Balancing and Settlement Code
BSC Service Description for CVA Technical Assurance
Effective Date: 27 February 2020
BSC SERVICE DESCRIPTION FOR CVA TECHNICAL ASSURANCE
VERSION | DATE | DESCRIPTION OF CHANGES | Mods/CPs INCLUDED | MODS PANEL REF |
1.0 | 27/03/01 | Baseline version | | |
2.0 | 13/08/02 | Release 2 | CP565, CP615, CP619 | |
3.0 | 10/12/02 | December 2002 Release | CP637 | |
4.0 | 24/06/03 | June 2003 Release | CP743, CP744 | |
5.0 | 01/08/03 | Re-badging of terminology | P62 | |
6.0 | 30/06/04 | CVA Programme June 2004 Release | CP998 | ISG/40/003 |
7.0 | BETTA Effective Date | CVA Programme February 2005 Release & BETTA 6.3 | CP1091, BETTA 6.3 | |
8.0 | 26/06/08 | June 2008 Release | CP1223 | ISG/84/01 |
9.0 | 26/11/08 | P207 Release | P207 | ISG/91/01 |
10.0 | 25/06/09 | June 09 Release | CP1265 | ISG/96/01 |
11.0 | 22/02/18 | Feburary 2018 Release | CP1490 | ISG197/05 |
12.0 | 27/02/20 | February 2020 Release | P391 Self Governance | P295/08 |
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1.1.1 This document is the BSC Service Description for the Central Volume Allocation (CVA) Technical Assurance Agent (TAA) appointed by the Balancing and Settlement Code Company (BSCCo) for the purpose of providing the Technical Assurance service for those Metering Systems registered with the Central Registration Agent (CRA). The services of the CVA TAA are defined in accordance with the provisions of the Balancing and Settlement Code (the Code), Balancing and Settlement Code Procedures (BSCPs) and the relevant metering Codes of Practice (CoPs).
1.1.2 This BSC Service Description describes the key interfaces between the CVA TAA, BSCCo, BSC Parties and Party Agents.
1.1.3 The terms, definitions and abbreviations used in this document shall have the meanings given in the Code and section 4 of this BSC Service Description.
1.1.4 Metering Systems shall be installed in accordance with the Code section L and registered in accordance with the BSC section K.
1.1.5 The role of the CVA TAA will be to undertake on-site Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits to report on the compliance of Metering Systems in relation to the Code, Code Subsidiary Documents and the relevant metering Codes of Practice (CoP).
2.1.1 In this BSC Service Description certain responsibilities and obligations are expressed to be undertaken by the CVA TAA and are limited only to those aspects of the role of CVA TAA as defined herein. The CVA TAA shall at all times ensure the performance of those responsibilities and obligations.
2.1.2 The CVA TAA shall provide a service for the Technical Assurance of Metering Systems registered under the CRA in accordance with BSCP27, Technical Assurance of Half Hourly Metering Systems for Settlement Purposes as determined by the Panel.
2.1.3 The CVA TAA will be required to visit the site of Metering Systems or undertake Desktop Audits to carry out checks to determine the compliance of those Metering Systems with the Code, Code Subsidiary Documents and the relevant CoP. The CVA TAA will undertake the following types of audit:
sampled Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits – where the CVA TAA will be required to select Metering Systems in accordance with the Code and BSCP27;
targeted Inspection Visits or Desktop Audits – where BSCCo will provide details of the Metering Systems to be audited;
re-Inspection Visits – where a previous Inspection Visit identified a non-compliance which the Registrant has subsequently confirmed as being rectified;
Desktop Audit sample audits - On an ad-hoc annual basis, the BSCCo will notify the CVA TAA of the scope of a lower intensity Desktop Audits sample to be completed via desktop. The PAB shall determine the size and scope of the Desktop Audit Sample; and
Post Desktop Audits Inspection Visits – if the Desktop Audit findings indicate that an Inspection Visit is required, this shall be arranged by the TAA.
2.1.4 The relevant CoPs are:
Code of Practice 1 | Code of Practice for the Metering of Circuits with a Rated Capacity Exceeding 100 MVA for Settlement Purposes |
Code of Practice 2 | Code of Practice for the Metering of Circuits with a Rated Capacity Not Exceeding 100 MVA for Settlement Purposes |
Code of Practice 3 | Code of Practice for the Metering of Circuits with a Rated Capacity Not Exceeding 10 MVA for Settlement Purposes |
Code of Practice 4 | Code of Practice for the Calibration, Testing and Commissioning Requirements of Metering Equipment for Settlement Purposes |
Code of Practice 5 | Code of Practice for the Metering of Energy Transfers with a Maximum Demand of up to (and including) 1 MW for Settlement Purposes |
2.1.5 The CVA TAA shall determine that a Metering System is non-compliant if it fails to meet the requirements detailed in the Code, Code Subsidiary Documents and in the relevant issue of the applicable CoP. If Metering Equipment was installed and commissioned prior to 1 May 1993, Codes of Practice A-K2 as defined under the terms of the Pooling and Settlement Agreement will be valid. If Metering Systems were installed in Scotland prior to the BETTA Effective Date, the Scottish Codes of Practice S1-S5 will be valid. These Scottish Codes of Practice are as follows:
Metering Code of Practice S1 | Code for the Metering of Circuits with a Rated Capacity Exceeding 100 MVA for Allocation Purposes |
Metering Code of Practice S2 | Code for the Metering of Circuits with a Rated Capacity Not Exceeding 100 MVA for Allocation Purposes |
Metering Code of Practice S3 | Code for the Metering of Circuits with a Rated Capacity Not Exceeding 10 MVA for Allocation Purposes |
Metering Code of Practice S4 | Code for the Calibration, Testing and Commissioning Requirements of Metering Equipment for Allocation Purposes |
Metering Code of Practice S5 | Code for the Metering of Metering of Circuits with a Rated Capacity Not Exceeding 1 MW for Allocation Purposes |
2.2.1 The CVA TAA shall determine the compliance of Metering Systems registered with the CRA with the Code, Code Subsidiary Documents and the relevant CoP.
2.3 Period of Responsibility
2.3.1 The CVA TAA shall perform the responsibilities and obligations set out in the Code, BSCP27 and this BSC Service Description for the period defined in the BSC TAA Contract. The CVA TAA shall meet the performance standards that are required to be achieved in the delivery of this service as defined in the BSC TAA Contract.
3.1.1 The CVA TAA shall provide the Technical Assurance service in accordance with the requirements set out in the Code, BSCP27, this BSC Service Description and the BSC TAA Contract.
3.1.2 This BSC Service Description describes the key interfaces and responsibilities for the role of the CVA TAA and its interaction with BSCCo and interested BSC Parties and Party Agents in the Technical Assurance of such Metering Systems.
3.1.3 The CVA TAA shall undertake five types of Technical Assurance audit:
main sampled Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits;
targeted Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits;
re-Inspection Visits
Desktop Audit sample audits
Post Desktop Audit Inspection Visits
3.1.4 The total number of Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits to be carried out annually shall be set by the PAB, a proportion of which will consist of targeted and re-Inspection Visits.
3.1.5 The CVA TAA will provide management information that allows for all Performance Assurance Parties, the TAA and BSCCo to be able to gain reporting, evidence and information as required of Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits as set out in BSCP27. As a minimum (i.e. this list is not exhaustive) this tool shall provide:
Confidentiality;
Data retention of all records including results from the Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits;
Audit capability;
Reporting;
Reminder notification to Parties;
Details of non-compliances; and
Rectification plan details.
3.2 Main Sample Selection
3.2.1 The selection of Metering Systems for inclusion within the main sample shall be performed by the CVA TAA in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Code Section L7 and BSCP27.
3.2.2 Once the main sample Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits have been selected and the CVA TAA has ensured there is no bias in the selection, the CVA TAA shall notify the relevant Registrants and Meter Operator Agents (MOA) of the audits in accordance with BSCP27.
3.3 Targeted Inspection Selection
3.3.1 On an ad-hoc basis BSCCo shall notify the CVA TAA of any requirement for a targeted Inspection Visit or Desktop Audit.
3.3.2 The CVA TAA shall perform targeted Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits in accordance with BSCP27.
3.4 Re-Inspection Selection.
3.4.1 The CVA TAA will select for re-Inspection Visits a percentage (as specified in BSCP27) of Metering Systems that were found to be non-compliant and have since been notified as rectified. The CVA TAA shall provide a list of Metering Systems for re-Inspection Visits to BSCCo for authorisation. BSCCo will either approve or request amendments to the re-Inspection Visit schedule and the CVA TAA will perform the re-inspections.
3.4.2 BSCCo shall notify the CVA TAA of any additional re-Inspection Visits that are required.
3.5 Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits
3.5.1 The CVA TAA shall be responsible for scheduling Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits for any particular week or day.
3.5.2 The CVA TAA shall perform all Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits in accordance with the requirements detailed in BSCP27.
3.6.1 The CVA TAA shall determine a Metering System to be non-compliant in accordance with the Code.
3.6.2 The category of any non-compliance shall be determined by the CVA TAA in line with the requirements detailed in BSCP27.
3.6.3 In its determination of compliance the CVA TAA shall take into account any agreed Metering Dispensations identified by the Registrant and applicable to the Metering System.
3.7.1 The CVA TAA shall complete all the documentation specified in BSCP27 as required for each Inspection Visit and Desktop Audit.
3.7.2 On completion of an Inspection Visit or Desktop Audit, the CVA TAA shall issue notices of compliance or non-compliance to the Registrant, MOA and Licensed Distribution System Operator (LDSO) where relevant within the timescales set out in and using the forms specified in BSCP27 and the software system.
3.7.3 In the case of targeted Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits, the CVA TAA shall issue notices of non-compliance to BSCCo in addition to Registrants, MOAs and LDSO where relevant using the software system.
3.7.4 The CVA TAA shall maintain a register of all Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits and outcomes together with any details of non-compliance using the software system.
3.7.5 The CVA TAA shall submit a report each month to BSCCo summarising all Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits falling due within that month including details of those Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits which have not been undertaken to schedule and the reason for the delay, and submit a report detailing all Inspection Visits and Desktop Audits which remain outstanding due to no or inappropriate action being taken.
3.7.6 The CVA TAA shall attend a monthly meeting with BSCCo to discuss the service. The CVA TAA will also attend meetings, as required, to provide Technical Assurance information for appeal hearings on compliance disputes.
3.8 Reminder Notification
3.8.1 Where a non-compliance has been notified and no rectification plan or details are received from the Registrant or MOA within the timescales specified in BSCP27, the CVA TAA shall issue reminder notices to the Registrant and MOA, requesting a rectification plan or details of the rectification action taken.
3.9 Certificates of Competence
3.9.1 The CVA TAA shall provide experienced and competent staff to provide the Technical Assurance service. Those personnel performing the Inspection Visit, the Metering Inspector, shall hold a current and valid Certificate of Competence issued by the LDSO for which the Metering Inspector is required to work, as well as any additional authorisations and permissions that may be required in order for the Inspection Visit to be completed.
3.10.1 The CVA TAA shall develop procedures for:
Service procedures for the Technical Assurance service;
All aspects of the Inspection Visit and Desktop Audit;
CVA TAA inspection checklists for all Codes of Practice;
All letters, notifications and confirmations necessary for each Inspection Visit and Desktop Audit.
3.10.2 The CVA TAA shall not make changes to the Inspection Visit or Desktop Audit checklists without the prior agreement of BSCCo. After service acceptance such changes will be governed by any change control process BSCCo has in operation at the time.
3.10.3 Documents detailed at 3.10.1 shall be deliverables of the Technical Assurance service and shall be delivered for review and approval by BSCCo during the service acceptance process and at a frequency thereafter specified by the BSC TAA Contract. All Intellectual Property Rights in any reports, service and on-site procedures and Codes of Practice checklists shall be the property of BSCCo.
3.11.1 The CVA TAA shall provide a single point of contact for:
(a) receipt and dispatch of documentation;
(b) operational support and problem resolution;
(c) management of change.
3.11.2 The contact point shall be made available from 08:30 hours until 17:00 hours during each Working Day.
3.11.3 CVA TAA shall attend a monthly meeting with BSCCo to discuss the service.
4 Acronyms and Definitions
4.1.1 The acronyms used in this Service Description are defined below:
BSC | Balancing and Settlement Code |
BSCCo | Balancing and Settlement Code Company |
BSCP | Balancing and Settlement Procedure |
CoP | Code of Practice |
CRA | Central Registration Agent |
CVA | Central Volume Allocation |
LDSO | Licensed Distribution System Operator |
MOA | Meter Operator Agent |
ROP | Risk Operating Plan |
TAA | Technical Assurance Agent |
4.2.1 A full list of definitions is provided in the Code.
Terms | Definitions |
Certificate of Competence | The certificate of competence required to be held by a Metering Inspector and issued by the relevant LDSO. |
Inspection Visit | The Metering System inspections schedule and performed by the TAA. |
Desktop Audit | Desktop Audits, which shall be performed by the TAA as directed by the PAB as a Desktop Audit sample, or as part of the main sample or targeted audits. |
Metering Inspector | Those persons employed by the TAA to perform the Inspection Visits. |
