Competition in Metering

 

In 1990 competition in the Supply of Electricity was introduced to customers with electricity demands exceeding 1 MW. Only the largest commercial and industrial premises were eligible and they needed to secure a meter capable of recording consumption each half-hour before taking a competitive supply. At this time the installation and operation of the half-hour metering remained the responsibility of the host PES. In 1994, competition in the Supply of Electricity (see Supply Competition) was extended to customers with demands exceeding 100 kW, this allowed about 75,000 customers to choose their own Supplier. At the same time competition in Meter Operator Services was introduced for customers with half hourly meters regardless of whether they took a competitive supply of not. Above 100kW data collection was secured by Suppliers on a competitive basis. To facilitate these competitive activities a central computer system called ERS was built to register all the necessary details. Initially this only recorded details of those premises that were taking Supply from other than the host PES. As part of the preparations for 1998 it was decided to treat all above 100kW customers the same as if they were taking a competitive supply. Therefore all these premises were required to install a half hour meter and to be registered in ERS.

During 2000 Suppliers will migrate above 100 kW metering systems from the Electronic Registration System (ERS) to the PES Registration Service (PRS). This will mean that in addition to Meter Operator Services, Suppliers and Customers will be able to choose the providers of Data Collector and Data Aggregator services for above 100 kW metering systems.

Starting in 1998, competition in electricity supply was introduced in phases to domestic, small commercial and small industrial premises with electricity demands under 100kW. The majority of these premises have non half hourly meters, and competition in the provision of metering services to non half hourly meters is due to be introduced on 1st April 2000. This means that from 1st April 2000, Suppliers and customers will be able to choose their provider of Data Collector, Data Aggregator and Meter Operator services for non half hourly meters. In addition to each PES metering organisation being able to operate within other PES areas if suppliers or customers so choose, metering organisations independent of any PES will be able to offer non half hourly metering services after 1st April 2000.