Hi Rebecca, tell us about your role as Delivery Manager for our Metering Services?
I’ve been in the role for around seven months, and it’s been both a rewarding and dynamic experience. As the Delivery Manager for Metering Services within our Operations team, I oversee the governance and delivery of Metering Services under the Retail Energy Code (REC).
That includes working closely with our REC Service Providers to ensure metering activities are accurate, compliant, and evolving in line with retail energy sector needs. My role specifically focuses on driving improvements that make a real difference to energy consumers and the wider market.
What are Metering Services at RECCo?
As part of our role in managing the REC, we’re responsible for maintaining and improving key REC Services that underpin the retail energy market—including metering. All licenced suppliers, gas transporters, electricity distribution network operators, metering operators, and the Data Communications Company (DCC) must comply with the REC.
As part of this, RECCo plays a central role in overseeing and improving Metering Services across the sector. We ensure that metering data is dependable, consistent, and shared effectively—underpinning everything from invoicing to switching. Our work involves supporting the integration of new metering technologies, upholding compliance with the REC, and aligning with broader market developments to ensure the system stays fit for purpose.
Our current focuses are the Metering Services: Audit and Metering Services: Improvements. Together, these key services empower us to monitor performance, promote compliance, and drive enhancements across the metering landscape.
Tell us more about the Metering Services: Audit?
Our Metering Services: Audit plays a key role in ensuring consumer and REC Party safety by reinforcing a consistent approach, building trust in household metering equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. It forms part of the essential performance assurance we undertake. In April 2023, we introduced the Consolidated Metering Code of Practice (CoMCoP) to the REC, combining these four previously separate codes into one streamlined framework.
- Gas Metering Codes of Practice (MCoP)
- Meter Operator Code of Practice (MOCoP)
- Automated Meter Reading Service Providers Code of Practice for Gas Meter (ASPCoP)
- Smart Meter Installation Schedule (formally SMICoP, now REC Schedule 16)
At the same time, we appointed Wilcocks Consultants Ltd as the audit service provider for our Metering Services: Audit. Working in partnership, we assess whether metering standards are being upheld and identify opportunities for improvement across the retail energy market. It’s not just a tick-box exercise—we use the findings to collaborate with the REC Code Manager and stakeholders to improve the Performance Assurance Risk Catalogue and overall adherence to the REC. It’s about strengthening improvement through insight.
And what about the Metering Services: Improvements?
Our Metering Services: Improvements drive continuous improvement in delivering and supporting metering. Key focus areas include developing the REC Portal to provide clearer, more accessible resources for REC Parties—and facilitating cross-code reviews and developments to ensure consistency and reduce duplication across regulatory frameworks.
We’re also reviewing and improving essential Metering Codes, including:
- Consolidated Metering Code of Practice (CoMCoP)
- REC Schedule 14 – Metering Operations
- REC Schedule 15 – Metering Accreditation
Tariff Interoperability Project
Added to this, we’re contributing to recognised government initiatives related to metering, so our standards and practices align with wider national energy strategies. One example is our contribution to the Tariff Interoperability Project (TIP), led by DESNZ, which aims to simplify the UK energy market by standardising tariff data and enabling automation.
This will help consumers access better deals, reduce energy bills, and contribute towards the transition to a low-carbon future in Great Britain. The Tariff Interoperability Project is part of the government’s Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Programme—targeted for implementation in 2026.
What’s down the track for Metering Services at RECCo?
REC change proposals
We’re focusing on stronger collaboration with REC Service Providers, improving energy data reporting and insights, and ensuring the successful implementation of upcoming changes like REC change proposal R0152, which proposes updates to CoMCoP and is currently out for consultation.
Since implementing CoMCoP, several obligations in the code have proved difficult to meet in practice. The current consultation will clarify these obligations, remove duplication, and improve our Metering Services: Audit process through clearer validated questions. All changes will pass through the formal approval process before implementation.
REC Portal metering hub
Another improvement in the pipeline is enhancing the REC Portal’s Metering Hub. We’re looking to refresh its layout and add links to useful, metering-specific wiki articles to make it easier for users to find the information they need when they need it.
Accredited Meter Operator forums
We’re also stepping up our engagement with metering organisations to gain a clearer insight into their challenges and key priorities, including regular attendance at Accredited Meter Operator (AMO) forums.
Better metering for consumers
From a broader perspective, we’re striving to create a more agile, transparent, and consumer-focused metering environment that advances the retail energy market. After all, metering plays a fundamental role in the energy system. It might not always be visible, but it impacts everything from transparent billing to consumer confidence.
I’m proud to be leading this work and committed to driving progress. I look forward to sharing regular updates to keep everyone informed as our Metering Services continue to develop, and we reach new milestones!
Where can we find out more about RECCo’s Metering Services?
- Check out our Metering Services web page
- Visit the REC Portal metering hub for updated guidance, resources, and operational support
- For any other queries or feedback, contact communications@retailenergycode.co.uk
