BSC Insights: reviewing our introduction seminar
Elexon runs the introduction seminar five times per year and after each event we get feedback from those who attended as well as from those who presented.
Jessica’s article explains what is involved on the day and how we use the feedback we receive to develop the event further and ensure we meet customer needs.
Published: October 2018
Announcing new dates
One of the most important training sessions, certainly for newcomers to the industry, is the ‘Introducing Elexon’ Seminar.
The seminar has been run since 2011 and is always over-subscribed with a waiting list being kept for when future dates are announced.
Towards the end of the year, just about now, I set dates for the following year’s seminars and I know that we will be filling the lists very quickly as they are extremely popular. This is because the seminar is built around what you need to know and the feedback we get from previous attendees.
Reviewing to improve
The key point of the seminar is to explain the often complex parts of the industry so that we can make your work easier. If it doesn’t work for you then we need you to tell us.
Wash-up meeting
After every seminar the communications team, presenters and the chair meet to discuss the feedback received from participants. These meetings help us gain insight into what we think is working and what changes need to be made.
For example, in the past we have had speakers who have been softly spoken or did not cover all of the aspects of their subject in enough detail. That’s where my review of each event comes in, so let us know and we can make the necessary changes.
I am introducing an action log for November’s seminar so that I can track feedback and know how we introduce improvements in response to feedback. The action log will help us improve the day by highlighting similar themes that regularly occur.
Feedback from previous seminars
‘I found the knowledge of the speakers really came through in their enthusiasm and discussions during their presentations. They were all extremely engaging and were able to discuss their individual topics by bringing them to life with real time examples.’
‘The Elexon presentations outlining Elexon’s role and the function of the BSC were extremely helpful. Having it explained in person really cemented my understanding.’
‘It was an excellent seminar, the experts clearly were experts in their fields and keen to share their knowledge.’
Complete our survey
We are always looking at ways to improve our seminar so we ask all our attendees to complete a survey. The feedback helps us to understand what is working and lets us plan events that more closely fit the interests of our audiences and stakeholders.
What’s the day like?
It is a busy day for me with a lot of rushing around to ensure a smoothly run event.
Participants are welcomed by a member of the Communications team and Delegate packs are provided to all participants. The pack contains the biographies of our presenters with their contact details and a copy of the slides that you can use to follow during the presentations throughout the day.
We encourage participants to make the most of the seminar by asking questions and talking to other delegates.
Welcome
As part of the registration process, when you get your delegate packs etc, we also offer coffee, tea and a chance to meet Elexon staff and other attendees.
Morning schedule
- Welcome and introduction
- Elexon and the BSC – the basics
- Imbalance Settlement
- National Grid’s role as National Electricity Transmission System Operator (NETSO)
- What is Electricity Market Reform (EMR)
Lunch
Sandwiches are served in the Elexon reception area and will give you an opportunity to relax, check emails and network.
Do let us know if you have any dietary requirements so we can ensure they are catered for.
The lunch hour is a great time to meet other delegates from other organisations and network. There is also an opportunity to meet the experts and have questions answered.
Afternoon schedule
- Imbalance Prices
- Supplier Volume Allocation
- New technologies: opportunities and challenges
Why certain subjects
For those attending, the objective is to gain a greater understanding of the BSC, Elexon and how the industry fits together.
Modifications and Change Proposals
Elexon also has a senior member of the change team to take you through the change process. They explain what the Change process is and how each proposal is allocated its own Lead Analyst who will be responsible for progressing that Change and answering any questions you may have.
Imbalance Settlement
To understand the core principles of Imbalance Settlement one of our market analysts describe key vocabulary used in the industry. Our market analyst will also give a high level presentation on contracts & trading, metering collection & allocation and Introduction to the BSC cover.
National Grid
Elexon invite and welcome a speaker from National Grid and they talk about who National Grid are and National Grid’s role as National Electricity Transmission System Operator (NETSO).
EMR
Electricity Market Reform (EMR) is a high profile government programme relating to Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) and Contracts for Difference (CFD). A business analyst from EMR then answers the question ‘So why does electricity market need reform?’
Imbalance Pricing
An expert from our market entry team then takes you through the basics of imbalance pricing, the principles behind the pricing arrangements, the key terminology and an overview of how the prices are calculated and applied.
Supplier Volume Allocation
BM Units connected to the Distribution Networks (e.g. a Supplier’s customers in that area or an Embedded Generator) are normally registered for Supplier Volume Allocation (SVA). We therefore include an Introduction to Supplier Volume Allocation where our expert explains the difference between Transmission and Distribution Networks.