Replicating Time Switching And Load Switching In The Smart Roll-out

During working group discussions on DCP 204 ‘Smart Metering Related Amendments to Schedule 8’ an issue was raised about how suppliers should ensure the correct outcomes when applying tariff times to smart metering system in the roll-out. Wider outcomes (outside of DCP 204) would include that the tariff is appropriate for the customer, that the time switching serves the customer’s current heating arrangements and also aligns to any existing load managed areas to avoid adversely contributing to any network loading issues.

A specific concern raised by a working group member and by a consultation respondent is regarding a change to which party will be responsible for defining appropriate tariff switching times in any given geographical area (load switching of heating and hot water usually corresponds to cheaper rate/off-peak/night rate tariff times). Currently the distributor defines the switching times, through the application of Standard Settlement Configuration (SSC) rules under the BSC, in their GSP. The Working Group noted that the removal of SSCs will not be for several years and is therefore not an immediate issue, however, there may be future unintended consequence of moving away from SSCs.

This issue was discussed at the 19 December 2014 DCUSA Standing Issues Group meeting. The group agreed to draft a paper on the governance arrangements in order to determine where this modification should sit. At the 30 January 2015 meeting, the DCUSA SIG considered the suggestion that this issue may best sit under the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC). The group agreed to add the group code relationships in the teleswitch use agreement to the paper before making a formal recommendation on this issue.

The DCUSA SIG agreed that this issue best sits under DCUSA as the Distributors have an obligation under the Distribution Licence to manage an efficient network which includes load management and demand control areas.

The proposer decided to withdraw DIF 045 as the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) CP 1443 ‘Standard Settlement Configurations (SSCs) for Smart And Advanced Meters’ overlaps with DIF 045. The BSC change is looking at the application of tariffs and is proposing to take Radio Teleswitch (RTS) SSCs off the registration of the RTS meters and replace it with non-RTS instead so that there is no change with the introduction of smart meters. The proposer considered that a clearer direction on the issue represented by DIF 045 would be available in September but the issue itself if re-raised would take a different form than DIF 045.