What are the top challenges you face in operating your business?
Enrolment of SMETS1 devices into the DCC will begin on 28th May 2019. Time is running out to make sure your business is ready.
There are more than 12.5 million SMETS1 devices in operation in the GB energy market, and over 500,000 SMETS2 devices installed and commissioned.
The migration of SMETS1 devices into the DCC ecosystem presents a significant challenge to the sector. Successfully migrating SMETS1 meters to the DCC is essential for public confidence in, and the overall success of, the Smart Metering Programme.
Suppliers are required to be ready to operate any SMETS1 meters in their customer portfolio within days of them being migrated and commissioned to DCC. This will include being a DCC user, sending Service Requests to DCC using DUIS version 3 and applying correct DNO certificates within 7 days of migration:
SMETS1 devices will be migrated in tranches aligned with three DCC capability releases:
- Initial Operating Capability (IOC) which includes Itron, Aclara and Elster Honeywell (TEF) Device Model Combinations (DMCs)
- Middle Operating Capability (MOC) which will support Secure and Elster Honeywell (Vodafone) DMCs
- Final Operating Capability (FOC) which will support Landis & Gyr DMCs
Each Capability Release will establish a new SMETS1 Service Provider (S1SP) within the DCC. During the migration, dormant devices will be reactivated, and all devices reconfigured to meet the prerequisites of the SMETS1 Supporting Requirements (S1SR) SEC Document. This may include an Over The Air (OTA) change of firmware where required.
Suppliers will be required to operate as Smart any DCC-enrolled SMETS1 device installed at their customers’ premises, regardless of whether it was installed by the current supplier or a previous supplier.
Ofgem has made clear the importance it places on operating enrolled SMETS1 devices as Smart. In a recent enforcement action, Ofgem said that failure to operate SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters enrolled into DCC “may risk causing detriment to consumers” and therefore warrants firm enforcement action.
To prepare for enrolment suppliers should:
- Establish an estimate of the number of SMETS1 meters in their portfolio
- Understand the fault resolution processes for enrolled SMETS1 devices
- Have an operational plan for delivering customer service for all the SMETS1 meter types
And must:
- Ensure they are DCC Users
- Have completed their CIO Audit and received user status from the SEC panel
- Have sent a Service Request via DUIS 3
- Have sourced the correct DNO Certificates
- Have processes to place DNO certificates onto SMETS1 meters in the supplier’s portfolio. Certificates must be placed on the meter within 7 days of the meter being commissioned to the DCC
- Have processes in place to contact the customer post successful enrolment, to advise of Smart benefits and gather their data collection preferences
- Have a process for replacement of meters that were unsuccessful in enrolment before the end of 2020
We are experts in the GB Smart Metering Programme and have helped numerous suppliers develop and deliver smart metering strategies and have advised on the technical and operational changes needed to make Smart Metering deployment a success.
We are experts in the electricity and gas energy market arrangements and can help ensure that your Smart Metering Programme, including SMETS1 enrolment, is on track for success. Our clients trust us to deliver and value our flexible, collaborative and benefits driven approach.
Related posts
