Clarification of criteria for Non-Domestic SVA Metering Systems to be allocated to Profile Classes 3 or 4

In response to recent enquiries from Suppliers and other parties, we have been reviewing whether the criteria that Suppliers must follow when deciding whether to allocate Non-Domestic SVA Metering Systems to Profile Classes 3 or 4 are clear. These criteria are laid out in BSCP516: ‘Allocation of Profile Classes and SSC’s for Non Half Hourly SVA Metering Systems Registered in SMRS’, and are particularly relevant to:

• Suppliers deciding whether a new connection should be settled as Non Half Hourly (NHH) in Profile Class 3 or 4, or as Half Hourly (HH); and
• Suppliers deciding whether an existing connection that is currently being settled HH can be changed to NHH in Profile Classes 3 or 4.

Who is responsible for new connections in Profile Classes 3 or 4?

Where a new connection is required it is the responsibility of the Supplier, with agreement from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), to ensure that the customer is established under the correct arrangements.  BSCP516 states that the allocation of a Profile Class is dependent on whether Maximum Demand is required to be recorded. Therefore under BSCP516 a Non Domestic Customer with a new connection can be settled NHH (under Profile Classes 3 or 4) if the Supplier is willing to do so, and the Licensed Distribution System Operator (LDSO) does not require Maximum Demand Metering. If the Supplier or the LDSO does require Maximum Demand meter readings to be recorded the Metering System falls outside Profile Classes 3 and 4, and must therefore be settled Half Hourly (in accordance with Standard License Condition SLC12 and BSC Modification P272).

Profile Classes 5-8

Since the introduction of P272 a Metering System that meets the definition of Profile Classes 5-8, and was therefore migrated to be settled HH, cannot revert back to NHH. Some of the recent questions we have received from Suppliers relate to the scenario of a customer whose SVA Metering System was migrated to HH settlement as part of the P272 process, because at the time it met the criteria for Profile Classes 5-8, but which may now meet the criteria for Profile Classes 3 or 4, as a result of changed circumstances. This could include:

• An SVA Metering System for which the LDSO previously required Maximum Demand data, but now does not (e.g. because of a reduction in the connection capacity used by the customer); or
• An SVA Metering System for which the Supplier previously required Maximum Demand data, but now does not (e.g. because of a Change of Supplier)

Clarification on P272

In response to these questions we have investigated the industry rules (as set out in the BSC and BSCP516), and the discussions of the P272 Workgroup on reverting back to Non Half Hourly. As a result we are now able to clarify that a change of Measurement Class and Profile Class (from HH settled to NHH Profile Class 3 or 4) is permitted by the BSC if a Metering System has been validly reclassified as being within Profile Class 1-4 (in accordance with BSCP516). The Supplier needs to be satisfied that the customer meets the criteria of Profile Class 3 or 4. 

As set out in BSC Section S (2.7.4) the supplier is required to use reasonable endeavors to ensure that Metering Systems remain allocated to the correct profile class, making changes where appropriate.  In considering whether a change should be initiated the supplier should also be mindful of their License requirements relating to the installation of an Advanced Meter (SLC12). 

Where a Supplier is satisfied that an SVA Metering System now meets the criteria for Profile Classes 1-4, this change can be carried out in accordance with the relevant BSC procedures as set out in:

• BSCP501: ‘Supplier Meter Registration Service’ – section 3.3, and
• BSCP504:  ‘Non Half Hourly Collection for SVA Metering Systems Registered in SMRS’ – section 3.3.10.   

The Supplier may need to perform a CoMC from HH to NHH, subject to the Metering System not meeting the Supply License obligation for installing advanced Meters and hence not falling within the scope of P272 ,in which case a CoMC will need to be carried out in accordance with the relevant BSC procedures as set out in:

• BSCP501: ‘Supplier Meter Registration Service’,
• BSCP504: ‘Non Half Hourly Collection for SVA Metering Systems Registered in SMRS’, and
• BSCP514 : ‘SVA Meter Operations for Metering Systems Registered in SMRS’.

Next steps

Elexon is aware that changes will be required to amend some of the code procedure and guidance documentation and is in the process of raising the necessary changes to propose that relevant documents are aligned to the BSC requirements, which do allow a change from HH to NHH in the limited circumstances described above.  These changes will be subject to the usual Change Proposal procedure should parties wish to participate.   We would encourage suppliers to consider whether any changes are needed to documents and guidance they may have published in relation to P272 or the ability of consumers to revert from HH to NHH.