Operation of the retail electricity and gas markets is enabled by sets of business processes and information flows, defined in documents such as the Master Registration Agreement (electricity) and the Uniform Network Code (gas). These processes cover arrangements for change of supplier/shipper, the appointment of metering agents and the flow of information into the wholesale energy settlement routines.
The introduction of smart metering will introduce new flows of information between suppliers and smart meters, and simplify some of the existing business processes. New processes will also be required covering the installation of smart metering equipment and the linking of new devices to existing smart metering equipment. These new arrangements will be documented in the Smart Energy Code and consequential changes to existing codes and agreements.
The Business Process Design Group (BPDG) has been formed to specify the new processes, activities and information flows and the changes needed to existing arrangements. Led by DECC, the BPDG comprises representatives from all segments of the energy industry.
The smart metering business processes will be used in:
- preparing specifications for the procurement of DCC’s data services
- drafting the Smart Energy Code
- designing interfaces between DCC and its users
- specifying changes to legacy systems
If you have any specific comments relating to this group, please email them to bpdg@decc.gsi.gov.uk