Removing the Enumerations from Communications Method Data Item (J0386) to align with BSC CP 1594
Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0164
Other Industry Codes impacted
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
BSC has raised Change Proposal CP1594 which seeks to create an approvals process and a valid set for communications method. This change is proposing to create an approvals process to allow for the managed end dating of older technologies, such as Public switched telephone network (PSTN), Circuit Switched Data (CSD) and later 2G, and the assessment of the validity of newer communications technologies, such as (but not exclusively) Narrow Band-Intern of Things (NBIoT) and Category M (CAT-M). The evolution of metering communication systems underscores the need for timely updates. Legacy systems risk inefficiencies and potential security vulnerabilities. Implementing an approval process, modelled on BSCP601, ensures a standardised approach to introducing new technologies and managing the exit of old ones. Further justifications include: • To allow for the centrally managed end-dating of redundant communications technologies in line with known deadlines for those technologies to become redundant and unreliable. • To allow for the wider industry education of newer types of communication technologies. • To create and expand the already existing central knowledge base of the evolution and attributes of newer communication technologies as they relate to Settlement Metering Equipment. • To ensure transparency for all industry participants on the newer communications types available and the dates for which legacy communications must be removed. CP1594 will create a valid set, linked to the new approval process and using Data Item J0386 as a conduit to detail the approved communication methods as well as end dates for communication methods which are becoming redundant and unreliable.
Change Plan
PARTY IMPACT ASSESSMENT ISSUED
Completed
Start:
16 Apr 2024Due:
25 Apr 2024Completion:
25 Apr 2024PRELIMINARY CHANGE REPORT AND CONSULTATION ISSUED
Completed
Start:
25 Apr 2024Due:
23 May 2024Completion:
23 May 2024FINAL CHANGE REPORT ISSUED
Completed
Start:
23 May 2024Due:
20 Jun 2024Completion:
20 Jun 2024RESPONSIBLE COMMITTEE DECISION
Completed
Start:
20 Jun 2024Due:
02 Jul 2024Completion:
02 Jul 2024Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
Status
Implementation Date
23 August 2024
| Included changes | Affected REC Items | |
|---|---|---|
| R0103 | Central provision of DCC Technical Contacts for requesting test certificates |
|
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
REC Decision Maker
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Proposed solution summary
- As a Supplier/DNO/MEM, I want to ensure that Market Messages I send or receive to contain up-to-date, accurate data, so that I am able to effectively engage with the wider industry.
- As a non-REC Party Service User I want to ensure that Market Messages I send or receive to contain up-to-date, accurate data, so that I am able to effectively engage with the wider industry.
Proposed Solution Document
Document title
R0164 - Draft Solution - J0386 Data Item - Data Spec Changes 22.05.24
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Problem Statement
The BSC are making changes to how permissible Outstation communication methods are captured and recorded within the industry. In order to align with these BSC led changes, the REC Data Specification must be reviewed in order to update the affected Data Item – DI50178 (J0386).
Stages Selection
SME
SME Role
Lead Technical Analyst
SME Role
Lead Assurance Analyst
R0164 - Change Proposal Form (Word)
R0164 Change Proposal Form (PDF)
R0164 Change Proposal Plan (Approved) V1.0
R0164 Initial Assessment Report (Approved) V1.0
R0164 Consolidated Impact Assessment Responses v1.0 23.05.24
R0164 Preliminary Change Report (Published For Consultation) V1.0 23.05.24
R0164 Consolidated Consultation Responses v1.0 20.06.24
R0164 Final Change Report (Post-Vote) v1.0 03.07.24
Company Name
Elexon
Review status
Review required
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.
Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Documents
Impacted REC Services
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
Status
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
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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.
Stages Selection
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.
Impacted Consumers
Status
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
REC Decision Maker
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Stages Selection
CP Form Enabling Robotics for SDEP
Company Name
OVO Energy
Review status
Review required
Allowing different Metering Equipment Managers (MEMs) to be appointed to Import and Export Metering Points
Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0144
Change Category
Other Industry Codes impacted
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
17/02/2025 - R0144 has been withdrawn by the Proposer, alongside it's joint BSC Change P459, as they cannot be progressed prior to MHHS. The Proposer will look to re-raise both changes in the future. The adoption window for this withdrawal has closed.
Summary
The Export Supplier needs to be able to appoint different MEMs to that of the Import Supplier
Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Documents
Impacted REC Services
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
Status
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
REC Decision Maker
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Proposed solution summary
- As a Consumer, I want a competitive Export market so I can get the best rates for the energy I generate. I want clear metering equipment ownership so I can be confident my meter is functional and safe. I want accurate billing from my Export Supplier.
- As an Export Supplier, I want to be able to appoint the MEM that ties in with my commercial strategy.
- As a MEM, I want clear guidance on the responsibilities I have for any metering equipment I am appointed to.
Problem Statement
Export Suppliers may become non-compliant with industry regulations if they are unable to appoint the same MEM as the Import Supplier, for example when the Consumer switches Import Supplier or when the Import Supplier changes the appointed MEM.
Stages Selection
SME
SME Role
Lead Technical Analyst
SME User
maxime.van-eyseren@capgemini.com
Change Proposal Form
R0144 Change Proposal Plan Withdrawal v1.0 (Pre Approval)
R0144 Change Proposal Plan v1.0 (16.04.2024) Approved
R0144 Initial Assessment Report v1.0 (16.04.2024) Approved
Company Name
REC 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
Change Plan
Publish House Keeping Change Report
Completed
Start:
11 Aug 2023Due:
08 Sep 2023Completion:
08 Sep 2023Responsible Committee decision
Completed
Start:
08 Sep 2023Due:
19 Sep 2023Completion:
19 Sep 2023Implemented
Completed
Start:
19 Sep 2023Due:
03 Nov 2023Completion:
03 Nov 2023Impacted Consumers
Status
Implementation Date
03 November 2023
| Included changes | Affected REC Items | |
|---|---|---|
| R0104 | Clarifying requirement for continuous billing following an Erroneous Switch |
Documents
| Name | Version | Last updated | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 08 Jun 2026 |
|
|
| 1.0 | 08 Jun 2026 |
|
Download
Copy link
Implementation Status
Date Raised
REC Decision Maker
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Proposed Solution Document
Document title
R0140 Final Draft Legal text
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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.
Stages Selection
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.
Change Plan
Service Provider Impact Assessment opens
Completed
Start:
20 Jul 2023Due:
05 Jul 2024Completion:
05 Jul 2024Service Provider Impact Assessment closes
Completed
Start:
05 Jul 2024Due:
09 Aug 2024Completion:
06 Aug 2024Party Impact Assessment opens
Completed
Start:
09 Aug 2024Due:
16 Aug 2024Completion:
15 Aug 2024Party Impact Assessment closes
Completed
Start:
16 Aug 2024Due:
09 Sep 2024Completion:
09 Sep 2024Preliminary Change Report Issued
Completed
Start:
09 Sep 2024Due:
08 Oct 2024Completion:
08 Oct 2024Responsible Committee Review
Completed
Start:
08 Oct 2024Due:
15 Oct 2024Completion:
15 Oct 2024Consultation opens
Completed
Start:
15 Oct 2024Due:
18 Oct 2024Completion:
17 Oct 2024Consultation closes
Not Started
Start:
18 Oct 2024Due:
08 Nov 2024Completion:
Responsible Committee Decision
Not Started
Start:
10 Dec 2024Due:
17 Dec 2024Completion:
Final Change Report issued
Not Started
Start:
08 Nov 2024Due:
10 Dec 2024Completion:
Sent to Authority for Determination
Not Started
Start:
17 Dec 2024Due:
18 Dec 2024Completion:
Alternative Change Proposals
Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Documents
Status
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
REC Decision Maker
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Proposed solution summary
- As a Non-Domestic Consumer, I want to work with TPIs who are demonstrating best practice standards within the market.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
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.
Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Documents
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
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
Removal of CSS Business Rule 1177 to reflect OFAF optionality
Date of latest update
Type
Change
ID
R0128
Change Category
Change Path
Priority
Urgent
No
Latest Update
06/12/2023- This Change was implemented as part of the 6 December 2023 Extraordinary Release *No Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement impacts
Summary
This change looks to remove business rule 1177, from the Central Switching Service (CSS) Message Business Data Validation Rules, which mandates that all Suppliers have a ‘One Fail All Fail’ (OFAF) reference included in their Switching Operational Data record in CSS. This was not the intended design. CSS system functionality will be updated as part of an operational change, as agreed at Switching go-live. This change is required to align the Data Specification with the operation of the system.
Change Plan
Preliminary Change Report and Consultation Issued
Completed
Start:
16 Jun 2023Due:
28 Jul 2023Completion:
27 Jul 2023Consultation Closed
Completed
Start:
28 Jul 2023Due:
18 Aug 2023Completion:
18 Aug 2023Final Change Report published
Completed
Start:
18 Aug 2023Due:
08 Sep 2023Completion:
08 Sep 2023Responsible Committee Decision
Completed
Start:
08 Sep 2023Due:
27 Sep 2023Completion:
15 Sep 2023Appeal Window Closed
Completed
Start:
27 Sep 2023Due:
02 Oct 2023Completion:
02 Oct 2023Impacted Consumers
Impacted REC Parties and Market Participants
Status
Implementation Date
06 December 2023
| Included changes | Affected REC Items | |
|---|---|---|
| R0106 | Performance Assurance Report Catalogue V5.1 |
Implementation Status
Date Raised
Fuel
REC Decision Maker
Date of Update to Priority
Solution Development
Proposed solution summary
- As the Code Manager, I want the REC to reflect the intended design and align to the CSS functionality so that I do not need to operate a workaround As the Switching Operator, I want the REC Data Specification to reflect the functionality as designed so that my obligations are clear
- As an Energy Supplier, I want the SOD, relating to my Market Participant Identifier/s (MPIDs), to accurately record my OFAF reference so that my OFAF qualification status is clearly understood
Proposed Solution Document
Document title
R0128 Proposed Solution v1.0 (Initial Assessment) 11.07.2023
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Document title
R0128 Proposed Solution v1.0 (Approved) 18.09.2023
Archive
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Document title
R0128 - Draft Legal Text 27.07.2023
Archive
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Document title
R0128 - Approved Legal Text 18.09.23
Archive
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Problem Statement
As a Consumer, I want the operational switching processes to run efficiently so that my switching experience is not impacted
Stages Selection
SME
SME Role
Lead Technical Analyst
R0128 - Change Proposal form (downloadable version) 16.06.2023
R0128 - Change Proposal Plan v1.0 (Pre-Approval) 11.07.2023
R0128 - Change Proposal Plan v1.0 (Approved) 18.07.2023
R0128 - Initial Assessment Report v1.0 (Approved) 18.07.2023
R0128 - Preliminary Change Report v1.0 (For Consultation) 27.07.2023
R0128 Consolidated Consultation Responses PUBLIC v1.0 08.09.23
R0128 - Final Change Report v2.0 (Post-Vote) 18.09.23
Company Name
RTS
Review status
Review required