 9^th March 2018.

Please note that this is your final opportunity to comment on these modifications prior to the Change Board Vote, which will take place on 21^st March 2018.

Where can I find further information?

Further information can be found on the SECMP0034 and SECMP0045 pages of our website. If you have any questions or would like to discuss these modifications further, please contact Talia Addy on 020 7090 1010 or email SEC.Change@gemserv.com.