Proposal to Enable Broader Use of Retail Energy Location (REL) Data for Non-Switching Applications
Summary
The problem being addressed is the current restriction within the Retail Energy Code (REC) that limits the use of Retail Energy Location (REL) data solely to switching purposes. This restriction prevents the full utilisation of REL data, which could be valuable for a broader range of operational, regulatory, and industry applications. Key Issues: - Currently, REL data, enriched with Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs), is available via the Electricity and Gas Enquiry Services. However, Schedule 29 (Address Management) of the REC restricts its use to switching purposes only, preventing its use in other important industry initiatives. - Various industry stakeholders, including REC and non-REC data requestors as well as Ofgem (the regulator), have expressed a strong interest in utilising REL data for non-switching purposes. The restriction is seen as a limitation, especially for initiatives that require accurate property data to support wider operational and regulatory functions. - By restricting the use of REL data to switching, stakeholders are unable to fully leverage it for improving operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and overall service delivery. Lifting this restriction would enable the wider use of REL data, allowing stakeholders to benefit from its full potential across various non-switching applications.
Latest update and next planned activity
Date of latest update
Latest Update
04/08/2026 - On 04 August 2026, the REC Change Panel approved the extension to plan for I0218. Service Provider Impact Assessments are in progress.
Impacts Overview
Impacted Consumers
Electricity
Gas
Impacted REC Documents
Schedule 29 - Address Management
Impacted REC Services
Electricity Enquiry Service (EES)
Gas Enquiry Service (GES)
Priority and rationale
Standard
Priority last updated on 29 May 2026
Solution development
Problem Statement
Retail Energy Location (REL) data currently is not permitted for uses such as improving customer service and streamlining internal processes. This means that stakeholders, such as Ofgem and data requestors, have been unable to benefit from this data and Consumers are therefore unable to benefit from the full potential use of their data.
Proposed solution summary
- RECCo would acquire a AddressBase Core license from Ordinance Survey and the REC would be updated to allow parties to take full advantage of this data. In order for parties to use the REL data, they would need to acquire an AddressBase Premium license from Ordinance Survey or other relevant license.
No documents available.
Change Plan
Proposal plan approved at Change Panel
Completed
Start:
Due:
Completion:
21 Jan 2025Extension to Proposal Plan approved by REC Change Panel
Completed
Start:
Due:
Completion:
06 May 2025Original submission
Change details
Andres Alvarez - RECCo
21 Oct 2024
Change details
Proposal to Enable Broader Use of Retail Energy Location (REL) Data for Non-Switching Applications
The problem being addressed is the current restriction within the Retail Energy Code (REC) that limits the use of Retail Energy Location (REL) data solely to switching purposes. This restriction prevents the full utilisation of REL data, which could be valuable for a broader range of operational, regulatory, and industry applications. Key Issues: - Currently, REL data, enriched with Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs), is available via the Electricity and Gas Enquiry Services. However, Schedule 29 (Address Management) of the REC restricts its use to switching purposes only, preventing its use in other important industry initiatives. - Various industry stakeholders, including REC and non-REC data requestors as well as Ofgem (the regulator), have expressed a strong interest in utilising REL data for non-switching purposes. The restriction is seen as a limitation, especially for initiatives that require accurate property data to support wider operational and regulatory functions. - By restricting the use of REL data to switching, stakeholders are unable to fully leverage it for improving operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and overall service delivery. Lifting this restriction would enable the wider use of REL data, allowing stakeholders to benefit from its full potential across various non-switching applications.
The restriction on the use of Retail Energy Location (REL) data for switching purposes only is having several impacts on the energy industry: - By restricting REL data to switching purposes, stakeholders are unable to use it for broader operational tasks, such as improving customer service, streamlining internal processes, and enhancing system management. This limits opportunities to increase operational efficiency across the sector. - Regulatory bodies, such as Ofgem, are unable to fully leverage REL data to meet compliance and reporting requirements in areas beyond switching. This makes it more difficult to ensure industry-wide regulatory alignment and hinders data-driven decision-making. - Stakeholders who could benefit from using REL data for innovative applications, such as smart energy initiatives, energy efficiency projects, or customer segmentation, are constrained. This limits the development of new services and solutions that could benefit both businesses and consumers.
An effective solution to address the current limitations on the use of Retail Energy Location (REL) data would involve removing the restriction that confines its use solely to switching purposes. This would require a change to the relevant sections of the Retail Energy Code (REC) and related documentation. The key elements of the proposed solution are: - Modify Schedule 29 to remove the restriction that limits the use of REL data to switching purposes. This change would allow REL data to be used for broader operational, regulatory, and industry initiatives, aligning with stakeholder needs. - Ensure the REC is updated to clarify the licensing obligations for users wishing to access REL data for non-switching purposes. This would ensure transparency and compliance with intellectual property (IP) rights, such as Ordnance Survey’s requirements. - The Service Definition Documents for the Electricity Enquiry Service (EES) and Gas Enquiry Service (GES) should be updated to reflect the removal of the switching-only restriction. This would allow these services to process and provide REL data for a wider range of purposes. - Acquire a Single AddressBase Core Licence for RECCo. RECCo would acquire an AddressBase Core licence from Ordnance Survey, as agreed, to cover both the EES and GES services and their associated Service Providers. This would centralise the licensing obligations under one agreement, ensuring Service Providers (e.g., C&C Group, Xoserve, Correla, etc.) are covered without needing individual licences. - Involve industry, this will ensure the amendment meets the needs of all interested parties and addresses any concerns. - Post-consultation, update REC documentation to specify that users wishing to utilise REL data for non-switching purposes must hold the relevant AddressBase Premium licence or be part of the Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA). This would ensure compliance with IP licensing rules while allowing wider data usage. - Since the use of REL data is governed by the REC, there should be no need to implement new mechanisms to verify user compliance with AddressBase licensing. Existing governance processes would suffice to ensure that users meet licensing obligations for non-switching purposes.
- REL data refers to location-specific information that helps identify energy consumption points linked to a specific property. This data is crucial for efficient energy management, customer service, and regulatory compliance. - Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN): REL data is often conformed using UPRNs, which are unique identifiers assigned to every address in the UK, facilitating precise location tracking and data management. - The limitation hampers stakeholders' ability to leverage REL data for other critical functions, such as customer analytics, regulatory reporting, and operational efficiencies. - The restriction impacts a variety of stakeholders, including: -- Energy suppliers who need comprehensive data for customer engagement. -- Data access requestors seeking to use REL data for innovative applications. -- Regulatory bodies, such as Ofgem, that require accurate data for compliance and oversight. Feasibility and Licensing Considerations - RECCo has engaged with OS, which holds the intellectual property rights to UPRN data, to understand the licensing requirements for expanded REL data use. - The proposed AddressBase Core licence would cost approximately £4,000 per year, which RECCo assumes will cover all its Service Providers, preventing the need for multiple licences.
Impacts
Electricity, Gas
Trust and confidence, Other (please provide details in Additional information box below)
Both Santi Jagot and Arik Dondi are strongly supportive of this REC Change and are committed to ensuring its successful implementation following industry consultation. They have also offered their assistance as needed throughout the process. Ordnance Survey: Santi Jagot (Santi.Jagot@os.uk) DCC: Arik Dondi (Arik.Dondi@smartdcc.co.uk) To clarify, the current wording in the REC prevents RECCo from initiating commercial discussions with Ordnance Survey regarding the specific terms and conditions that must be included in the AddressBase Core licence that RECCo intends to acquire. Therefore, following a successful industry consultation, RECCo will engage with the Ordnance Survey Commercial Team to obtain this licence only after receiving approval from the industry.
Schedule 29 - Address Management
It is crucial to update any other relevant documentation to reflect the removal of the restriction on the use of REL data for non-switching purposes.
No details provided
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Gas Enquiry Service
It is crucial to update any other relevant documentation to reflect the removal of the restriction on the use of REL data for non-switching purposes.
We do not anticipate any impact on our service providers behind the enquiry services, as RECCo will hold the necessary licence, allowing them to continue their operations without needing to obtain separate licences.
We do not anticipate any impact on our service providers behind the enquiry services, as RECCo will hold the necessary licence, allowing them to continue their operations without needing to obtain separate licences.
EES Users, GES Users
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No details provided
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No details provided
Priority & timing
No
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To clarify, the current wording in the REC prevents RECCo from initiating commercial discussions with Ordnance Survey regarding the specific terms and conditions that must be included in the AddressBase Core licence that RECCo intends to acquire. Therefore, following a successful industry consultation, RECCo will engage with the Ordnance Survey Commercial Team to obtain this licence only after receiving approval from the industry.
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No details provided
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Activity
Status has been changed to Issue Review.
james.hardy has been allocated as Lead Analyst.
rosalind.timperley, amoden have been allocated as SME.