Amendment Proposal: RECCo Access Provision to RECCo Services
Summary
RECCo is tasked with fulfilling several obligations. This proposal has been raised to amend some of the wording within the REC, which would benefit from reassessment. When the REC was originally drafted, references to RECCo in the code were originally intended to refer to the activities directly managed and overseen by the REC Board, and were considered separately to activities managed by the Code Manager.
Latest update and next planned activity
Date of latest update
Latest Update
08/08/2024 - the Proposer has withdrawn this Change Proposal.
Impacts Overview
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
DCC
Impacted REC Documents
REC Main Body
Schedule 12 - Data Access
Impacted REC Services
Electricity Enquiry Service (EES)
Green Deal Central Charge Database (GDCC)
Gas Enquiry Service (GES)
Priority and rationale
Standard
Priority last updated on 29 May 2026
Solution development
No documents available.
There is currently no Change Plan.
Original submission
Change details
Andres Alvarez - RECCo
26 Jun 2024
Change details
Amendment Proposal: RECCo Access Provision to RECCo Services
RECCo is tasked with fulfilling several obligations. We are raising this proposal to amend some of the wording within the REC, which would benefit from reassessment.
When the REC was originally drafted, references to RECCo in the code were originally intended to refer to the activities directly managed and overseen by the REC Board, and were considered separately to activities managed by the Code Manager. There are specific references in the REC to the duties of both RECCo and the Code Manager to reflect this. One of these references prohibits RECCo from accessing the REC Services on the basis that it was not expected that the organisation would have a direct role in the operation and management of these services, outside of direct procurement and commercial management.
The role of RECCo has evolved since the initial drafting of the REC, with RECCo taking a more direct role in the operational management of various REC Services. RECCo is also the responsible code party for the relevant Code Manager deliverables, and is therefore responsible for contractually determining and managing the Code Manager’s access to REC Services.
While it was not originally envisaged that RECCo would access the REC Services, there are various roles where RECCo does act as a user of the REC Services. This includes managing the receipt of data from the Electricity Enquiry Service (EES), Gas Enquiry Service (GES) and Central Switching Service (CSS).
The current arrangements within section 5.2 of the REC Main Body, sections 13.X, schedule 12, EES & GES DAM sections/Appendix 1, along with broader REC obligations, would benefit from review and revision. This is crucial to ensure that RECCo has access to essential services for genuine operational requirements and to best enable parties to discharge their obligations in the most efficient way.
It also appears likely that the outcome of the Codes Reform programme will result in RECCo being issued a licence from Ofgem to operate as the Code Manager for the REC. The current wording may become misaligned with the granting of the ‘Code Manager Licence’ to RECCo, where RECCo would fulfil the role of the Code Manager which is required to access the REC Services as a REC Service User. This reflects a model that could better align with the operational structure of the REC.
When the REC was originally drafted, references to RECCo in the code were originally intended to refer to the activities directly managed and overseen by the REC Board, and were considered separately to activities managed by the Code Manager. There are specific references in the REC to the duties of both RECCo and the Code Manager to reflect this. One of these references prohibits RECCo from accessing the REC Services on the basis that it was not expected that the organisation would have a direct role in the operation and management of these services, outside of direct procurement and commercial management.
The role of RECCo has evolved since the initial drafting of the REC, with RECCo taking a more direct role in the operational management of various REC Services. RECCo is also the responsible code party for the relevant Code Manager deliverables, and is therefore responsible for contractually determining and managing the Code Manager’s access to REC Services.
While it was not originally envisaged that RECCo would access the REC Services, there are various roles where RECCo does act as a user of the REC Services. This includes managing the receipt of data from the Electricity Enquiry Service (EES), Gas Enquiry Service (GES) and Central Switching Service (CSS).
The current arrangements within section 5.2 of the REC Main Body, sections 13.X, schedule 12, EES & GES DAM sections/Appendix 1, along with broader REC obligations, would benefit from review and revision. This is crucial to ensure that RECCo has access to essential services for genuine operational requirements and to best enable parties to discharge their obligations in the most efficient way.
It also appears likely that the outcome of the Codes Reform programme will result in RECCo being issued a licence from Ofgem to operate as the Code Manager for the REC. The current wording may become misaligned with the granting of the ‘Code Manager Licence’ to RECCo, where RECCo would fulfil the role of the Code Manager which is required to access the REC Services as a REC Service User. This reflects a model that could better align with the operational structure of the REC.
The current language in section 5.2 of the REC Main Body, sections 13.X, schedule 12, EES & GES DAM sections/Appendix 1, along with broader REC obligations, does not align with the operational reality of how RECCo is required to interact with the services, potentially hindering its ability to address genuine operational needs effectively.
Addressing this issue through the proposed amendment would ensure that RECCo can fulfil its operational requirements efficiently and effectively, aligning with the goals and objectives of the REC.
This Change Proposal is intended to reflect existing use cases that RECCo must fulfil as part of its obligations and ultimately best ensure parties can discharge their obligations. This involves ensuring updates to services are appropriately impact assessed and delivered for industry transformation programmes (such as Market-Wide Half Hourly Settlement), as well as facilitating access to the RECCo Operations Theft Team for assurance purposes, both areas where parties have licence obligations and making changes here will support the testing of MHHS and quality of theft assurance.
RECCo strives for equitable access to its services, ensuring that our access protocols align precisely with those of any other organisation seeking entry.
Addressing this issue through the proposed amendment would ensure that RECCo can fulfil its operational requirements efficiently and effectively, aligning with the goals and objectives of the REC.
This Change Proposal is intended to reflect existing use cases that RECCo must fulfil as part of its obligations and ultimately best ensure parties can discharge their obligations. This involves ensuring updates to services are appropriately impact assessed and delivered for industry transformation programmes (such as Market-Wide Half Hourly Settlement), as well as facilitating access to the RECCo Operations Theft Team for assurance purposes, both areas where parties have licence obligations and making changes here will support the testing of MHHS and quality of theft assurance.
RECCo strives for equitable access to its services, ensuring that our access protocols align precisely with those of any other organisation seeking entry.
The proposed amendment should clarify RECCo's access to its services, ensuring alignment with the organisation's objectives and operational requirements to deliver the REC. The solution should ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, including any requirements associated with Codes Reform and the granting of the ‘Code Manager Licence’ to RECCo.
The amended language in the REC should promote efficiency by enabling RECCo to access its services promptly and effectively whenever necessary for operational and project purposes defined in the code, not beyond.
This Change Proposal is aimed at benefiting the industry, ensuring RECCo can provide the services necessary to meet industry demands and enable them to better discharge their obligations. RECCo aims to ensure that the current wording accurately reflects the day-to-day realities of operations. To ensure clarity, the specific data items RECCo are able to access will be outlined by the EES and GES DAM, as with all other REC Service Users.
The amended language in the REC should promote efficiency by enabling RECCo to access its services promptly and effectively whenever necessary for operational and project purposes defined in the code, not beyond.
This Change Proposal is aimed at benefiting the industry, ensuring RECCo can provide the services necessary to meet industry demands and enable them to better discharge their obligations. RECCo aims to ensure that the current wording accurately reflects the day-to-day realities of operations. To ensure clarity, the specific data items RECCo are able to access will be outlined by the EES and GES DAM, as with all other REC Service Users.
Some of the use cases encompass:
Ensuring access to services to support analysis, impact assessment and testing for industry transformation programmes:
• This approach ensures that requirements are closely aligned with our current objectives, resulting in enhanced screen design, functionality, and user experiences.
• This alignment translates into more efficient operations, clearer detail when engaging with REC Service Users and greater satisfaction for industry stakeholders.
Receipt and use of data to support operational processes and development of new/enhanced services:
• Acknowledging the sending and receipt of data to support operational processes set out in the REC.
• Access to services to support the development of new/enhanced change solutions.
Facilitating Additional Access as Needed for Genuine Operational Needs:
• Our flexibility in providing additional access ensures that we can swiftly address genuine operational needs as they arise.
• This responsive approach reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving requirements of the GB energy market, fostering a collaborative environment where challenges are promptly addressed.
• By framing our obligations and use cases in terms of their benefits, we underscore the value they bring to our operations and stakeholders, thereby reinforcing our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
RECCo will remain responsible for ensuring access to services is only used in accordance with the requirements of the REC, and there is a legal basis for processing data. These requirements would be subject to oversight from the REC PAB as with any other REC Party.
Ensuring access to services to support analysis, impact assessment and testing for industry transformation programmes:
• This approach ensures that requirements are closely aligned with our current objectives, resulting in enhanced screen design, functionality, and user experiences.
• This alignment translates into more efficient operations, clearer detail when engaging with REC Service Users and greater satisfaction for industry stakeholders.
Receipt and use of data to support operational processes and development of new/enhanced services:
• Acknowledging the sending and receipt of data to support operational processes set out in the REC.
• Access to services to support the development of new/enhanced change solutions.
Facilitating Additional Access as Needed for Genuine Operational Needs:
• Our flexibility in providing additional access ensures that we can swiftly address genuine operational needs as they arise.
• This responsive approach reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving requirements of the GB energy market, fostering a collaborative environment where challenges are promptly addressed.
• By framing our obligations and use cases in terms of their benefits, we underscore the value they bring to our operations and stakeholders, thereby reinforcing our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
RECCo will remain responsible for ensuring access to services is only used in accordance with the requirements of the REC, and there is a legal basis for processing data. These requirements would be subject to oversight from the REC PAB as with any other REC Party.
Impacts
Other (please specify in the Additional information box below)
Other (please provide details in Additional information box below)
N/A
This change will enable RECCo to fulfil its responsibilities more effectively, potentially improving service delivery and operational efficiency. There would be no technical change required by REC Service Providers as this Change Proposal only intends to reflect the current operational reality in the REC. There is no anticipated impact on consumers as RECCo’s role in processing personal data is restricted to requirements set out in the REC. Any new or amended requirement for RECCo to process personal data would be taken forward through a REC Change Proposal, with appropriate justification for the change being considered as part of the relevant Change Proposal.
This change will enable RECCo to fulfil its responsibilities more effectively, potentially improving service delivery and operational efficiency. There would be no technical change required by REC Service Providers as this Change Proposal only intends to reflect the current operational reality in the REC. There is no anticipated impact on consumers as RECCo’s role in processing personal data is restricted to requirements set out in the REC. Any new or amended requirement for RECCo to process personal data would be taken forward through a REC Change Proposal, with appropriate justification for the change being considered as part of the relevant Change Proposal.
REC Main Body, Schedule 12 - Data Access
The current arrangements within section 5.2 of the REC Main Body, sections 13.X, schedule 12, along with broader REC obligation.
No details provided
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No details provided
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Data Access Matrix
EES & GES DAM sections/Appendix 1
No details provided
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Green Deal Central Charging Database, Gas Enquiry Service
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DCC, EES Users, GES Users
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No details provided
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No
No details provided
Priority & timing
No
N/A
Where feasible, aiming for implementation in 2024.
None to note. Would need to follow the standard prioritisation exercise carried by the Code Manager.
No details provided
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