Code Management

The implementation of the REC set an innovative new standard for industry code governance. It marked the transition from a ‘Code Administrator’ to ‘Code Manager’ function. 

The REC ensures that consumer benefit is placed at the heart of how the industry is governed, supporting accessibility within switching arrangements, safety of the network and the metering system, and protection of the most vulnerable in society. Its principal purpose is to define the arrangements that underpin the market, across both gas and electricity. 

Talan is the Code Manager supporting RECCo in meeting the objectives of the REC.

The Smart Energy Code (SEC) is a multi-party agreement required under the Smart Meter Communications Licence. It governs the installation and maintenance of smart meters, defining the rights and obligations of the Data Communications Company (DCC), Energy Supplies, Network Operators, and other relevant smart metering parties. This forms an integral part of the smart meter rollout, which is a key element in the shift to a flexible, decentralised, and decarbonised energy system needed as part of the drive towards net zero. 

We have acted as the Smart Energy Code Administrator and Secretariat (SECAS) since 2013. As part of our role, we support SEC Parties and committees, provide technical, operational and security expertise, and manage proposed changes to the Code. Alongside our energy expertise we draw on a wide range of areas in our business, including data protection and information security, to provide efficient and cost-effective delivery of the SEC.

Our energy and data protection experts can assist in reaching compliance when handling customer data. We ensure the public’s trust in the energy industry and smart meters by providing clear processes and controls around who can access smart meter data and creating preventative measures against cyber criminals.

Adopting smart meters has a central importance for Ireland’s net zero ambitions. However, data privacy concerns were raised with the implementation of smart devices into customer’s homes. We have supported the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in Ireland to create the Smart Meter Data Access Code (SMDAC) that sets out the governance of access to smart metering data.

The Smart Metering Device Assurance scheme is managed by SECAS and governed under the Smart Energy Code (SEC). 

The scheme provides a route to access third-party testing capabilities which allows energy suppliers, meter manufacturers and other interested parties to independently test and assure their smart metering devices. Testing confirms that the devices that make up smart metering systems work with each other when they are installed, changed, or when a consumer changes to another energy supplier. Such devices can include gas and electricity meters and communications hubs – which connect the meters to energy suppliers. The testing itself is ever evolving by considering changes to the technical specifications via SEC releases, other related industry changes, and ensuring test conditions reflect real-life scenarios in the field.

The scheme is governed by a specialist sub-committee of the Smart Energy Code Panel, who ensure that the testing services are in place and delivery effectively and efficiently. We are a Scheme Operator for Smart Metering Device Assurance, establishing a method for testing smart meter equipment that is entirely independent. Ofgem and the SEC Panel can ask for evidence that your devices interoperate as required in regulation, and using the SMDA scheme will provide the perfect way to generate this evidence.