Creating a Meter Operator Agent and MOCoP Installer
Summary
This Change Proposal seeks to clarify the obligations of each type of metering provider by reintroducing the distinction between Meter Operator Agents and MOCOPA Meter Installers which was removed by Retail Code Consolidation. At Retail Code Consolidation these organisations were merged into a new category, Metering Equipment Managers, which also included gas metering providers. Whilst both types of organisation can provide metering services, not all MEM obligations in the REC apply to both organisations.
Latest update and next planned activity
Date of latest update
Latest Update
28/06/2024 - Change implemented as part of the June 2024 REC Release
Impacts Overview
Impacted Consumers
Electricity
Impacted REC Documents
Schedule 1 - Interpretations and Definitions
Schedule 14 - Metering Operations
Other Industry Codes impacted
Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC)
Priority and rationale
Standard
Priority last updated on 29 May 2026
Solution development
Problem Statement
The REC currently groups all electricity metering providers within the MEM category. Previously, under the Master Registration Agreement (MRA) they were either classified as Meter Operator Agent or MOCOPA Meter Installers. Not all MEM obligations in the REC are intended to apply to both types of organisations. This can result in ambiguity on the obligations set out in the REC that need to be met by the different types of electricity MEM, not being able to target information to REC Parties appropriately and MEMs not being clear on their new entrant or Maintenance of Qualification obligations.
Proposed solution summary
- As an electricity MEM, I want to be clear on the obligations I need to meet, based on the type of metering activity I complete. I want to meet my obligations efficiently and effectively and without the need to seek additional input/advice from the Code Manager.
- As the Code Manager, I want to be able to differentiate between electricity MEMs based on the type of activity they are responsible for and their interaction with central systems, so that I can engage appropriately. I need to be clear on the obligations that each MEM should be meeting and the performance reporting that should be provided.
No documents available.
Change Plan
Solution analysis and development
Completed
Start:
22 Aug 2022Due:
14 Jul 2023Completion:
13 Jul 2023Service Impact assessment commenced
Completed
Start:
14 Jul 2023Due:
14 Jul 2023Completion:
14 Jul 2023Impact Assessment Period Ended
Completed
Start:
09 Oct 2023Due:
03 Nov 2023Completion:
03 Nov 2023Preliminary Change Report issued
Completed
Start:
03 Nov 2023Due:
24 Nov 2023Completion:
24 Nov 2023Consultation issued
Completed
Start:
24 Nov 2023Due:
07 Dec 2023Completion:
07 Dec 2023Final Change report issued
Completed
Start:
07 Dec 2023Due:
26 Jan 2024Completion:
26 Jan 2024REC Change Panel decision
Completed
Start:
26 Jan 2024Due:
06 Feb 2024Completion:
06 Feb 2024Appeal Window closed
Completed
Start:
06 Feb 2024Due:
20 Feb 2024Completion:
20 Feb 2024Draft Legal Text Changes (Including Legal Review)
Completed
Start:
11 Aug 2023Due:
15 Sep 2023Completion:
15 Sep 2023Service Provider Impact Assessment Completed
Completed
Start:
14 Jul 2023Due:
11 Aug 2023Completion:
11 Aug 2023Impact Assessment Period Started
Completed
Start:
15 Sep 2023Due:
09 Oct 2023Completion:
06 Oct 2023Original submission
Change details
Ann Perry - -
22 Aug 2022
Change details
Creating a Meter Operator Agent and MOCoP Installer
Prior to Retail Code Consolidation, electricity metering providers were either classified as Meter Operator Agent or MOCOPA Meter Installers.
At Retail Code Consolidation these organisations were merged into a new category, Metering Equipment Managers, which also included gas metering providers.
Whilst both types of organisation can provide metering services, not all MEM obligations in the REC apply to both organisations.
This Change Proposal seeks to clarify the obligations of each type of metering provider by reintroducing this distinction.
At Retail Code Consolidation these organisations were merged into a new category, Metering Equipment Managers, which also included gas metering providers.
Whilst both types of organisation can provide metering services, not all MEM obligations in the REC apply to both organisations.
This Change Proposal seeks to clarify the obligations of each type of metering provider by reintroducing this distinction.
The merger of these types of metering entities means that:
1. All organisations have the same Maintenance of Qualification obligations, even though the nature of how they interact with central systems is very different.
2. Obligations within the Metering Operations Schedule do not make it clear which organisations are expected to comply with them, and for which it is irrelevant.
3. Guidance to new entrants is harder for users to follow as the distinction between MEMs that do and do not provide flows is more complex than if processes were split out by rows.
4. It is more complex targeting Parties with the relevant information as they are currently not separately identified, for example in the Party Register.
5. Not distinguishing between these organisation types could have an impact on the Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement Programme.
6. Several MEMs are not appropriately submitting performance data, or are required to provide nil returns when clarifying requirements could mean that they are no longer required to provide data.
1. All organisations have the same Maintenance of Qualification obligations, even though the nature of how they interact with central systems is very different.
2. Obligations within the Metering Operations Schedule do not make it clear which organisations are expected to comply with them, and for which it is irrelevant.
3. Guidance to new entrants is harder for users to follow as the distinction between MEMs that do and do not provide flows is more complex than if processes were split out by rows.
4. It is more complex targeting Parties with the relevant information as they are currently not separately identified, for example in the Party Register.
5. Not distinguishing between these organisation types could have an impact on the Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement Programme.
6. Several MEMs are not appropriately submitting performance data, or are required to provide nil returns when clarifying requirements could mean that they are no longer required to provide data.
To provide clarity on the obligations of different types of MEMs.
To do this we propose the make the following updates:
• Interpretations Schedule – define two new categories of MEM, for which we suggest the terms Meter Operator Agent and a MOCoP Installer (to become CoMCoP Installer after the metering Code of Practice consolidation is completed)
• Qualification Schedule – clarify the requirements on Meter Operator Agents to complete internal testing and, where relevant external testing, but exclude MOCoP Installers from these requirements.
• Metering Operations Schedule – clarify that the requirements relating to sending flows for electricity metering activities only apply to Meter Operator Agents
To update the following Category 3 Documents to be consistent with this terminology:
• Retail Risk Register
• Performance Assurance Report Catalogue
• REC Entry Assessment Forms
• Entry Assessment Information Pack
• REC Service User Categorisation
• REC and BSC Joint Storyboards
• Electricity Enquiry Service User Guide - MEM and Supplier Agent
And make consequential changes to the REC Portal, such as changing market entry forms and updates to the Party Register.
To do this we propose the make the following updates:
• Interpretations Schedule – define two new categories of MEM, for which we suggest the terms Meter Operator Agent and a MOCoP Installer (to become CoMCoP Installer after the metering Code of Practice consolidation is completed)
• Qualification Schedule – clarify the requirements on Meter Operator Agents to complete internal testing and, where relevant external testing, but exclude MOCoP Installers from these requirements.
• Metering Operations Schedule – clarify that the requirements relating to sending flows for electricity metering activities only apply to Meter Operator Agents
To update the following Category 3 Documents to be consistent with this terminology:
• Retail Risk Register
• Performance Assurance Report Catalogue
• REC Entry Assessment Forms
• Entry Assessment Information Pack
• REC Service User Categorisation
• REC and BSC Joint Storyboards
• Electricity Enquiry Service User Guide - MEM and Supplier Agent
And make consequential changes to the REC Portal, such as changing market entry forms and updates to the Party Register.
-
Impacts
Electricity
Other (please provide details in Additional information box below)
This will simplify metering obligations, which affect metering services relevant to all electricity meters.
Schedule 1 - Interpretations and Definitions, Schedule 9 - Qualification and Maintenance, Schedule 14 - Metering Operations
-
No details provided
-
No details provided
-
No details provided
-
No details provided
-
No details provided
-
No details provided
-
Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC)
This change may not have a consequential impact on the BSC, however it may impact the Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement Programme, as Metering Operator Providers are relevant to the programme, but MOCoP installers are not.
Yes
No details provided
Priority & timing
No
On the basis that this is a REC Change that may impact the Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement programme.
-
-
No details provided
-
Activity
Proposed solution summary changed to As an electricity MEM, I want to be clear on the obligations I need to meet, based on the type of metering activity I complete. I want to meet my obligations efficiently and effectively and without the need to se…
Proposed solution summary changed to As an electricity MEM, I want to be clear on the obligations I need to meet, based on the type of metering activity I complete. I want to meet my obligations efficiently and effectively and without the need to seek additional input/advice from the Code Manager.As the Code Manager, I want to be able to differentiate between electricity MEMs based on the type of activity they are responsible for and their interaction with central systems, so that I can engage appropriately. I need to be clear on the obligations that each MEM should be meeting and the performance reporting that should be provided..
Show moreImplementation Date has been updated to 28 Jun 2024.
rosalind.timperley has been allocated as SME.