Minutes
UMSUG 108 Minutes
Meeting Name
Unmetered Supplies User Group
Date of Meeting
16 January 2013
Meeting Number
108
Venue
ELEXON Ltd, 350 Euston Road, London NW1 3AW
Attendees
Justin Andrews
Shalen Sehgal
Derek Westney
Leanne Cavagan
Chris Horton
Paul Hart
Rob Harding
Helen Lea
Elias Militis
Mike Hawkins
Matthew White
Tom Chevalier
James Everley
Walter Hood
Kevin Spencer
Max O’Connor
James Townsend
UMSUG Chairman
Technical Secretary
npower
Northern Powergrid
Northern Powergrid
UK Power Networks
SSE Power Distribution
SSE Power Distribution
NMO
WPD
E.ON
Power Data Associates
Power Data Associates
IBM
ELEXON
ELEXON
ELEXON
Apologies
Donna Townsend
Keith Henry
Barry Dockney
Paul Angus
Nigel Birchley
Kelson Dos Santos
Mark Burton
David Moorhouse
Gary Marshall
ESP Pipelines
SELC Ireland Limited
Highways Agency
SSE Power Distribution
Power Data Associates
Highways Agency
UK Power Networks
NMO
Northern Powergrid
Committee Decisions under Delegated Responsibility
1.
UMS Load Research: Final Report – 108/01
1.1
ELEXON presented the final results and report for phase 2 of the UMS Load research. It asked the UMSUG
for a recommendation to the SVG on updating the Market Domain Data (MDD) values for the researched
lamp types. Furthermore, it reported on the Supplier Volume Allocations Group approval to suspend further
research. The UMSUG was invited to note that, following SVG agreement of any updates to the existing
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codes, the proposed approach to uplifting the remaining generic codes will be brought to UMSUG for
consideration.
1.2
An UMSUG member stated that he was happy with the results highlighted in the paper and that the data
was cleaner than the phase 1 data. The UMSUG member stated there was an issue with the findings for the
150W CDM-T LL. The UMSUG noted that for the 150W CDM-T Low Loss Charge Code (26 0150 2000 100),
the Circuit Watts would be less than those currently published for the ‘standard gear’ version. The UMSUG
agreed that the same value should therefore be applied to the 150W CDM-T Standard Charge Code (26 0150
0000 100). The UMSUG noted that the report showed the absolute values for the reactive power but that
most values were lagging (inductive). Both the wattages and reactive power figures would be updated in the
charge code spreadsheet.
1.3
An UMSUG member noted that a revised version of the Street Lighting Load Research Report will be taken to
the SVG on the 5th February 2013 and the final report will be published on the ELEXON website following the
SVG.
Action 108/01
1.4
An UMSUG member asked when these wattage values should be applied. ELEXON stated that these values
will be implemented using the same approach as for Phase 1 which means an effective from date of 1st April
2013. For Half Hourly (HH) customers the Meter Administrators will update the values in line with the MDD
changes which come into effect for 1st April. For Non Half Hourly (NHH) customers the UMSOs will update
the EACs for any customer over 500MWh/year for 1st April. All other NHH EACs will be updated upon receipt
of an updated inventory or endeavour to by the end of the financial year.
1.5
ELEXON will notify all UMSOs and MAs by email once the values are approved by SVG.
1.6
The UMSUG:
a)
NOTED the findings of Phase 2 of the Load Research;
b)
RECOMMENDED to the SVG that MDD be revised to reflect the research values contained within the
paper (and wattage values for 150W CDM-T Low Loss also apply to 150W CDM-T standard ballasts);
c)
RECOMMENDED to the SVG that the Charge Code Circuit Watts should be updated to the Phase 2
research values with an effective from date of 1 April 2013;
d)
RECOMMENDED to the SVG that, from the 1 April 2013 effective from date, the changes will be
applied to all HH customers and by recalculating the EAC for those NHH customers with annual
consumption >500MWh;
e)
RECOMMENDED to the SVG that the changes will be applied to other NHH customers when their
EACs are recalculated following the re-submission of their UMS inventories and endeavour case by the
31st March 2014;
f)
NOTED that the SVG agreed the recommendation from the UMSUG that the Load Research should be
suspended and reviewed in 2 years’ time; and
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g)
NOTED that, following the SVG decision, ELEXON will provide a paper on options for the remaining
Generic Charge Codes.
2.
Single Step Dimming: Revised Approach – 108/02
2.1
ELEXON presented the re-calculated single step dimming Switch regime data based on the existing 500
Series that was sent to the UMSUG for review. The UMSUG was requested to consider the issues with
implementing the new approach and then invited to recommend to the SVG if an MDD change should be
raised to include the new values for use in Settlement.
2.2
An UMSUG member believed that there has been no confirmation from asset management system providers
that they could facilitate the new approach using multi-level static dimming type switch regimes. ELEXON
stated that this had been discussed a number of years ago and the conclusions from these discussions were
that these systems could handle 3 digit alphanumeric Switch Regimes. An UMSUG member commented that
13 digit charge codes had been introduced in summer 2008 and yet there were still customers with 7 digit
charge codes. There is a wide range of asset management systems in the market and each system may
have dozens of different versions in use as well, there was concern that any new approach to dimming
would require a lot of education for the industry.
2.3
ELEXON proposed that the existing 500 Series approach would be used in parallel with the new
alphanumeric approach. An UMSUG member stated that it would be confusing if two systems were used in
parallel and UMSUG agreed with this comment. The UMSUG felt that this would cause further confusion in
the market place and that there was still some confusion in the industry with understanding the 500 Series
approach.
2.4
ELEXON stated that its main concern is with version control on the list of approved Charge Codes, and
robust validation of new and amended Charge Codes, rather than the numbers being created. While
excessively high volumes of Charge Codes might increase the likelihood of process failures or issues with
validation, there were common sense steps that could be taken to manage the number of Charge Codes
ELEXON both receives and commits to processing.
2.5
An UMSUG member highlighted that applications for some types of LED lighting could involve very high
numbers of Charge Codes, and that ELEXON providing guidance to applicants on these sorts of applications,
and ELEXON’s approach to them, would be beneficial. ELEXON stated that the core concern is to allow
UMSOs to accurately calculate their inventories and consumption values, in the easiest and fastest manner
possible.
2.6
3.
The UMSUG:
a)
DISCUSSED the issues with implementing these new Switch Regimes; and
b)
RECOMMENDED to the SVG that these Switch Regimes should not be implemented.
Switch Regimes and the OID – 108/03
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3.1
ELEXON presented some issues that have been highlighted by publication of the new table in the UMS
Operational Information Document (OID) that identifies which type of Charge Code can be used with which
type of Switch Regime. ELEXON invited the UMSUG to discuss how to resolve these issues with customers
and manufacturers where the UMSO has rejected the customer’s declared combination of Charge Code and
Switch Regime.
3.2
An UMSUG member stated that a ‘fast track changes’ process for updating certain non-key Charge Code
fields would be useful, as the current process was tied to MDD timescales, and therefore unnecessarily
formal where minor changes to the spreadsheet are requested. ELEXON stated that in the past it had only
used the MDD process for changes to the Charge Code itself, fields used in constructing the Charge Code,
and tested consumption values. It had however tended to consolidate all minor changes into one monthly
batch, which had the effect of tying these to MDD timescales regardless.
3.3
ELEXON agreed to discuss an appropriate procedure for end-dating of older versions of Codes with UMSUG,
through the mailing list, and then look to formalise a fast track change process.
3.4
ELEXON confirmed to an UMSUG member that errors found in the Charge Code spreadsheet on the ELEXON
website should be forwarded to ELEXON, who would address them.
3.5
An UMSUG member asked ELEXON to clarify what changes would happen if the manufacturer’s designation
changed. A concern was placed on changes to the key figures in the Charge Code spreadsheet. ELEXON
stated that changes to any key information would be communicated to all UMSUG members and UMSOs.
3.6
The UMSUG:
a)
DISCUSSED the issues with Switch Regimes, Charge Codes and the new OID table;
b)
RECOMMENDED to the SVG that key items within the Charge Code spread sheet should be subject
separate MDD Changes Requests and that other more minor changes be amalgamated in a single
housekeeping MDD Change Request; and
c)
ACTIONED ELEXON to bring definition of key items and minor changes to the next UMSUG meeting.
4.
UMS Operational Update – 108/04
4.1
ELEXON provided the UMSUG with an update on progress made with the improvement work on the Charge
Code application process agreed upon at UMSUG 107 and invited the UMSUG to provide comments on the
updated guidance notes for Charge Code applications.
4.2
An UMSUG member stated that the ISO 17025 accreditation is more robust than the ISO 9001 accreditation
for UMS testing. The UMSUG agreed and recommended that the ISO 9001 accreditation alone should not be
accepted going forward. ELEXON will make this change to the OID document along with other changes
which have been suggested to date, which will result in a paper going to the UMSUG then the SVG.
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4.3
An UMSUG member suggested using references for any updates to the ELEXON website guidance to sections
in the OID and stated that this would avoid confusion. ELEXON asked the UMSUG for volunteers to review
the UMS-related ELEXON Local Working Instructions to help improve the application process and allocation
of Charge Codes.
4.4
An UMSUG member queried an example used in the red-lined guidance notes, which referred to an applicant
needing both a ‘40’ and ‘41’ type code. The member was concerned that this might lead to confusion.
ELEXON noted that the example in the guidance referred to situations where equipment was multi-use, and
therefore needed multiple codes, but acknowledged that the example wasn’t ideal. ELEXON agreed to
remove the first example, and rely on a clearer, second example already in the guidance.
4.5
The UMSUG discussed the potential for ELEXON to develop an internal database to address the issues with
the current spreadsheet approach. UMSUG members reiterated its desire to see the application process
operate more efficiently for all participants, the rigor implicit in the use of a database would eliminate many
of the problems generated by the current activity.
4.6
The on-going duplicate charge code purge was discussed. An UMSUG member felt that different types of
duplicate should be addressed in different ways. Where there are duplicates for the same product, and of
very similar circuit wattages, it would make more sense to combine them into one Charge Code. The UMSUG
member noted that his experience with duplicates would suggest that there were many like this. ELEXON
noted that there were other types of duplicates, and that combining Charge Codes could present its own
problems, but agreed to establish how many of each type of code would be changed, and agree an
approach with UMSUG through the mailing list.
4.7
The UMSUG:
a)
NOTED the updates on the improvements made to the Charge Code application process;
b)
PROVIDED comments to ELEXON on the updated guidance notes;
c)
RECOMMENDED that ISO 9001 accreditation should not be accepted going forward for UMS testing
and be replaced with ISO 17025;
d)
RECOMMENDED that ELEXON investigate further the development of a database to manage Charge
Codes and Switch Regimes; and
e)
AGREED that a sub group of the UMSUG look at the duplicate Charge Codes with the aim of purging
these from the spreadsheet.
5.
UMS DUoS Changes: April 2013 – 108/05
5.1
The UMSUG noted the changes to the Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charging arrangements following
work carried out under the Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement (DCUSA). These changes
have been identified by the DCUSA Methodologies Issue Group (MIG) and progressed through DCUSA Issues
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2, 12 and 22 for implementation on 1st April 2013. In summary, the existing red, amber and green rates will
be replaced with new black, yellow and green rates. The new black time periods are more seasonal and will
typically be less than the current red time periods. The changes are required to remove disincentives to Half
Hour (HH) Settlement for UMS, due to their higher charges than for certain Non-Half Hourly (NHH) UMS
customers.
5.2
The timeline being followed for progression of the changes is as follows:
1. Ofgem approved DCUSA CP130 ‘Remove the discrepancy between non-half hourly (NHH) and half
hourly (HH) Un-metered Supplies (UMS) tariffs’ in December 2012;
2. Indicative charges published December 2012;
3. Final charges published February 2013; and
4. Revised charges applicable from 1st April 2013.
5.3
The UMSUG:
a)
NOTED the findings of the review and the implementation of the new DUoS charges from 1st April
2013.
6.
UMS Review: Final Conclusions – 108/06
6.1
The UMSUG considered the final conclusions of the UMS Review. It agreed that no further work is required
and that the review should be closed.
6.2
In summary, the key review areas and conclusions were as follows:

BSC Processes (BSCP520 ‘Unmetered Supplies registered in SMRS’) – Changes implemented (CP1368)
in November 2012;

Charge Code structure, allocation and application – Improvements to application and Charge Code
process are being progressed; the review group did not support the e-certificate approach;

Switch Regime structure and application – New approach identified but not supported by the group at
the present time (see 108/02 above);

Identify any new methods of energy calculation for UMS – As above;

UMS data flows: new flows and efficiencies – None identified by review group;

Operational Information – OID updates implemented in November (SVG141/08); and

Communications between parties – Review group agreed that all relevant information is available on the
BSC Website and did not identify any improvements.
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6.3
The only solution supported by the review group which had not already been implemented was the new
approach to single step dimming Switch Regimes presented in UMSUG paper 108/02. However, as described
above, the UMSUG agreed that this should not be progressed further.
6.4
The UMSUG:
a)
NOTED the findings of the review; and
b)
RECOMMENDED to the SVG that the review should now be closed.
7.
UMS >500 MWh draft Modification – 108/07
7.1
The UMSUG noted that ELEXON had received a draft Modification Proposal from Power Data Associates. The
Modification would mandate that UMS customers whose annual consumption is >500 MWh must be settled
on a Half Hourly basis. The UMSUG was invited to discuss the draft Modification and to give a view on the
likely level of industry support were it to be raised by a BSC Party. The UMSUG identified issues from a
customer and UMSO perspective with this Modification and some members clearly indicated that they were
not in favour of it. No UMSUG member at the meeting felt willing to sponsor the Modification.
7.2
The UMSUG:
a)
DISCUSSED the potential Modification; and
b)
NOTED that a party would have to submit the Modification if it were to be progressed.
8.
PECU Array Light Meters – 108/08
8.1
The UMSUG considered a draft CP from two Meter Administrators to amend BSCP520. The CP would make
the existing requirement for a light meter on a Photo Electric Control Unit (PECU) Array optional, as it is not
used in Settlement calculations and is expensive to procure and maintain. The UMSUG agreed that ELEXON
should raise the CP.
8.2
An UMSUG member agreed that they would contact the PECU Array manufacturer to discuss the purpose of
the light meter to confirm it is not an essential component of the array.
Post Meeting Update: The UMSUG member contacted the PECU Array manufacturer who confirmed that the
light meter did not serve any essential purpose and was only included in the PECU Array because it was
listed as a requirement in BSCP520.
8.3
The UMSUG:
a)
DISCUSSED the potential changes to BSCP520; and
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b)
RECOMMENDED to the SVG to raise a Change Proposal to progress the change to remove the
requirement for a light meter on a PECU Array; and
c)
NOTED that an UMSUG member would contact the PECU array manufacturer to discuss the purpose
of the light meter.
Any Other Business
9.
Matters Arising
9.1
An UMSUG member mentioned that there were no UMS customers present at the meeting. The UMSUG
noted issues that customers may have with attending the meeting, such as the technical basis of the UMSUG
and limited resources, although some customer representative bodies may be better placed to provide a
representative on behalf of customers. ELEXON stated that it would contact the existing customer
representatives to clarify the initiatives taken to improve the UMSUG meetings.
9.2
The UMSUG discussed a letter sent to customers and the UMSUG from Electricity North West about changes
to policy that had been made following the NMO guidance on the UMS regulations. The UMSUG welcomed
this approach and all distribution business’s approach in publishing their guidance formally.
9.3
The UMSUG noted 2 operational issues received by UMSOs in the industry:
 An issue with the format of the Charge Codes CSV file format; and
 An issue with AGD Charge Codes that had been superseded with newer products.
9.4
The UMSUG noted that CP1386 that Npower raised had been out for consultation. Comments have been fed
back to Npower, and they are reconsidering a redraft. A second consultation will be going out on the
amended CP.
9.5
ELEXON provided an update on a recent paper it had taken to the PAB on UMS error monitoring. ELEXON
advised that the follow-up to that paper, due for delivery to the January PAB, would be recommending that
quarterly reporting on UMS error is retained. However, ELEXON would also be recommending that UMSOs
who delay the process or don’t submit data at all will be escalated to the PAB. Feedback from the
consultation suggested that the reporting process was instrumental in maintaining low levels of UMS error,
which meant failures to provide data were not acceptable. ELEXON agreed to send an email to all UMSUG
UMSO representatives detailing the issues experienced, the requirements for data submission and the
outcome of discussion at the next PAB.
Action 108/02
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10.
Actions
10.1 ELEXON updated the UMSUG on the actions completed to date.
11.
Minutes from previous meetings
11.1 The UMSUG approved the UMSUG 108 minutes from the previous meeting.
12.
Date of Next Meeting
12.1 The next provisional meeting of the UMSUG will be held at the offices of ELEXON Ltd, 350 Euston Road,
London NW1 3AW on Thursday 16 April 2013.
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