CP1594 ‘Creating an Approval Process for New and Legacy Communication Types’
Formal title: Creating an Approval Process for Managing New and Legacy Communication Types in Metering Systems
Older metering communication types are quickly becoming redundant and are being replaced by newer communication types. Elexon are proposing to create an approvals process to allow for the managed end dating of older technologies, such as Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Circuit Switched Data (CSD) and subsequently 2G.
This process includes creating a public and centralised list to keep Registrants and their agents informed and educated about redundant technologies and the emerging technologies available for replacement.
The solution will involve creating an approvals process similar to the Compliance and Protocol Approval procedure found in BSC Procedure (BSCP) 601 ‘Metering Protocol Approval and Compliance Testing’, focusing on updating metering communication technologies. This initiative intends to simplify introducing new communication methods and phasing out old ones. This CP establishes a central management process for communication methods without immediately purging existing data methods, except for the planned discontinuation of CSD and PSTN by the end of 2025, to reduce impact on participants and allow a streamlined review post-implementation.