Last updated: 24 February 2022

The Retail Energy Code (REC) implementation met the 1 September 2021 deadline, and code managers of other industry rule books are continuing to facilitate the transition. Most arrangements and aspects of existing codes have moved into the scope of the RECCo and associated bodies, and the new REC managers have taken over responsibility from previous code managers who oversaw the closed codes.

As former code managers of SPAA among others, ElectraLink is pleased to be playing a part in the transition to a new chapter in GB’s retail energy market. This page reflects the aspects of the transition we have facilitated so far.

23 February 2022 – Transfer of prepayment allocation data

ElectraLink were due to carry out unallocated prepayment activities under the SPAA for the period prior to REC implementation. These activities included identifying and notifying Parties of unused prepayment funds and settling outstanding fund payments. ElectraLink provided data from three separate time periods and email wording to inform Parties if they were to receive the unused funds or not. The contract also included scope for ElectraLink to provide further query support and advice where needed to ensure all stakeholders executed their required responsibilities.

6 January 2022 – ETPAB knowledge shared

ElectraLink consultants shared with RECCo information on the Erroneous Transfer Performance Assurance Board (ETPAB), specifically ElectraLink’s views on lessons learnt and recommendations on improvements that could be made to the reporting regime. This was conveyed through a telephonic session with an expert consultant and a written report capturing RECCo’s demands.

8 September 2021 – New processes for updating DCUSA metadata

The DCUSA Secretariat is working to develop and implement new processes for the updating of DCUSA-owned metadata as is required within the Retail Energy Code.  This work is in liaison with Capgemini who are responsible for the maintenance of the Energy Markets Architecture Repository. This will be completed over the coming weeks starting early September 2021.

1 September 2021 – REC Code Manager supported on SMICoP public-facing aspects 

Unlike many regulatory codes, the Smart Meter Installation Code of Practice (SMICoP) is intended for industry and consumer use. SMICoP has been important for instilling public confidence in the smart meter rollout, and as a result the public engage with the SMICoP Code Administrator, ElectraLink, which is working closely with the REC team to make the transition to REC as smooth as possible for the public.

ElectraLink delivered working sessions starting in February 2021 to familiarise the REC Code Manager with the unusual public facing aspects of SMICoP, including through the SMICoP Governance Board meetings. ElectraLink also provided the REC Code Manager with training, FAQs, and links to third party resources for managing specialist public-relevant queries.

COVID has presented unique challenges to processes dependent on field force activity. The REC Code Manager, RECCo, and ElectraLink have worked together to ensure the SMICoP Governance Board was still able to take a responsive approach to the resumption of in-person activities at scale, the development of new variants, and regional variations, without jeopardising the transition of obligations to REC on 1 September 2021.

1 September 2021 – Freezing and transferring SPAA website data and documents until March 2022

The SPAA code will cease to exist from 1 September 2021. In order to facilitate the transition of SPAA arrangements moving into REC, the SPAA website and the data it holds need to remain functional until SPAA data and documents such as change proposals and meetings minutes can be transferred to the REC website. Transferring this data will also require cleansing and formatting.

From 1 September 2021 to no later than 31 March 2022, ElectraLink will continue to manage and report on the SPAA website. Historical data will be frozen as is on 1 September, with no new information (except activities that took place before 1 September and not yet added to the website) to be uploaded, and the website will be accessible for industry until the data is transferred to RECCo. Before or on 31 March 2022, the data will be transferred to RECCo after passing cleansing, sorting and formatting steps.

After 1 September, ElectraLink will resolve any queries relating to the SPAA website. However, any queries relating to SPAA activities not related to the website will be deferred to the new REC administrator.

1 April 2021 – Theft Detection Incentive Schemes targets for suppliers

Theft Detection Incentive Schemes for suppliers acceded to SPAA and DCUSA ceased on 31 January 2021. There was a gap period of two months before the new schemes under the REC started on 1 April 2021. The scheme design transitioned across successfully ‘as is’.

The new scheme under the REC will run for 12 months from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 and is expected to be replaced with a revised incentive scheme from 1 April 2022. ElectraLink sent targets to suppliers on 31 March 2021, and these targets are fixed for the duration of the scheme year.

From the start of the 2021/22 Scheme Year on 1 April 2021, participating suppliers are required to record ‘Confirmed Energy Thefts’, but only submit Confirmed Energy Thefts to RECCo via the REC Portal when this becomes available, being no later than 1 September 2021. RECCo will communicate how files can be uploaded to the portal in due course.

From 1 October 2021 onwards, the Scheme Administrator will produce and send an anonymous overall Indicative Scheme Summary Report which shows industry confirmed thefts to each Qualifying supplier and the REC PAB.

In cases of a Confirmed Energy Theft, energy suppliers must ensure appropriate remedial steps are taken to stop the theft and keep the public safe.

31 March 2021 – ETTOS transfer to RECCo

The Energy Theft Tip-Off Service (ETTOS), working with Crimestoppers, moved to RECCo after 31 March 2021.

The transfer of ETTOS from SPAA and DCUSA to RECCo was smooth. ElectraLink planned the transfer in conjunction with RECCo, the service provider, Crimestoppers, and the service users. The volume of active issues was reduced ahead of time and zero active issues were present on the day of the transfer. A last minute query was raised sometime after 4pm on 31 March, but ElectraLink’s team worked with RECCo to progress the issue as far as possible before RECCo took over at midnight.