Metering Code of Practice Consolidation Review
What is the Metering Code of Practice Consolidation Review?
RECCo is conducting a full review of the metering codes of practices under the REC, including the Gas Metering Code of Practice (MCoP), Meter Operation Code of Practice (MOCoP), Automated Meter Reader Service Provider Code of Practice (ASPCoP) and Smart Meter Installation Code of Practice (SMICoP).
REC Version 2.0 saw the transition of the metering codes of practice on an ‘as-is’ basis from the previous MRA and SPAA codes with the recommendation that these would be further consolidated into a single set of arrangements and delivered by a single scheme auditor.
Metering CoP Review Project explained
In this session watch our Business Analyst and Subject Matter Expert, Rob Short, explain what the Metering CoP Consolidation Review is all about.
To review the draft of new arrangements, please visit here – We welcome any feedback and comments. These can be submitted to Robert.short@retailenergycode.co.uk
https://youtu.be/atolKgWoW7Y
Objective and Scope of Review
The following Metering Codes of Practice are in scope of the review:
- Gas Metering Code of Practice (MCoP)
- Meter Operation Code of Practice (MOCoP)
- Automated Meter Reader Service Provider Code of Practice (ASPCoP)
- Smart Meter Installation Code of Practice (SMICoP)
The guiding principles of the review are to:
- Remove duplication
- Simplify the code
- Drive efficiency, both in the audit scheme and adherence to the CoP(s)
- Assess for validity and relevance to current environment, regarding potential impacts upon competition and innovation
- Facilitate accreditations being awarded with a single audit
- Remove barriers to entry
- Ensure code protects the needs of the energy consumers
Who is affected by the CoP Consolidation review?
As the review will be taking into consideration the REC Metering Codes of Practice, the Parties affected are Meter Equipment Managers (MEMs), Meter Installers (MIs), Suppliers and current Scheme auditors.
Workstreams
The project approach comprises 4 workstreams:
Regulatory
The first stage of the regulatory workstream has been to review the current metering codes of practice and audit process into a single set of arrangements that are streamlined to provide a better experience for market participants.
The drafting of the consolidated arrangements has been delivered with the guidance of the Metering Expert Panel. On the 12th July the MEP voted to approve the final draft of the consolidated metering CoP.
The second stage will be a REC Change Proposal (R0047) to reflect the consolidated set of arrangements. The CP will be issued to industry for impact assessment and the final change report is due to be published on the 4th November 2022 and a committee decision due on the 15th November 2022. If approved the code changes will be implemented in March 2023.
Procurement
In line with the consolidated set of metering arrangements, we will be seeking to procure a single service provider for the delivery of the new accreditation scheme. It is important to note that procurement activities are not a reflection of the performance of our current service providers.
Following the completion of its Metering Code of Practice Consolidation Project, the Retail Energy Code Company (‘RECCo’) is undertaking a procurement exercise for the provision of audit services to support the assurance arrangements included within the metering Codes of Practice under the Retail Energy Code (REC).
Find more details on ‘Procurement for the provision of Audit Services’ in the ‘Progress & Updates’ section further below.
Mobilisation
There will be a period of mobilisation starting January 2023, where the service provider will become familiar with the new set of arrangements, develop processes and prepare for the next audit cycle.
Stakeholder engagement
We will be engaging with the industry through a variety of different channels including the Metering Expert Panel, workshops, newsletter updates and consultations.
Progress and Updates
Consultation Period: Closed
The review of the existing REC metering codes of practice and the development of a consolidated set of drafting have been divided into two stages. The review period for stage 1 was completed on 21st June and for stage 2 on 30th June, with several valuable comments received from stakeholders. You can access the Stage 2 drafting in the REC portal.
Please email any comments directly to our project expert Rob Short at Robert.short@retailenergycode.co.uk.
Please find our response to the recent declaration of conflict of interest with the MEP Chair here.
Procurement for the Provision of Audit Services
As part of the first stage of RECCo’s procurement process for the provision of audit services for the consolidation metering codes of practice under the REC, we held a market engagement session with interested organisations. During this session we provided an overview of RECCo, the existing audit services across the metering codes of practices and high-level information on the requirements of the upcoming procurement.
If you were unable to join the session we are now holding one-to-one sessions with interested organisations so please get in contact with the procurement team at procurement@retailenergycode.co.uk to request a session.
The slides for the event are provided for more information and we will be sharing a collation of the event Q&A’s shortly.
How can I stay informed?
We will be making updates to this page as the project progresses, as well as providing monthly updates via the RECCo newsletter and the Metering Expert Panel area of the Portal.
Any additional feedback or questions can be emailed to the Project Lead, Aiyesha Andrade.
Events
Introductory Live Session
RECCo invited stakeholders and interested parties to attend a Metering CoP Consolidation Introductory session on the 7th June 2022, where we gave an overview of the project, the delivery timescales, and how the new metering arrangements are structured in order to maximise the review period.
Please find the presentation slide deck which was used on the day here and the recording of the session can be found here.
If you have any feedback or questions you can email the Project Lead, Aiyesha Andrade or the Project’s Subject Matter Expert, Robert Short.
REC Metering Audit Scheme Feedback
As part of our commitment to provide the highest quality audit services, and to help us understand how we are managing your expectations, we ask that you please complete this brief questionnaire regarding the current audit schemes.
https://youtu.be/OlT1-uaHZvU