SVA Qualification & Re-Qualification

Glossary

Find out how to prepare for Supplier Volume Allocation (SVA) Qualification and what you need to do in order to qualify. You can also find out if you need to re-qualify. 

SVA Qualification – Market Entry video

Video Published: October 2021
Video Length: 10 mins, 53 sec

 

How it relates to you

To operate as any of the market participants listed you will need to complete SVA Qualification.

BSC Party roles

  • Asset Metering Virtual Lead Party
  • Distribution System Operator – (may also need to register as Supplier Meter Registration Agent and Unmetered Supplies Operator)
  • Supplier
  • Virtual Lead Party

SVA Party Agent roles

  • Asset Metering Half Hourly Data Collector (AMHHDC)
  • Asset Metering Meter Operator Agent (AMMOA)
  • Central Volume Allocation Meter Operator Agent (CVAMOA)
  • Data Aggregator (Half Hourly and Non Half Hourly) 
  • Data Collector (Half Hourly and Non Half Hourly)
  • Meter Administrator (MA)
  • Supplier Meter Registration Agent (SMRA)
  • Unmetered Supplies Operator (UMSO)

SAD Sections to complete

As an Distribution systems operator they will be registering as a LDSO, UMSO and SMRA- in one application.

Why is it important?

New Entrants to the GB Energy Industry, especially those looking to begin Qualification under the BSC Arrangements should be aware of the latest MHHS Qualification Arrangements.

New market entrants must complete all relevant market entry requirements, in addition to the MHHS Qualification requirements, before being permitted to commence operation of the new MHHS arrangements.

MHHS Qualification will adapt the current arrangements for BSC and REC Qualification in BAU, which had been appropriate for a mature set of trading arrangements, to reflect the increased risk from new industry wide MHHS interfaces and business processes.

All Programme Participants will be required to complete the applicable sections of the Qualification Assessment Document to demonstrate they have met all their MHHS Qualification requirements.

If a Participant is entering Qualification before MHHS Migration has completed, Participants will be allocated to one of four overlapping Qualification Waves.

Parties will be required to undertake Qualification Testing, managed by an Elexon Qualification Test Manager on behalf of Code Bodies, and become MHHS Qualified.

Once MHHS Qualified, and in accordance with the MHHS Programme Plan, Participants can commence operating in the new MHHS arrangements from 30 September 2025.

Participants are required to provide a Pre-Qualification Submission. This will collect information from each Programme Participant on its preferred Qualification Wave, PIT approach and completion timescales, target migration date, and any request from it to Place Reliance on testing completed by others, as well as other information.

The Figure below sets out the plan from Qualification Wave allocation to MHHS Qualification for new entrant Participants.

For further details on MHHS Qualification requirements, please see the latest MHHS Qualification Approach & Plan.

How to Qualify

This section features the SVA Qualification process check list.

Qualification process and Checklist

  1. Accede to the BSC by signing the  Accession Agreement  (SVA Party Agents and CVAMOAs must sign and submit the Qualification Letter).

    Parties must accede to the BSC before starting Qualification. SVA Party Agents (listed above) and Central Volume Allocation Meter Operator Agents must sign and submit the Qualification Letter.

  2. Meet with Qualification Service Provider (QSP) (and REC if applicable to role) for guidance and agree timescales for the application.

    Following receipt of the Applicant’s Qualification Letter (or confirmation of Accession), Elexon and our Qualification Service Provider (QSP) will hold a planning meeting with you. This meeting will provide guidance and support and agree timescales for the application.

    You may be required to undertake Entry Assessment under the Retail Energy Code (REC). If so, the Retail Energy Code Company will also attend the planning meeting.

  3. Complete Qualification document

    Applicants must then complete the Self-Assessment Document (SAD).

    Qualification applicants must then complete the Self-Assessment Document (SAD). The SAD can be submitted in full or section by section for review. Once submitted, the QSP will provide feedback until it has been completed.

  4. QSP to assess information provided in the SAD

    The QSP will provide a scope for the Witness Testing and/or witness any tests reasonable in order to assess some or all information provided in the SAD.
  5. Report submitted to PAB so they can determine your application.

    When we are satisfied that you have fully completed the SAD and provided all appropriate information, documentation, evidence and verification, a recommendation will be provided to the Performance Assurance Board (PAB) in relation to your application for Qualification.

    The PAB will determine your application for Qualification as either:

    1) Approved
    2) Approved with a determination that certain matters are to be subsequently complied with
    3) Deferred

Please note that all forms needed for Qualification can be accessed on this page.

Costs

As an applicant, you do not need to pay to go through the Qualification process. The costs for this are recovered centrally through Elexon’s funding mechanisms.

Qualification guidance

Re-Qualification

Please note that Re-Qualification does not apply to Suppliers, VLPs or LDSOs except when acting in their capacity as an UMSO or SMRA.

Qualified Persons are required to Re-Qualify prior to implementing Material Changes to the systems, staff or processes they use to operate in their market role. Qualified Persons will need to produce a risk and impact assessment (RIA) to determine if those changes are Material.

How do I start the Re-Qualification process?

Please contact your Operational Support Manager (OSM) or the Qualification team. They will then get in touch with you to talk about Re-Qualification in more detail.

It is similar to the SVA Qualification process except you only answer questions affected by the change within the SAD. We then review the document, supporting evidence and carry out witness testing.

Costs

As an applicant, you do not need to pay to go through the Re-Qualification process. The costs for this are recovered centrally through Elexon’s funding mechanisms.

Surrender of Qualification

Your Qualified Person’s Qualification can be surrendered voluntarily by following the process below.

  1. Contact your Operation Support Manager (OSM) or contact the Qualification Team – [email protected].
  2. Submit the Surrender of Qualification Letter to the Qualification Team.
  3. The letter is submitted to PAB so they can determine your outcome.

Removal of Qualification

Your Qualified Person’s Qualification can be removed if you do not comply with certain requirements and standards.

This can be avoided if you follow the techniques listed in the Performance Assurance Framework

My BSC

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