CoMCoP 2-year Audit Cycles
Summary
Renewal audits under the Consolidated Metering Code of Practice (CoMCoP) are consistently delivered on a 2 year cycle and include both a desktop audit and a site audit. However, Schedule 15 currently does not explicitly define this.
Latest update and next planned activity
Date of latest update
Latest Update
This Change Proposal has been implemented as part of the June 2026 REC Release.
Impacts Overview
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
AMR Service Provider
Approved Meter Installer
Electricity Metering Operative
Meter Asset Manager
Meter Operator Agent
Impacted REC Documents
Schedule 15 - Metering Accreditation
Priority and rationale
Standard
Priority last updated on 17 Sep 2026
Change Reports, Impact Assessments, Consultations and Documents
Change Reports
Solution development
Problem Statement
The current lack of explicit wording in the Metering Accreditation Schedule of both a desktop and site audits that need to be completed one year after the initial accreditation, and then every two years for renewals introduces ambiguity for future audit delivery undertaken under CoMCoP as it creates a gap between operational practice and the codified baseline. This could potentially lead to inconsistent approaches by Parties, which in turn could reduce the consistency, predictability, and effectiveness of the industry’s audit and assurance framework.
Proposed solution summary
- An update to the REC Schedule 15 - Metering Accreditation
No documents available.
There is currently no Change Plan.
Original submission
Change details
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13 Feb 2026
Change details
CoMCoP 2-year Audit Cycles
Renewal audits under the Consolidated Metering Code of Practice (CoMCoP) are consistently delivered on a 2 year cycle and include both a desktop audit and a site audit. However, Schedule 15 currently does not explicitly define:
• The 2 year audit cycle (Section 7.2)
• The requirement for both desktop and site audit components (Section 7.3)
This lack of explicit wording introduces ambiguity for future audit delivery, potentially leading to inconsistent approaches that could weaken assurance outcomes.
• The 2 year audit cycle (Section 7.2)
• The requirement for both desktop and site audit components (Section 7.3)
This lack of explicit wording introduces ambiguity for future audit delivery, potentially leading to inconsistent approaches that could weaken assurance outcomes.
Current operational practice is consistent, but the absence of codified requirements presents a long‑term risk of divergence in approach. This could reduce the consistency, predictability, and effectiveness of the industry’s audit and assurance framework.
Changes to the wording in Schedule 15 sections 7.2 and 7.3 to match what is currently delivered. To ensure clarity, consistency, and strong assurance outcomes, the following amendments are proposed:
7.2 The schedule of periodic audits shall be carried out in accordance with a proportionate and risk-based approach, to be determined by the REC PAB or as minimum every 2 years in consultation with the Metering Expert Group or such other Subject Matter Experts as considered appropriate.
7.3 The Metering Scheme Auditor shall audit each Metering Equipment Manager's, AMI's and EMO's compliance by means of:
(a) at least one field visit during which the Metering Scheme Auditor observes work in progress and reviews completed work to assess compliance with the CoMCoP and the metering company's own policies and procedures; and/or
(b) a paper-based desktop audit to determine whether the metering company's policies and procedures are compliant with all applicable requirements of the CoMCoP.
These changes align Schedule 15 with current practice and ensure clarity for all parties.
7.2 The schedule of periodic audits shall be carried out in accordance with a proportionate and risk-based approach, to be determined by the REC PAB or as minimum every 2 years in consultation with the Metering Expert Group or such other Subject Matter Experts as considered appropriate.
7.3 The Metering Scheme Auditor shall audit each Metering Equipment Manager's, AMI's and EMO's compliance by means of:
(a) at least one field visit during which the Metering Scheme Auditor observes work in progress and reviews completed work to assess compliance with the CoMCoP and the metering company's own policies and procedures; and/or
(b) a paper-based desktop audit to determine whether the metering company's policies and procedures are compliant with all applicable requirements of the CoMCoP.
These changes align Schedule 15 with current practice and ensure clarity for all parties.
WCL became the CoMCoP Scheme Auditor in April 2023. During mobilisation, WCL identified inconsistent audit cycles across auditable parties (ranging from 1 to 3 years). WCL recommended a consistent 2‑year cycle with a dual‑stage audit (desktop plus site audit). RECCo accepted this as the basis of service delivery, and all parties have since transitioned to a 2‑year cycle.
However, Schedule 15 has not been updated to reflect these requirements, creating a gap between operational practice and the codified baseline.
However, Schedule 15 has not been updated to reflect these requirements, creating a gap between operational practice and the codified baseline.
Impacts
No details provided
Safety
The change enhances consumer protection through stronger, clearer assurance mechanisms - strengthened audit requirements directly reduce the risk of unsafe metering installations reaching consumers.
Schedule 15 - Metering Accreditation
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Consolidated Metering Code of Practice (CoMCoP)
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No details provided
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No details provided
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No details provided
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No details provided
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AMR Service Providers, Approved Meter Installer, Electricity Metering Operative, Meter Asset Manager, Meter Operator Agent
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No details provided
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No details provided
Priority & timing
No
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No details provided
Safety