We consulted on proposals to describe certain SMETS1 Device behaviours in the SMETS1 Supporting Requirements (S1SR) which we considered would support the operation of those Devices by Parties. Those proposals would not amend the behaviour of the SMETS1 Device.
The consultation also described two issues identified in SMETS1 Devices in the FOC cohort. The first issue related to the generation of unnecessary HAN Alerts during changes between British Summer Time (BST) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which can cause significant increases in network demand and risks a reduction of service levels and potentially a Category 1 Incidents . The second issue related to the return of incorrect half hourly data which risks negatively impacting billing accuracy and industry settlement. We proposed S1SR amendments which would require SMETS1 Device amendments to be applied in order to resolve both these issues.
The consultation closed on 7th March, and we received 9 responses which broadly supported the proposals. The proposals were welcomed on the basis that they would provide benefits in terms of clarity of SMETS1 Device behaviour, the removal of unnecessary HAN Alerts and its associated network demand, and the correction of returned half hourly data to allow for accurate billing and settlement which will bring benefits to Market-wide Half Hourly settlement.
On this basis, and to deliver the benefits highlighted we recommend that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ, the Department) designate an updated version of the S1SR reflecting the proposed amendments.