Change
P463 Assessment Procedure Consultation
P463 seeks to introduce a new change process – a ‘Standard Change’ process – into the BSC arrangements that would allow for certain, low risk, predictable and repeatable pre-authorised changes to be implemented without following the existing Change Proposal or Modification procedures. This should reduce the burden on industry and Elexon; allowing them to focus on higher value activities.
CP1594 CP Consultation relating to older metering communication types
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.
P455 ‘On-Site Aggregation as a method to facilitate Third Party Access’ Report Phase Consultation
This Modification seeks to establish a more cost effective and efficient method for delivering Third Party Access on private networks that include domestic and small business customers. It does so by enabling aggregated meter data from sub meters on private networks to be submitted into Settlement in lieu of data from Settlement meters installed at the Boundary Point.
P467 Enduring solution for cash out price calculation in the event of a Gas Deficit Emergency (GDE)
This is a follow on Modification from Issue 105 and provides an enduring solution in an event of a Gas Deficit Emergency (GDE).
P468 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification seeks to allow Elexon to act as EII Support Payment Administrator and EII Levy Administrator for the Department of Business and Trade’s (DBT) Electricity Support Payment Scheme (ESP) Scheme, if appointed to those roles by the DBT.
Issue 101 ‘Ongoing Governance, Funding and Operation of the DIP’ Consultation
The purpose of this consultation is to invite potential Data Integration Platform (DIP) Users and other interested parties to provide their views on the proposed arrangements for the enduring governance, funding and operation of the DIP.
P466 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification seeks to update BSC Section N ‘Clearing Invoicing and Payment’ to support the effective running of the Funds Administration Agent (FAA). The Modification will align the BSC with Elexon’s updated financial systems and modern banking practices to increase the efficiency of service provided to industry.
P442 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification seeks to allow correct reporting of chargeable volumes to the EMRS company for SVA Metering Systems that record both exempt supply and licensed supply through the addition of a new third party role, the “Exempt Supply Notification Agent”.
P455 Assessment Procedure Consultation
P455 seeks to establish a more cost effective and efficient method for delivering Third Party Access on private networks that include domestic and small business customers. It does so by enabling aggregated meter data from sub meters on private networks to be submitted into Settlement in lieu of data from Settlement meters installed at the Boundary Point.
P461 Report Phase Consultation
- Suppliers
- Virtual Lead Parties
P454 Report Phase Consultation
P454 would remove the existing requirement within BSC Section V ‘Reporting’ for the Balancing Mechanism Reporting Agent (BMRA) to provide BMR Service (BMRS) data via the legacy High Grade Service, otherwise referred to as the TIBCO service.
P465 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification is required to correct an error in the approved legal drafting for P415. This Proposal will ensure that Credit Cover requirements for Virtual Trading Parties (VTPs) correctly take into account the energy volumes (‘Deviation Volumes’) that VTPs trade in wholesale markets, which was the intention of the P415 Workgroup.
P451 Report Phase Consultation
P451 seeks to facilitate the implementation of NGESO’s new approach to Black Start, termed System Restoration. In doing so, it proposes to update all BSC references to “Black Start” to “System Restoration”, and enable contracted Restoration Service Providers who are non-BSC parties to claim BSC Black Start compensation.
P442 Assessment Procedure Consultation
P442 seeks to allow correct reporting of chargeable volumes to the Electricity Market Reform (EMR) Settlement Services Provider (SSP) for Supplier Volume Allocation (SVA) Metering Systems that record both exempt supply and licensed supply through the addition of a new Party Agent role, the Exempt Supply Notification Agent.
P454 Assessment Procedure Consultation
This Modification would remove the existing requirement within BSC Section V ‘Reporting’ (and facilitate potential future changes as explained in the report) for the Balancing Mechanism Reporting Agent (BMRA) to provide BMR Service (BMRS) data via the legacy on premise High Grade Service, otherwise referred to as the TIBCO service. This will align with the principle to make the BSC technology and vendor agnostic while not imposing infrastructure or vendor-tied solution to BSC Parties.
P456 Report Phase Consultation
Removing barriers in BSC Section E that would prevent Elexon updating BSC Agent contracts, therefore enabling BSC Agents to use Technology Services procured by Elexon. This should reduce costs for BSC Parties.
Informal Consultation on the BSC changes needed to enable Elexon’s ownership change
Elexon were seeking views from industry on the proposed changes to the BSC to enable Elexon’s ownership change, as part of a process led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Ofgem. The purpose of this informal consultation was to confirm that the proposed changes to the BSC meet the policy intent, as published by DESNZ and Ofgem.
This consultation was running in tandem with an Ofgem consultation on new electricity supply and generation licence conditions to implement the new ownership arrangements for Elexon.
P451 Assessment Procedure Consultation
P451 seeks to facilitate the implementation of NGESO’s new approach to Black Start, termed System Restoration. In doing so, it proposes to update all BSC references to “Black Start” to “System Restoration”, and enable contracted Restoration Service Providers who are non-BSC parties to claim BSC Black Start compensation.
P460 Report Phase Consultation
BSC Section C ‘BSCCo and its Subsidiaries’ states that BSCCo has a responsibility to propose, consult on and obtain approval for a MHHS Migration Plan. However, responsibility for Migration activities sits with the MHHS System Integration (SI) function. Therefore it would be a more efficient use of resource for the MHHSP to create, consult on and obtain approval for the migration plan.
P457 Report Phase Consultation
BSC Section H ‘General’ sets out dispute resolution procedures that allows Market Participants to undertake arbitration pursuant to the arbitration rules of the Electricity Arbitration Association if required. However, the EAA has not been used by a Market Participant since its inception in 1993 and does not provide good value for money for BSC Parties as monthly payments are required, irrespective of whether there are any disputes to consider.
P458 Report Phase Consultation
The purpose of this Modification is to address the need for personal information sharing in the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC), specifically in the context of the Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) testing. The current BSC General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and data protection provisions were not designed to allow the sharing of personal information, which has now become necessary for the planned MHHS testing.
Issue 107: Consultation on Confirmation Notices
The Issue 107 Workgroup are seeking views from Trading Parties on its two preferred invoicing options.
Issue 101: Consultation on the framework for the enduring DIP governance, funding and operation
This consultation invites potential Data Integration Platform (DIP) users and other interested parties to provide their views on the proposed framework for the enduring governance, funding and operation of the Data Integration Platform (DIP).
P453 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification seeks to progress two recommendations from Issue 93 ‘Review of the BSC metering Codes of Practice’.
P415 & P444 Report Phase Consultations
P415 seeks to amend the BSC to allow Virtual Lead Parties (VLPs) to participate in the GB wholesale market.
The P444 solution seeks to introduce compensation for Suppliers and Virtual Lead Parties (VLPs) for volumes adjusted by VLPs in the Balancing Mechanism.
P443 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification seeks to limit the exposure of all GB parties, including consumers, to extreme prices because of tight margins across the European energy markets. The proposed solution is to cap the price that enters the BSC Imbalance Price calculation at the Value of Lost Load (VoLL – currently £6,000/MWh), for Interconnector actions only. VoLL under the BSC represents the value to customers of unsupplied energy. National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO) would still be able to take Interconnector actions it deems necessary, but these would be capped in the Imbalance Price calculation where the relevant actions exceed VoLL.
P452 Urgent Modification Consultation on Energy Bill Discount Scheme
This Modification seeks to enable Elexon (BSCCo) to act as the payment provider for the Government’s Energy Bill Discount Scheme for non-domestic electricity customers. This scheme will replace the existing Energy Bill Relief (EBR) Scheme.
Mini-consultation on the future of the SVA Data Catalogue, the User Requirements Specifications and BSC guidance documents
We are seeking views from interested parties on the future of certain BSC Document types. Specifically, the SVA Data Catalogue, the User Requirements Specifications, Guidance Notes and Simple Guides.
In this exploratory consultation, we outline options for the future of each of these document types. We will use the results from this consultation to inform what changes to make to these document types. Please provide your responses using this form.
P443 Assessment Procedure Consultation
P443 seeks to limit the exposure of all GB parties, including consumers, to extreme prices because of tight margins across the European energy markets.
P444 Assessment Procedure Consultation
This Modification would amend BSC systems and processes to introduce a compensation mechanism for Suppliers and VLPs when a VLP takes a Bid or Offer in the BM, to ensure a level playing field and enable correct incentivisation of flexibility.
P449 Urgent Modification Consultation on Energy Bill Relief Scheme
This Modification seeks to enable Elexon (BSCCo) to act as the payment provider for the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme for non-domestic electricity customers. The intention of the subsidy would be to reduce non-domestic consumer tariffs in light of the recent rises in energy costs.
P448 Urgent EBGL Consultation
This Modification would enable Generators to continue generating during a Network Gas Supply Emergency, if it occurs.
The proposed solution would require changes to below BSC documents to create a mechanism in the BSC that allows Load Shedding instructions issued during a Stage 2+ Network Gas Supply Emergency to be treated as Accepted Bids for BSC purposes. The generator will be protected from BSC Imbalance Charges if the Load Shedding prevents them from delivering contracted positions agreed prior to receipt of the Load Shedding instruction:
- BSC Sections B, G, M, Q, T and X;
- Balancing and Settlement Code Procedure (BSCP)18;
- Interface Definition and Design (IDD) Part 2 Document;
- Settlement Administration Agent (SAA) Service Description; and
- Settlement Administration Agent User Requirements Specification.
P434 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification will require a period of mandatory Change of Measurement Class (CoMC) activity for all Non-Half Hourly (NHH) Unmetered Supplies (UMS) Metering Systems to complete before the Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) migration to the Target Operating Model (Milestone 11 (M11) in the MHHS Timetable). At the time of writing, this would need to complete by October 2024. It will also require all new UMS connections to be settled Half Hourly (HH) from 12 months prior to M11, currently October 2023.
P432 Send Back Consultation
This Modification proposes to align the BSC definition of an Advanced Meter with that in the Standard License Conditions (SLC) and to set explicit Half Hourly (HH) Settlement obligations for Current Transformer (CT) Advanced Meters ahead of the migration to Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS).
P448 Urgent Modification Consultation
This Modification would enable Generators to continue generating during a Network Gas Supply Emergency, if it occurs.
P447 Urgent Modification Consultation
This Modification would prevent negative impacts to the cash-out price if NGESO’s Winter Contingency service is used.
P446 Urgent Modification Consultation
This Modification seeks to enable Elexon (BSCCo) to implement and administer the payment scheme for Suppliers as part of the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) scheme for domestic electricity customers. The intention of the subsidy would be to reduce consumer tariffs in light of the recent rises in energy costs.
P437 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification proposes to introduce a provision in Section L ‘Metering’ to allow the relevant Meter Operator Agent to apply for Metering Dispensations on behalf of a non-BSC Party.
The solution will see non-BSC Parties being able to request Metering Dispensations for the relevant MOA (Supplier Volume Allocation (SVA) for SVA sites, Central Volume Allocation (CVA) for CVA sites) to apply on their behalf.
P445 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification seeks to allow the Funds Administration Agent (FAA) to process a Default Funding Share for unpaid Trading Charges earlier to reduce the cost of the borrowing facility and reduce the risk of shortfall. The Modification will also allow the Panel to instruct the FAA to release Trading Charges where the default relates to an Energy Supply Company Administration (ESCA).
P425 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification aims to reduce the requirement from two or more Suppliers, to one or more Suppliers, to be involved in a Shared Supplier Volume Allocation (SVA) Metering Arrangement.
This would allow multiple Suppliers to continue facilitating Shared SVA Metering Arrangements, while also allowing a single Supplier to make use of such an arrangement.
P427 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification seeks to amend BSC Section Z to allow the Performance Assurance Board (PAB) to recommend that the Panel publish notices to industry in respect of Performance Assurance Parties’ (PAPs’) contribution to Settlement Risk along with relevant risk data.
This will increase the effectiveness of all detective and investigative Performance Assurance Techniques (PATs) including Error and Failure Resolution (EFR) through greater incentives. Improved efficiency of Performance Assurance Framework (PAF) with swifter resolution rates to EFR plans and any other significant issues that impact Settlement is expected.
- BSC Section Z – Performance Assurance
July 2022 CPC
The July 2022 CPC batch contains the consultations for CP1565 ‘Updating BSCP520 to address operational issues in the Central Management System’ and CP1566 ‘Introducing the CVA Commissioning End to End Check (CEEC) process’
P437 Assessment Procedure Consultation
P437 will amend BSC Section L ‘Metering’ and BSCP32 ‘Metering Dispensations’ to permit BSCCo (Elexon) to submit a Metering Dispensation application on request from a party, other than the Registrant of the applicable Metering System for new connections.
The incoming Registrant of the applicable new connections site will be notified by Elexon of any Metering Dispensation. Registrants will also be able to check for any Metering Dispensation on the existing Statement of Site Specific Dispensation and Generic Metering Dispensation log.
P434 Assessment Procedure Consultation
This Modification will require a period of mandatory Change of Measurement Class (CoMC) activity for all Non-Half Hourly (NHH) Unmetered Supplies (UMS) Metering Systems running from October 2023 to October 2024. It will also require all new UMS connections to be settled Half Hourly (HH) from October 2023.
If the transition for NHH UMS Metering Systems is not brought forward, combined with the workload from other MHHS activities, It will significantly increase the risk that there will be insufficient time for Customers, Suppliers and UMSOs to address any issues that may arise with the transition to the MHHS Target Operating Model.
P432 Report Phase Consultation
This Modification proposes to align the BSC definition of an Advanced Meter with that in the Standard License Conditions (SLC) and to set explicit Half Hourly (HH) Settlement obligations for Current Transformer (CT) Advanced Meters ahead of the migration to Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS).
Summary
Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) requires that all Metering System Identifiers (MSIDs) are settled on a Half Hourly (HH) basis and moved to the MHHS Target Operating Model. The Code Change and Development Group (CCDG) has recommended moving Current Transformer (CT) Advanced Meters to settle HH by October 2023 in its consultation on the Transition Approach for MHHS. If this recommendation is not implemented the risk is that there will be insufficient time for Customers, Suppliers and their Agents to address issues that may arise will be increased, especially against the backdrop of the larger MHHS migration activities that will be needed for smart Meters.
- Inconsistent definitions of Advanced meter in the BSC versus Electricity Supply Standard Licence Conditions; and
- The risk of not meeting MHHS Transition Timetable leading to Settlement errors.
P432 seeks to align the BSC definition of an Advanced Meter with that in the SLC and to set explicit HH Settlement obligations for CT Advanced Meters ahead of the migration to MHHS. Existing CT Advanced Meters settling NHH are expected to migrate using the Change of Measurement Class (CoMC) process to settle HH by October 2023 and all new connections for CT Advanced Meters will be expected to settle HH from October 2022. Any opt-out/in rights for customers under the SLC are reflected in the P432 solution.
Issue 99 consultation: Industry’s view on the value of the D0215 data flow
The Issue 99 Group has issued a RFI to understand the value of the D0215 data flow.
P427 Assessment Procedure Consultation
P427 seeks to allow the Performance Assurance Board (PAB) to recommend that the Panel publish notices to industry in respect of Performance Assurance Parties’ (PAPs’) contribution to Settlement Risk along with relevant risk data.
P440 Report Phase Consultation
The BSC does not currently allow Elexon to undertake administrative activities that would support the Capacity Market Advisory Group (CMAG). This does not align to Ofgem’s decision to appoint Elexon to undertake the CMAG administrative activities on its behalf.
This Modification should enable Elexon as the BSCCo to conduct the administrative process work for the CMAG, on a not for profit basis, that Ofgem is awarding to Elexon (subject to this Modification) per its decision dated 9 May 2022.
Elexon shall:
- be required by the BSC to create, maintain and operate the CMAG processes in support of the Change Process for the Capacity Market Rules guidance, that Ofgem publishes;
- be accountable to Ofgem rather than the BSC Panel for operating and maintaining (including changing) the CMAG processes; and
- recover its costs for the administrative work from BSC Parties in proportion to their market share through the main funding share.
P438 Urgent Modification Consultation
This Modification would allow Elexon to seamlessly give effect to sanction orders.