Access to SDES for Gas Networks

Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0162
Change Category
Change Path
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
21/10/2025 - the REC Change Panel approved the withdrawal of the proposal plan for R0162 and that this Change would be placed on hold while I0285 progresses.
Summary
Raising on behalf of the Gas Networks, who currently struggle to find who to email queries to within suppliers organisation. Suppliers and Electricity DNO's moved to SDES to ensure all communications were in a secure portal, with SLA's and for GDPR reasons, but Gas Networks do not have access to this portal, and not considered during the implementation of the system. They also obtain photo's when out on site to help resolve queries and would like somewhere to upload them to send to suppliers.
Proposer
angela.joyce
Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Documents
Impacted REC Services
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
REC Decision Maker
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Proposed Solution Document
Document title
R0162 Solution Development Report V1.0
Archive
Off
Problem Statement
Energy Suppliers and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) moved to SDES to ensure all communications were in a secure portal, with SLAs and for GDPR reasons. Gas Transporters do not have access to this portal, and were not considered during the implementation of the system. As such, communications are not being sent as securely as possible.
SME
SME Role
Lead Technical Analyst
SME Role
Lead Assurance Analyst
CP Form Access to SDES for Gas Networks
R0162 Change Report (Proposal Plan) V1.0 Approved 15.04.2025
R0162 Consolidated Impact Assessment Responses v1.0
R0162 Extension to Plan V1.0 approved 27.08.25
R0162 Rebaseline Plan (withdrawal) V2.0 approved 21.10.25
Company Name
Octopus Energy
Review status
Review required

Enabling Robotics for SDEP

Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0161
Change Category
Change Path
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
24/03/26 - This Change is on hold pending the outcome of R0122 - SDEP Review Improvements
Summary
The Secure Data Exchange Portal (SDEP) is a mailbox that enables the transfer of sensitive customer related data in a way that ensures data is safe and secure. Suppliers are obliged to send and receive queries and escalations via the SDEP. Unfortunately, the SDEP has issues in bulk resolving processes which could be solved by the removal of the prohibition of the use of robotics. For example, there is no function to be able to retrieve cases specific to each team, work these and then automatically issue a response. Currently, to get the same kind of functionality, an agent or team lead would need to manually process. In another scenario, under REC schedule 30, as part of each of the processes, we are obliged to issue an escalation where there has been no response within set timeframes. Prior to SDEP implementation, we would be able to issue email escalations automatically where there was an absence of a response flow. With the SDEP this process is now manual: an agent will need to sign in to ECOES, navigate to the appropriate module, and input the data.
Proposer
David Morley
Impacted Consumers
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
REC Decision Maker
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
CP Form Enabling Robotics for SDEP
Company Name
OVO Energy
Review status
Review required

Removal of Facsimile as a Method of Code Communication

Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0157
Change Category
Change Path
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
This Change Proposal was implemented as part of the 7 November 2025 REC Release.
Summary
The Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) will be switched off in December 2025 by all telecom companies and will be replaced with an Internet Protocol (IP) digital network. Existing fax machines that are incompatible with new all IP digital networks will become obsolete and no longer capable of meeting Code Communications as prescribed in the REC. All communication methods referencing fax or facsimile will need to be removed and replaced with email (where this is not an existing option), unless an alternative form of communication is needed. Please note: The government have published preparatory guidance which includes migrating to IP-supported technology in advance of the planned decommissioning. UK transition from analogue to digital landlines - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) (“assets, facilities, systems, networks or processes and the essential workers that operate and facilitate them”) which is subdivided into 13 sectors including Energy, are advised to consider how they move to digital alternatives smoothly to avoid unnecessary interruption following the PSTN switch-off. Openreach's Energy Guidance Factsheet can be found in the CPs Accompanied Documents.
Proposer
Colette Baldwin
Change Plan

Preliminary Change Report and Consultation Issued

Completed

Start:

03 Jan 2024

Due:

09 Feb 2024

Completion:

09 Feb 2024

Final Change Report Issued

Completed

Start:

23 Feb 2024

Due:

12 Mar 2024

Completion:

12 Mar 2024

Responsible Committee Decision

Completed

Start:

12 Mar 2024

Due:

19 Mar 2024

Completion:

19 Mar 2024

Appeal Window Closure

Not Started

Start:

19 Mar 2024

Due:

02 Apr 2024

Completion:

Consultation Close

Completed

Start:

09 Feb 2024

Due:

23 Feb 2024

Completion:

23 Feb 2024
Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Services
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
Status
Implementation Date
Status Live
EMAR Version 07.11.2025_live
Included changes Affected REC Items
R0003 Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement Implementation
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
REC Decision Maker
Lead Analyst
James Hardy
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Proposed solution summary
  1. All communication methods referencing fax or facsimile will need to be removed and replaced with email
Proposed Solution Document
Document title
Existing References to Fax and "e-mail" in the REC (January 2024)
Archive
Off
Document title
R00157 - Legal Text Changes (All Affected REC Products and Documents)
Archive
Off
Problem Statement
Existing fax machines that are incompatible with new all IP digital networks will become obsolete and no longer capable of meeting Code Communications as prescribed in the REC
CP Form - Removal of a Fax as a Code Communication method
R0157 - Change Proposal Plan V1.0 (Approved) 30.01.2024
R0157 - Initial Assessment Report V1.0 (Approved) 30.01.2024
R0157 - Consolidated Consultation Responses
R0157 - Preliminary Change Report V1.0 (For Consultation) 09.02.2024
R0157 - Final Change Report V2.0 (Post-Vote) 19.03.2024
Open Reach Energy Industry Factsheet
Company Name
REC Code Manager
Review status
Review required

Catering for Registration Events where the Incumbent Supplier deactivates prior to a Switch becoming effective

Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0153
Change Category
Change Path
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
04/06/24 - This change has been withdrawn by the proposer and is being incorporated as part of R0178 - Improvements to CSS Business Process Logic. 03/05/2024 - An investigation was held into the requirements of this change and into other issues identified with the CSS Business Process and Logic. Landmark have provided data relating to the number of incidents for three different scenarios which had been identified. A discussion as held between the Code Manager, DCC and Landmark, and agreed that they will look to combine all identified issues into a new REC Change Proposal.
Summary
This change looks to resolve the issue for Registration Events where the incumbent Supplier deactivates prior to a Switch becoming effective. In some instances, the incumbent Supplier is withdrawing prior to the ‘Supply Effective from Date’ which causes the accepted Switch to fail at Gate Closure (17:00hrs) . An effective solution is to allow the consumer to Switch with the original effective date. There are a number of solution options to enable this to happen.
Proposer
David Addison
Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Documents
Impacted REC Services
Status
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
Lead Analyst
James Hardy
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Problem Statement
In some instances, the incumbent Supplier is withdrawing prior to the ‘Supply Effective from Date’ which causes the accepted Switch to fail at Gate Closure (17:00hrs).
Stages Selection
SME
SME Role
Lead Technical Analyst
SME User
caroline.milner@capgemini.com
Catering for Registration of Events CP Form 24.11.2023
Company Name
Xoserve
Review status
Review required

Data Specification Update for Refresh Functionality

Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0146
Change Category
Change Path
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
23/08/2024 - This change was successfully implemented as part of the August 2024 Extraordinary REC Release on 23 August 2024.
Summary
This change has been raised to update the Data Specification and to align it with the changes made during implementation of change proposal ‘R0067 – Introduction of CSS Refresh Functionality’.
Proposer
Michael Taylor
Change Plan

Preliminary Change Report Published

Completed

Start:

21 Aug 2023

Due:

16 May 2024

Completion:

16 May 2024

Consultation Issued

Completed

Start:

16 May 2024

Due:

16 May 2024

Completion:

16 May 2024

Final Change Report Issued

Data Specification Update for Refresh Functionality > Change Plan

Start:

16 May 2024

Due:

19 Jun 2024

Completion:

Responsible Committee Decision

Data Specification Update for Refresh Functionality > Change Plan

Start:

19 Jun 2024

Due:

26 Jun 2024

Completion:

Impacted Consumers
Status
Implementation Date
Status Live
EMAR Version 23.08.2024_live
Included changes Affected REC Items
R0103 Central provision of DCC Technical Contacts for requesting test certificates
  • Schedule 25 - Central Switching Service
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
REC Decision Maker
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Proposed solution summary
  1. As a Market Participant, I need to understand any changes to Market Messages I send and receive that may impact my business, so I can engage in the change process and plan any required changes to my systems and processes.
Proposed Solution Document
Document title
R0146 Solution Development Report
Archive
Off
Document title
R0146 Attachment A - Proposed Data Specification Changes
Archive
Off
Problem Statement
Following implementation of R0067, a small number of Market Messages and Data Items need to be appropriately reflected within the Data Specification.
R0146 - Change Proposal Form
R0146 - Change Proposal Plan v1.0 (Approved)
R0146 - Initial Assessment Report v1.0 (Approved)
R0146 - Preliminary Change Report v1.0
R0146 Final Change Report (Post-Vote) v1.0 26.06.2024
Company Name
Code Manager
Review status
Review required

Housekeeping amendments

Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0140
Change Category
Change Path
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
03/11/23 - This change was implemented on 03 November 2023 as part of the November 2023 REC Release
Summary
The Code Manager has identified a number of typographical and formatting errors, as well as opportunities to provide clarity, improve consistency and accuracy across the REC Services and products. These changes have been assessed as meeting the criteria to be progressed via a Housekeeping Change Proposal. Schedule 27 – RMP Lifecycle Schedule 1 – Interpretations and Definitions Schedule 5 – Change Management Schedule 9 – Qualification and Maintenance
Proposer
Holly Law
Change Plan

Publish House Keeping Change Report

Completed

Start:

11 Aug 2023

Due:

08 Sep 2023

Completion:

08 Sep 2023

Responsible Committee decision

Completed

Start:

08 Sep 2023

Due:

19 Sep 2023

Completion:

19 Sep 2023

Implemented

Completed

Start:

19 Sep 2023

Due:

03 Nov 2023

Completion:

03 Nov 2023
Impacted Consumers
Status
Implementation Date
Status Live
EMAR Version 03.11.2023_live

Documents

Name Version Last updated Actions
317 bytes
Version 1.0 - 08 Jun 2026 PDF - 317 bytes
1.0 08 Jun 2026
317 bytes
Version 1.0 - 08 Jun 2026 PDF - 317 bytes
1.0 08 Jun 2026
Implementation Status
Date Raised
REC Decision Maker
Lead Analyst
holly.law
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Proposed Solution Document
Document title
R0140 Final Draft Legal text
Archive
Off
Problem Statement
This is a Housekeeping Change Proposal subject to the Housekeeping Change Proposal process, rather than the standard change process. The nature of the change is that it makes non-material changes to the REC Products to correct typographical and consistency errors. It also provides an opportunity to introduce necessary clarifications.
R0140 - Housekeeping Change Report v1.0 (Approved) 19.09.23
Company Name
Gemserv
Review status
Review required

Introducing Third Party Intermediary (energy broker) assurance and accreditation

Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0137
Change Category
Urgent
No
Latest Update
16/05/2025 - The Authority has published their decision to reject R0137 and R0137A.
Summary
This change seeks to expand the obligation for Energy Suppliers to only work with TPIs who are adhering to principles as set out in the REC TPI Code of Practice to all Non-Domestic Consumers. It also looks to reduce the burden on Energy Suppliers having to perform their own audits by introducing a REC Services Accreditation Scheme and allowing companies to qualify as an Industry-Recognised Accreditation Body.
Proposer
Jon Dixon
Change Plan

Service Provider Impact Assessment opens

Completed

Start:

20 Jul 2023

Due:

05 Jul 2024

Completion:

05 Jul 2024

Service Provider Impact Assessment closes

Completed

Start:

05 Jul 2024

Due:

09 Aug 2024

Completion:

06 Aug 2024

Party Impact Assessment opens

Completed

Start:

09 Aug 2024

Due:

16 Aug 2024

Completion:

15 Aug 2024

Party Impact Assessment closes

Completed

Start:

16 Aug 2024

Due:

09 Sep 2024

Completion:

09 Sep 2024

Preliminary Change Report Issued

Completed

Start:

09 Sep 2024

Due:

08 Oct 2024

Completion:

08 Oct 2024

Responsible Committee Review

Completed

Start:

08 Oct 2024

Due:

15 Oct 2024

Completion:

15 Oct 2024

Consultation opens

Completed

Start:

15 Oct 2024

Due:

18 Oct 2024

Completion:

17 Oct 2024

Consultation closes

Not Started

Start:

18 Oct 2024

Due:

08 Nov 2024

Completion:

Responsible Committee Decision

Not Started

Start:

10 Dec 2024

Due:

17 Dec 2024

Completion:

Final Change Report issued

Not Started

Start:

08 Nov 2024

Due:

10 Dec 2024

Completion:

Sent to Authority for Determination

Not Started

Start:

17 Dec 2024

Due:

18 Dec 2024

Completion:

Impacted Consumers
Status
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
REC Decision Maker
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Proposed solution summary
  1. As a Non-Domestic Consumer, I want to work with TPIs who are demonstrating best practice standards within the market.
  2. As a Non-Domestic Energy Supplier, I want clear obligations around my use of TPIs so I can demonstrate best practice standards within the market and ensure my audit obligations are met.
  3. As RECCo, I want to provide an assurance and accreditation scheme to register TPIs to remove the burden of Suppliers having to individually audit TPIs.
  4. As a Third Party Intermediary, I want clear obligations so I can become accredited and assure that Suppliers and Non-Domestic Consumers are receiving best practice standards within the market.
Proposed Solution Document
Document title
Legal Text for Party IA.zip
Archive
Off
Document title
R0137 Legal Text for Consultation
Archive
Off
Document title
R0137 Legal Text - Final
Archive
Off
Problem Statement
Non-Domestic Consumers have more limited protections than Domestic and Microbusiness Consumers in the energy market, and so may not always experience best practice from all parties they interact with. The aim is to expand these protections while limiting the audit burdens on Suppliers and TPIs.
Stages Selection
SME
SME Role
Lead Assurance Analyst
SME User
amoden@deloitte.co.uk
R0137 - Change Proposal Form External
R0137 Change Proposal Plan v1.0 (Approved)
R0137 Initial Assessment Report v1.1 (Approved)
R0137 Consolidated Impact Assessment Responses PUBLIC
R0137 and R0137A Change Report (For Consultation) V1.0
R0137 &R0137A Consolidated Consultation Responses PUBLIC v1.0
R0137 and R0137A Change Report (Post Vote) V1.0
Authority decision on REC modification proposal R0137 and R0137A
Company Name
RECCo
Review status
Review required

Creation of new Enquiry Service User Category

Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0131
Change Category
Change Path
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
17/06/2024 - this Change Proposal has been withdrawn at the request of the Proposer. The adoption window is closed.
Summary
Empty
Proposer
Tony SARKIS
Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Documents
Impacted REC Services
Status
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Stages Selection
R0131 - Change Proposal Form (downloadable version) 22.06.2023
Company Name
-
Review status
Review required

Updates to the Data Access Matrix

Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0130
Change Category
Change Path
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
21/05/2024 - This change proposal has been withdrawn and the adoption window is closed. There is no longer the requirement for the requester to have Enquiry Services Data.
Summary
There are organisations that are named in Schedule 12 - Data Access that are not recorded in the gas and/or electricity Data Access Matrix (DAM). This means it is not possible for the Code Manager to provision them access. All organisations listed in Schedule 12 to access data in the REC should have an entry in the Data Access Matrices. This Change Proposal has been raised to review the Schedule and DAMs and take forward the necessary changes.
Proposer
Anton Moden
Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Documents
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
Status
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Stages Selection
R0130 - Change Proposal form (downloadable version) 16.06.2023
Company Name
REC Code Manager
Review status
Review required

Clarifying Event of Default requirements

Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0129
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
04/10/2023 - Following the approval of R0138, this change has been withdrawn.
Summary
Following several recent events of non-payment for services and REC defaults it is clear that the event of default provisions in the Code are unclear. This change seeks to introduce clarity to the REC Main Body.
Proposer
admin
Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Documents
Status
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Stages Selection
R0129 - Change Proposal form (downloadable version) 16.06.2023
Company Name
REC Code Manager
Review status
Review required