SMICoP Governance Board · Page 2 of 18 1. Administration 1.1 The Chair welcomed the attendees to...
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SMICoP Governance Board – Meeting 44x: Final Minutes 11 April 2017 at 10:00
ElectraLink’s office, 10 Bloomsbury Way, Holborn, London, WC1A 2SL
Attendee Representing / Company
Frances Williamson [FW] (Chair) ElectraLink
Claire Hemmens [CH] SSE
Charlotte Jordon [CJ] (teleconference) Scottish Power
Dave Mountford [DM] (teleconference) Npower
David Pilling [DP] (teleconference) – part meeting Ombudsman
Gavin Anderson [GA] (teleconference) EDF
Mat Robson [MR] (teleconference) Robin Hood Energy
Jason Neil [JN] (teleconference) Scottish Power
Kevin Woollard [KW] British Gas
Michael Walls [MW] Ofgem
Rajni Nair [RN] Citizens Advice
Roger Stoney [RS] (teleconference) AMO
Stefan Leedham [SL] ElectraLink
Tim Newton [TN] E.ON
Victoria Mason [VM] – part meeting BEIS
Lauren Nicholls [LN] (Secretariat) ElectraLink
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1. Administration
1.1 The Chair welcomed the attendees to the SGB meeting.
1.2 It was noted that the meeting was quorate and no apologies had been received.
1.3 Please see Appendix A for an update on all of the actions.
2. SMICoP Review and Customer Engagement Report – April 2017
Please see Attachment 1 – SMICoP Review Slides for further information.
2.1 An overview of the origins of the Code was provided. Including where it was noted that the
Government Prospectus Response of March 2011 concluded that energy Suppliers should develop
the voluntary Code of Practice and that this would become a licence-backed Code governing the
installation of smart meters. The main objectives of this Smart Metering Code of Practice (SMICoP)
are to make sure that the consumer receives a high standard of service throughout the installation
process, and knows how to use, and benefit from, the Smart Metering System to improve the energy
efficiency of their home.
2.2 In February 2017, ElectraLink initiated a review of SMICoP to ensure that the Code was meeting its
requirements and remained fit for purpose as mass roll out beckons. This review included seeking
feedback from 19 stakeholders, which included Suppliers, BEIS, Ofgem, challenger brands and SGB
observers. Due to the extensive feedback received, the Chair highlighted that a themed report had
been deliberately developed to ensure it is focussed, highlighting each of the key points and
providing a proposed way forward. As it was the first time the report had been presented, reviewed
and discussed, it was agreed that SGB would focus on the Quick Wins and Recommendations, with
any feedback on the content of the report being requested to be provided post-meeting.
2.3 With regard to the recommendations included within the report, SL highlighted that in line with the
current discussions regarding the future funding and constituency arrangement of SMICoP,
ElectraLink would postpone the invoicing of any chargeable work completed until such matters had
been resolved. It was noted that not all recommendations had cost implication; however, all matters
regarding the budget and funding would be discussed with the SMICoP Ltd Board.
2.4 The Chair provided a summary of feedback received, noting that the importance of SMICoP was
recognised by all contributing stakeholders, with the behavioural obligations being deemed as
business as usual practices across a number of Suppliers. Due to the permissible flexibility within the
Code to enable Suppliers to innovate, it was highlighted that a pragmatic approach should be
adopted. An SGB member clarified that such pragmatism should be adopted however, the smart
meter roll out programme is an ‘opt in’ programme rather than an ‘opt out’ programme as
highlighted in the report. It was highlighted that customer choice is at the heart of SMIP and BEIS
Policy.
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Quick Wins
2.5 The members present considered each of the quick wins identified as next steps for ElectraLink to
progress with, with the below comments being raised:
The Monitoring and Compliance Survey thresholds are due to be considered at the next Joint
Micro-Business and Domestic Customer Survey meeting. This is being considered internally by
BEIS and will be taken offline prior to the meeting so that a recommendation can be developed
for consideration. It was noted that some confusion had been caused by the wording in the
Code, which refers to planned visits rather than actual visits. It was noted that the thresholds
had been set to ensure that evidence of compliance was derived from statistically valid sample
sizes.
ACTION 01 – ElectraLink, BEIS, Citizens Advice and Robin Hood Energy
The forward planning of agendas is already carried out; however, the introduction of a forward
work plan would make this more transparent to all industry participants.
Action 02 – ElectraLink
SGB meeting papers undergo a four stage review at present to ensure the accuracy and
consistency of the work produced by ElectraLink is improved. To support this, ElectraLink have
reviewed their internal meeting administration procedures to ensure the meetings are as
effective and productive as possible.
A SMICoP focussed organigram (over and above that provided in SMICoP Section B) would help
industry participants identify the status and focus of a working group / meeting and inform
their decision as to whether to commit resources to a particular working group / meeting. The
members present considered the wider recommendation to incorporate the industry-wide
groups that intertwine or overlap with the activities and discussions under the ambit of
SMICoP but determined that it would be inappropriate to draw these up, as these are more
appropriately drawn up by Ofgem and BEIS.
A risk, issues, decisions and opportunities register would be a very useful tool to track
discussions regarding an item and would support the forward planning of agenda items. It was
agreed that members feedback should be sought to develop the initial register. Members were
requested to send three (or so) of their key risks/issues to ElectraLink in advance of the May
SGB meeting.
Action 03 – All
2.6 With regard to the recommendation for the chairs of SGB, SMOG and CRG meet; VM confirmed that
as the BEIS SMICoP representative she meets the chairs of SMOG and CRG on a six-weekly basis to
discuss the areas of interest that would be worth flagging to SGB. It was noted that SMOG and CRG
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have forward work plans which would be useful to review. As such, an action was taken for VM to
provide a copy of the forward work plans.
Action 04 – VM
2.7 In addition, it was agreed for VM to seek clarification from the Chairs of SMOG and CRG regarding
the types of issues that should be discussed by each group and how this overlaps, intertwines and /
or complements SMICoP.
Action 05 – VM
2.8 A final point regarding the quick wins was raised, which related to the Energy UK website still hosting
the first version of SMICoP. It was agreed that if this is still required then a link to the current version
should be provided.
Action 06 – ElectraLink
Recommendations Matrix
2.9 The members present considered each of the recommendations listed in the matrix within the
report, with the below conclusions being drawn:
No Section Recommendation Notes
1. Content 4.2.8 R – ElectraLink to review the sections of
SMICoP referenced in clause 4.2.3 to identify
whether amendments should be made, any
clauses that may be redundant and propose
these amendments to SGB.
AGREED that the relevant
sections of SMICoP, taking
some referenced (in clause
4.2.3 of the report) should
factor into the Risk, Issue,
Decision & Opportunity
(RIDO) Register, which could
be divided into policy and
process matters.
It was acknowledged that
some areas referenced in
the report are beyond the
remit of SMICoP, as they are
Primary/Secondary
Legislation, Licence or SMIP
Policy.
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2. Content 4.2.9 R – ElectraLink to develop arrangements
for SMICoP Members to raise issues that need
to be addressed. ElectraLink would work with
Members to develop solutions and options
that could be reviewed and refined by a
working group to deliver a voluntary non-
binding single issue ‘one page’ White Paper on
a specific issue and/or scenario. This will
ensure that issues are addressed quickly and
resolved so that the issue is not repeatedly
discussed with no conclusion.
NOTED that issues could be
captured in the risk, issues,
decisions and opportunities
register, which could use
this to keep track of relevant
things under CRG / SMOG.
AGREED to raise awareness
that any interested party
can raise an issue, an issue
form will be developed.
3. Management of
new or emerging
issues –
Proactive or
Reactive
4.3.9R - ElectraLink to attend SMOG and CRG
on behalf of SMICoP to provide an impartial,
consistent, end-to-end view of discussions so
that decisions can be effectively reflected into
SMICoP. When decisions are taken at the
SMOG or CRG, ElectraLink would provide an
information paper outlining decisions taken,
impacts on SMICoP and proposed solutions for
implementing these decisions.
NOTED that new and / or
emerging issues would be
facilitated by the risk, issues,
decisions and opportunities
register.
4. Management of
new or emerging
issues –
Proactive or
Reactive
4.3.10 R - SGB to clearly define its role with
regards to new and emerging issues and if
possible define what sits under SMICoP and
what goes to SMOG and CRG.
AGREED to define what
issues sit under SMICoP as
part of the risk, issues,
decisions and opportunities
register, noting that a
nominated SMICoP
representative could attend
wider industry meetings
where required
5. Funding 4.6.5 R – To raise a Change Request to enable
the Code Administrator to raise changes,
subject to the agreement of SGB.
AGREED Changes can
already be proposed to a
sanctioned Raiser and no
new mechanism is needed.
6. Funding 4.6.6R – SMICoP to be amended so that all
Suppliers are required to contribute to funding.
ElectraLink could propose the change (subject
to recommendation R4.6.5) and resolution of
NOTED the Constituency
and Funding consultation.
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any funding changes currently in flight.
7. Constituency 4.7.5R - ElectraLink to review their
communications to ensure they are inviting
and clear on what the meeting will be
discussing to encourage smaller Suppliers
input.
AGREED for ElectraLink to
review their
communications.
8. Customer
Awareness
4.8.4R – ElectraLink to discuss the feasibility of
producing a one page customer facing
summary with Smart Energy GB (SEGB)
ACTION 07 to discuss with
SEGB whether a one-page
customer facing summary of
SMICoP is required.
9. Duration – what
will happen to
SMICoP post
2020?
4.11.1 R – To form a Working Group to explore
the pros and cons of each option regarding the
long-term status of SMICoP (section 4.10.1)
and produce a conclusions paper for discussion
at SGB.
ACTION 08 for Ofgem to
confirm whether there are
any plans to look at/consult
on the post 2020
landscape..
10. External
communications
4.13.4 R - ElectraLink to develop a bi-monthly
or quarterly newsletter
ACTION 09 ElectraLink to
discuss with VM whether a
SMICoP update could be
provided in the independent
smart metering newsletter
provided by BEIS.
ACTION 10 ElectraLink to
consider the feasibility of a
SMICoP specific newsletter
following the determination
of the future funding
mechanism.
11. External
communications
4.13.5 R - ElectraLink to explore the feasibility
of a “SMICoP Forum” or training day’s
providing quarterly updates on key obligations
on Suppliers – such as the requirement to
undertake and submit Monitoring and
Compliance Customer Surveys, developments
within SMICoP and looking ahead at key issues
and future milestones.
AGREED to use survey
monkey to determine if
there is any appetite for a
SMICoP Forum or training
day, with a suggestion to
have a user funds model.
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12. Guidance/Advice
provision
4.15.3 R – ElectraLink to develop a SMICoP
check list to help smaller Suppliers navigate the
SMICoP requirements.
REJECTED based on the
Code being self-explanatory
and easy to understand,
with the members present
highlighting the usefulness
of the Code Auditor’s
checklist.
13. Guidance/Advice
provision
4.15.4 R – ElectraLink to explore the feasibility
of providing SMICoP introductory training
sessions.
REJECTED based on the
Code Auditor’s checklist
being a useful baseline.
14. Role of
independent
SGB Chair
4.18.4 R - ElectraLink to look to see how to
become more of a critical friend, to encourage
participant from all and to keep momentum
within the meetings.
AGREED that ElectraLink
should work on refining
their approach/processes to
better facilitate their Code
Administration role.
ACTION 11 to follow up with
the respondent who
suggested an independent
chair should be introduced
to ensure this
recommendation facilitates
their requirement.
15. Role of
independent
SGB Chair
4.18.5 R - ElectraLink to create a Terms of
Reference for SGB and ensure that it remains
fit for purpose.
AGREED that ElectraLink
should create a Terms of
Reference for SGB to
complement the code.
16. SGB Meetings 4.19.6 R- ElectraLink to look at meeting
structure to ensure that they are dynamic, and
identify potential changes to the ToR to aid
engagement at SGB meetings.
AGREED that ElectraLink
should proactively look at
the meeting structure to
ensure that they are
dynamic, noting this is
already taking place with
the support of SGB.
17. SGB Meetings 4.19.7 R - ElectraLink to look at the meetings
calendar and see how to arrange meetings so
that they are not all taking place on the same
NOTED that the meeting
calendar is already being
reviewed to ensure that
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day. meetings are held on
individual days where
required.
18. Reaching
agreement in a
competitive
market
4.21.5 R - ElectraLink to seek legal clarification
on what can and cannot be agreed at meetings
and disseminate it to all SGB attendees.
AGREED that ElectraLink
should seek legal
clarification on what can
and cannot be agreed and
discussed during meetings.
ACTION 12 to develop a
defined set of questions,
which will be approved by
SGB, to ask the SMICoP
Legal Advisors to ensure the
right questions are being
asked prior to incurring legal
fees on what can and cannot
be agreed and discussed
during meetings.
19. Reaching
agreement in a
competitive
market
4.21.6 R - ElectraLink to produce a guidance
document on the Competition Law “Do’s and
Don’ts” to provide clarification.
AGREED for a guidance
document on the
Competition Law ‘Do’s and
Don’ts” following the
completion of R4.21.5.
20. Integration of
other groups
(CRG, SMOG
etc.)
4.23.3 A diagram indicating the relationship
between each group, TORs, attendees, as well
as any other information would be useful to
bring clarity.
NOTED that this
recommendation would be
captured as part of the quick
wins to create an
organigram for SMICoP.
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3. Next Steps
3.1 The Chair summarised the agreed next steps as follows:
All agreed recommendations and actions would be progressed with.
A summary of the agreed recommendations and actions would be provided to SGB for
transparency and information purposed.
A word version of the report would be circulated to SGB members and observers for
comment such that a finalised version of the report could be issued on the website following
the April SGB meeting.
4. Any Other Business
4.1 There was no further business and the Chair closed the meeting.
5. Next Meeting
5.1 The next SGB meeting will be held on 27 April 2017 at ElectraLink’s offices.
6. Attachments
Attachment 1 - SMICoP Review Slides
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Appendix A – Summary of Actions
Open Actions
Action Ref. Action Owner Update
20161215/02 To provide an update to the SGB in March /
April 2017 on the Customer vulnerability
work being undertaken by the Consumer
Reference Group (CRG).
BEIS In Progress: To be included on agenda
for May SGB meeting
20161215/09 To report and provide insights along with
the Energy Ombudsman and Citizens
Advice’s Customer findings at the March
SGB.
RN & DP Ongoing: Deferred to the April SGB.
20170223/03 To raise a SPAA and DCUSA change to allow
for SMICoP to collect this data under the
respective codes, and to sponsor a SMICoP
CR to introduce these changes into SMICoP.
JG Complete
20170223/06 To update the SGB Members webpage
example as per the received comments and
ElectraLink Complete: This page will go live on 27
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add the page to the SGB website. March 2017.
20170323/01 Invite a representative from BEIS to the
April SGB to present on the working being
done with regards to two Supplier
households.
VM In Progress: This will be provided at
the May SGB meeting.
20170323/02 Prepare a consultation document on the
constituency and funding CRs and circulate
it to SGB members for review via email.
ElectraLink Complete: Issued post meeting.
20170323/03 Submit British Gas’ alternate funding CR so
that it can be captured within the
consultation document to be prepared
under action 20170323/02.
KW Complete: Submitted post meeting.
20170323/04 At the June 2017 SGB meeting hold a
focused discussion on the energy efficiency
monitoring and compliance customer
survey question.
All
20170411/01 To review the Monitoring and Compliance
Customer Survey thresholds
ElectraLink, BEIS,
Citizens Advice,
Robin Hood Energy
20170411/02 Develop a forward work plan for SMICoP
and SGB
ElectraLink
20170411/03 To send three (or so) key risks/issues to
ElectraLink in advance of the May SGB
All
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meeting
20170411/04 To provide a copy of the SMOG and CRG
forward work plans
VM
20170411/05 To seek clarification from the Chairs of
SMOG and CRG regarding the types of
issues that should be discussed by each
group and how this overlaps, intertwines
and / or complements SMICoP
VM
20170411/06 Determine if the Energy UK website still
requires a copy of SMICoP and if so,
request a link to the latest version be
included
ElectraLink
20170411/07 To discuss with SEGB whether a one-page
customer facing summary of SMICoP is
required
ElectraLink
20170411/08 To confirm whether discussions regarding
SMICoP post 2020 have already begun
Ofgem
20170411/09 To discuss with VM whether a SMICoP
update could be provided in the
independent smart metering newsletter
provided by BEIS
ElectraLink
20170411/10 To consider the feasibility of a SMICoP
specific newsletter following the
ElectraLink
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determination of the future funding
mechanism
20170411/11 To follow up with the respondent who
suggested an independent chair should be
introduced to ensure this recommendation
facilitates their requirement
ElectraLink
20170411/12 To develop a defined set of questions,
which will be approved by SGB, to ask the
SMICoP Legal Advisors to ensure the right
questions are being asked prior to incurring
legal fees on what can and cannot be
agreed and discussed during meetings
ElectraLink
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Actions closed at the meeting
Action Ref. Action Owner Update
20170126/03 To review whether their respective organisations were happy
with the proposed amendments to the Customer Survey
reporting template and report back to the SGB ahead of the
next Customer Survey Working Group.
Suppliers Completed
20170223/01 To add the references Consumer Guaranteed Standards to the
Housekeeping Log.
ElectraLink Completed post-meeting
20170223/02 Ofgem to send their guidance on Citizen’s Advice’s
vulnerability principle to ElectraLink for circulation to the SGB
for possible SMICoP impacts.
Ofgem &
ElectraLink
Completed
20170223/04 To update the CR029 legal text to reflect today’s discussions
and send this to JG as part of his work to raise a SMICoP CR to
address these issues.
ElectraLink Completed post-meeting
20170223/05 To highlight the discussions regarding SMICoP constituencies
and funding to the Cornwall Energy Small Supplier Forum.
ElectraLink Completed
20170223/07 To check the status of the SMICoP Member’s page for self-
certification and update the page if required.
ElectraLink Completed
20170223/08 To update the Housekeeping Log Item 10 to reflect the
MOCoPA reference should be ® not ™.
ElectraLink Completed post-meeting
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20170223/09 To investigate whether anyone is aware of the origin of the
term ‘revenue collection’ in the ‘not in scope’ section of
SMICoP
All Completed
Appendix B – Monitoring Log
Issue
No.
Issue description Owner Status
1 Discontinuation of the BEIS programmes. SGB 26 November 2015 – Ongoing – clarification will be provided at a
future SGB meeting.
25 February 2016 – SGB agreed that this item was to be changed to
reference DECC programmes rather than the Green Deal
programme to be all-encompassing.
28 July 2016 – SGB agreed that some housekeeping changes would
be required to remove references to DECC following its change to
the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
2 BEIS’ consultation on amending the home display
mandate (IHD) to allow Suppliers a derogation may have
some implication for the SMICoP.
SGB 28 January 2016 – DECC confirmed that the consultation responses
are due to be issued within the next couple of weeks.
25 February 2016 – SGB noted that the consultation responses had
been published, which may have an impact on SMICoP. As such
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DECC agreed to present further information at the next SGB
meeting.
26 May 2016 – DECC provided an overview of the IHD mandate at
the May SGB meeting, whereby it was noted that guidance had
been published in April 2016 regarding derogation application
requirements to trial alternative IHDs. It was also noted that the
applications would have to be received no later than 30 September
2016.
26 January 2017 – SSE have drafted a CR which is to be reviewed by
the SMICoP Legal Advisor to introduce derogations into SMICoP.
23 March 2017 – SGB noted that CR042 had been raised to address this matter.
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3 Smart Metering Systems installed under warrant SGB 31 March 2016 – SGB noted that a wider issue had been raised
regarding metering equipment installed under warrant due to the
Gas and Electricity Act’s not currently allowing for a
communications hub or IHD to be installed, which would stop a
Smart Metering System being installed under warrant.
22 September 2016 – BEIS noted that if Suppliers wished to
progress this issue they are required to submit evidence to BEIS that
current arrangements present an obstacle to current processes
taking place.
23 March 2017 – KW highlighted that British Gas may look to re-raise a CR (CR024A) to clarify how SMICoP would apply to installations install under warrant.
4 Ofgem’s Industry Code Governance Consultation SGB 15 December 2016: The SGB agreed to add this to the Monitoring
Log as it may have future SMICoP impacts.
23 March 2017: SGB agreed that this item should be removed from the monitoring log as Ofgem has confirmed that it does not see SMICoP in the same way as other codes.
5 Difficult or failed installations and any work being
undertaken by other industry groups
SGB 15 December 2016: The SGB agreed to monitor industry groups
discussing failed installations for any potential SMICoP impacts.
6 SMICoP Code Governance Constituencies SGB 15 December 2016: The SGB agreed to monitor the SGB
constituencies with a view to identifying for any future required
changes.
23 March 2017: it was noted that this item will be discussed during the March 2017 SGB meeting
7 Bonfield Review (Each Home Counts) Outcome
Recommendation 20: ‘Provide tailored home energy
efficiency advice to consumers during the smart meter
SGB 23 February 2017: The SGB agreed to monitor the Bonfield Review
Outcome Recommendation 20 as this is likely to have future impact
on the provision of energy efficiency advice to customers, which is
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installation visit, and ensure key delivery partners work
together to deliver a good customer journey throughout
the roll-out.’
currently included within the scope of SMICoP.
23 March 2017: SGB agreed that this item should be removed from the monitoring log as the outputs of this review may take years to come to fruition and the members agreed to independently monitor the impacts on SMICoP.