Library of Switching Programme documents continues to expand

Cornwall Insight recently published the latest update to our quarterly Faster Switching Service, which has been revised to accommodate Ofgem’s latest proposals for the content of the enduring version of the Retail Energy Code (REC), and plans hold a separate Retail Code Consolidation Significant Code Review.

With these, the number of subsidiary documents for the programme has continued to multiply: Ofgem has now published 11 draft schedules for the enduring REC compared to the seven that existed in October last year. These are all available for parties to examine, with the new schedules covering prepayment meter arrangements, resolution of customer-facing issues, dealing with Related Metering Points, and the gas and electricity data enquiry services.

Ofgem also plans to develop a REC Technical Specification, which will be subdivided into a Service Definition document, a Security Operating Framework, a Testing Specification, and a Data Specification, the latter including a full retail data catalogue. These are to be drafted over the next year or so, and join the suite of design and delivery documents Ofgem has formalised with the DCC, of which there are no fewer than 23 for parties to get their heads around. Considering that many smaller market participants have very limited capacity to digest complex change, this array of documents can be overwhelming. However, while some may be inclined to think they can put off engaging with a change programme that will not take effect for another 18 months until nearer the time, failure to do so could lead to them being left behind.

Some of the most essential reading is the E2E Operational Choreography document, and the E2E Solution Architecture, as these really set out how the future switching arrangements operate and the resultant changes to industry processes. Those who are not afraid of large technical documents should also consider the CSS User Requirements Specification, which provides possibly the best illustration of how all the processes and systems fit together. However, Ofgem could have done more to make these documents transparent and accessible to those unfamiliar with how the programme is organised.

For these reasons, we have developed the Faster Switching Service as an end-to-end guide to the programme, designed to help all participants understand their obligations. This is updated on a quarterly basis and – in addition to a rundown of design documents – now incorporates coverage of programme meetings in order to help demystify the progression of what is a massive overhaul of one of the most fundamental sets of systems and processes for a competitive market.

For more information on the Faster Switching Service, contact Steven Britton at s.britton@cornwall-insight.com or 01603 542128.

Related thinking

string(0) ""

Regulation and policy

How will consumers take to Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement?

Ofgem published its decision to implement the move to Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) on 20 April. This confirms plans to move to new settlement arrangements over a four and a half year time period, with the Elexon-led Design Working Group’s Target Operating Model to be used as the blueprint. Meters...

string(0) ""

Regulation and policy

Ofgem raises modifications ahead of RCC and new switching arrangements

The latest edition of our Faster Switching Service Report due to be issued this week includes the latest developments in Ofgem’s Switching Programme and the associated Retail Energy Code (REC). Launched in November 2019, the Retail Code Consolidation (RCC) Significant Code Review (SCR) set out Ofgem’s intention to amalgamate the...

string(0) ""

Regulation and policy

Calm before the storm? 2021 energy supplier compliance developments

The latest update to our Energy Supplier Compliance Portal went live on 4 May and includes changes to the compliance landscape during February to April 2021. While the previous quarter’s update reflected new principles resulting from Ofgem’s Supplier Licensing Review (SLR) and protections for prepayment meter customers facing self-disconnection, Q121...

string(0) ""

Regulation and policy

Electricity transmission charging reform – overtaken by changing priorities?

Charging for the transmission network is never out of the development process for long. From major reviews, such as that initiated under Project Transmit in 2010, to significant reforms such as removing the triad benefit from distributed generation in 2018, and a host of smaller developments, change seems the only...

string(0) ""

Commercial and market outlook

April showers bring DUoS for every half hour

Almost two years ago, Ofgem approved DCP268 DUoS Charging Using HH Settlement Data, which will move existing non-Half Hourly (NHH) settled demand customers onto time-based Half Hourly (HH) Distribution Use of System (DUoS) unit rate charges. With the modification to be implemented in the DCUSA on 1 April, we revisit...

string(0) ""

Low carbon generation

New transmission charge forecast will help generators managing cost uncertainty and volatility

Transmission network use of system (TNUoS) charges represent a significant proportion of operating costs for many renewables generators, often exceeding 50% of annual running costs. For some, as recently highlighted by SSE in a recent report and to Members of the Scottish Parliament, they could present a barrier to investment in generation...

string(0) ""

Business supply and services

Energy suppliers must be ready to demonstrate compliance with new principles

From 22 January, energy suppliers were required to follow new principles resulting from Ofgem’s Supplier Licensing Review (SLR), which initially kicked off nearly three years ago. Such was the breadth of the SLR, changes were introduced in two rounds, with the first round of changes bringing the introduction of tougher...

string(0) ""

Regulation and policy

Ofgem “hands-on” in RIIO-2 as net zero route unfolds

During the next round of the RIIO price controls, Ofgem can be expected to take a more hands-on approach to outputs the networks are required to provide and the allowed revenues they can charge their users or consumers. This will have impacts for network development including the enabling of electric...