Change to Location (A0059) data item within the ONAGE APPT file to MAMs, from ‘Optional’ to ‘Mandatory’
Summary
Currently, the location (A0059) data item within the ONAGE APPT file from Suppliers to MAMs is Optional, this allows a Supplier to leave this field blank. Currently SGNCS system functionality is designed to reject the file if this field is blank. This is due to SGNCS requiring to hold the location of the meter installation in order to allow us to deliver on our safety obligations as a MAM in maintaining of an asset.
Latest update and next planned activity
Date of latest update
Latest Update
24/07/2026 - Issue accepted in by Code Manager
Impacts Overview
Impacted REC Documents
Schedule 6 - Performance Assurance
Schedule 14 - Metering Operations
Priority and rationale
Standard
Priority last updated on 17 Sep 2026
Solution development
No documents available.
There is currently no Change Plan.
Original submission
Change details
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24 Jul 2026
Change details
Change to Location (A0059) data item within the ONAGE APPT file to MAMs, from ‘Optional’ to ‘Mandatory’
Currently, the location (A0059) data item within the ONAGE APPT file from Suppliers to MAMs is Optional, this allows a Supplier to leave this field blank. Currently SGNCS system functionality is designed to reject the file if this field is blank. This is due to SGNCS requiring to hold the location of the meter installation in order to allow us to deliver on our safety obligations as a MAM in maintaining of an asset.
Most Suppliers send ONAGE APPT files that always have the location code data item populated, including when it is unknown (unknown code = ‘00’ in the current MDD). However, one Supplier has moved to a new system which is designed to leave this field blank if unknown. This now impacts SGNCS and as a result we are currently rejecting these files, as a mandatory field for us since company go live in 2007 and this leaving the sites MAMless.
The sites currently have SGNCS assets installed, which we require MAM appointment for. Therefore, these assets are not currently included within our maintenance schedule for planned replacement work for low pressure installations but more importantly five yearly inspections for medium pressure installations are not being conducted, a breach of IGEM/TD/13 . Naturally we are concerned with our safety/MAM requirements and where requested demonstrating this to the HSE.
The sites currently have SGNCS assets installed, which we require MAM appointment for. Therefore, these assets are not currently included within our maintenance schedule for planned replacement work for low pressure installations but more importantly five yearly inspections for medium pressure installations are not being conducted, a breach of IGEM/TD/13 . Naturally we are concerned with our safety/MAM requirements and where requested demonstrating this to the HSE.
Our proposal for your consideration, is to make the Location field (A0059) within the ONAGE APPT mandatory. There is no reason why the field should be left blank.
If the location is unknown, the correct code should be used (currently ‘00’), which exists within the Meter Product General table under MDD.
If the location is unknown, the correct code should be used (currently ‘00’), which exists within the Meter Product General table under MDD.
We believe the Supplier having the option not to provide the location code does not comply with section 6 of Schedule 22, clauses below -
6.3 Where the GT, MAM or Supplier is the owner of a Data Item, it is responsible for ensuring it holds valid and accurate information in relation to that Data Item. To the extent it becomes aware that information in relation to that Data Item is invalid or inaccurate, it shall send valid and accurate information to other parties as provided for in the RGMA Baseline Processes as soon as reasonably practicable.
6.4 Where the GT, MAM or Supplier is made aware of valid changes to information relating to Data Items for which it is not the owner, it shall update its records accordingly and send this updated information to other parties as provided for in the RGMA Baseline Processes as soon as reasonably practicable.
6.5 In the event the GT, MAM or Supplier has reasonable grounds for assuming the information referred to in Section 6.4 to be inaccurate, it shall notify the owner of this.
The Supplier would always hold either a known or unknown location and therefore this should be output on the ONAGE APPT file.
6.3 Where the GT, MAM or Supplier is the owner of a Data Item, it is responsible for ensuring it holds valid and accurate information in relation to that Data Item. To the extent it becomes aware that information in relation to that Data Item is invalid or inaccurate, it shall send valid and accurate information to other parties as provided for in the RGMA Baseline Processes as soon as reasonably practicable.
6.4 Where the GT, MAM or Supplier is made aware of valid changes to information relating to Data Items for which it is not the owner, it shall update its records accordingly and send this updated information to other parties as provided for in the RGMA Baseline Processes as soon as reasonably practicable.
6.5 In the event the GT, MAM or Supplier has reasonable grounds for assuming the information referred to in Section 6.4 to be inaccurate, it shall notify the owner of this.
The Supplier would always hold either a known or unknown location and therefore this should be output on the ONAGE APPT file.
Impacts
No details provided
Safety
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Schedule 6 - Performance Assurance, Schedule 14 - Metering Operations
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Consolidated Metering Code of Practice (CoMCoP)
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Gas Enquiry Service (GES) Service Definition
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Standards Definition
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Priority & timing
No
Due to the urgency & importance of MAM appointments adding sites to the maintenance schedule.
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No details provided
Safety