EUA | May 2013 |
Utility Networks Division
SMART METERING UPDATE Thank-you As always we are grateful to our members and their companies who have so freely given time and commitment to support EUA in the Smart Metering Implementation Programme workgroups, consultations and document reviews. EUA is viewed as a significant stakeholder in the programme but we are only as effective as our membership base is engaged, and we continue to achieve an excellent level of support, so thanks to you all. We would like to thank the following individuals for their at attendance at DECC work groups:
Elster Metering: Jeff Cooper, Matt Hallchurch and Michael John Landis & Gyr: Ian White, Elias Hanna and Wim Ton Power Plus Communications: David Pitcher Siemens: Jack Worsnop Secure Meters: Jim Nield Itron: Geoff Kingston Tuffentech: Vic Tuffen
Welcome… to this Smart Metering newsletter which gives an update on EUA’s recent work in this area. EUA is an active participant in Government’s continuing Smart Meter Programme, ensuring that members receive the best possible representation at the highest level within DECC.
2 Programme Overview The last twelve months has seen much progress towards Smart Metering rollout goals, though some areas have not have proceeded quite as quickly as anticipated. There is still significant work to be completed to finalise the various specifications for meters, communications hubs, and significantly, the security and assurance specifications. This is causing some uncertainty
In the industry and the Foundation Phase trials have not progressed to the degree that was perhaps originally envisaged.
Several of the energy suppliers are wary of installing significant numbers of foundation meters (SMETS 1 or pre SMETS – Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specification) due to fears over costly stranding of assets.
‘There is still significant work to be completed to finalise the various specifications for meters, communications hubs, and significantly, the security and assurance specifications.’
Where next? May 2013 HAN Controlled Auxiliary Load Control Detailed Design Spec (HCALC DDS) completed July 2013 Draft version of GB Companion Spec (GBCS) required for DCC bidders DCC licenses awarded CSP and DSP (Comms Service Provider and Data Service Provider) contracts awarded Smart Energy Code Administration Service Contract (SEC AS) awarded Dec 2013/Early 2014 GBCS certification and comms hub technical spec finalised Q4 2014 Mandated Roll-out begins
The procurement process for DCC (Data & Communication Company), CSP (Comms Services Provider) and DSP ( Data Services Provider) is due for completion in the summer and the SEC AS (Smart Energy Code Administration Service) bidding process is about to proceed with a view that this service be in place for the appointment of DCC.
There is also progress on the formation of the CDM (Central Delivery Body), which is tasked with ensuring proper and accurate communication to consumers on all aspects of the rollout programme. This should ensure that, not only are consumers fully aware of what is happening in the programme but also why it is happening, and any misleading and inaccurate information is counteracted promptly with the accurate and truthful facts regarding Smart Meters.
The programme team at DECC is undergoing a few changes and generally beginning to reduce in number. Some of the team is moving to similar roles in Ofgem as the emphasis moves from implementation to rollout. The general aim is to begin the wind down of the programme team ahead of the mandated rollout in 2014. There are concerns around loss of project knowledge and accountability and EUA has requested continued presence by DECC until significantly into rollout.
3 ODAG (Overall Design Advisory Group) The group advises the programme on cross-cutting issues that straddle the other expert and advisory groups and has been considering: Protection of consumers
DCC charging arrangements
Security Governance arrangements
Definition of “core” services
Appropriate length of the CSP contract
WAN coverage during rollout
Expert and advisory Groups: End to End Key Design Issues: SMETS 2 development is continuing with remaining aspects such as; HAN strategy, Comms Hub tech spec, prepay interface device and consumer access device pairing details being submitted to EU in Q3 2013.
Security: The security governance and assurance, CPA for equipment certification and PKI and protocol security all being reviewed and discussed in this quarter and early April.
Technical Architecture: The GB companion spec is also being reviewed during April this year. Foundation – Testing and Trialling and Transition Strategy: The long awaited Enrolment and Adoption policy consultation is due to be responded to by Government by April 2013.
SDAG – Solutions Design Advisory Group: This is a high level replacement for SSAG (some feel that SSAG should have continued to ensure detailed debate was not lost). A consumer keypad was added to the SMETS 2 spec at the eleventh hour without consideration of the cost and/or delays to the rollout but this would now appear to not be a mandated aspect of the meters.
HAG - HAN Advisory Group: Work is proceeding well on the various HAN trials and the results will be available shortly for the wired HAN trials. The current path is for the industry to rollout with 2.4 GHz solution as this is available but that work should proceed to ensure that an 868 MHz solution is available at the earliest opportunity.
STEG – Security Technical Expert Group: The latest risk assessment will be reviewed soon and the CPA requirements are also being reviewed in the full STEG sessions.
FSG – Foundation Strategy Group: The transitions strategy is currently being finalised and the processes to move to the governance by the Smart Energy panel and therefore the format of the SEC Admin Services is also close.
The SMRG WG4 - Smart Metering Regulation Consequential Changes Group: This group will be meeting shortly and it is proposed that it will discuss the latest views on changes due to the SEC content and governance.
CERG and CERG - OI – Consumer Engagement and Rollout Group and Operational Issues Group: The way forward and the formation of the Central Delivery Body has been processed and there is also a short consultation by Ofgem on the Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice ahead of approval.
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Summary The programme is moving steadily forward and attaining the desired goals. There is general stakeholder concern that in many ways it is not moving quickly enough on some of the critical path items - security and certification being prime examples of the outstanding and long awaited issues. EUA and its members are committed to supporting the programme in every way we can and will endeavour to move the critical items to full conclusion as soon as practical. We have requested that DECC update the programme timeline to more closely reflect the true current position but we do understand that there are difficulties in updating this on a regular basis.
Get Involved If you want to contribute to this work or would like information on any of the areas covered in this bulletin please contact gary@eua.org.uk.
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