Champion for Choice: Stark Becomes First Independent Meter Data Retriever using in-house technology
We are the first independent Meter Data Retriever (MDR) to use our own in-house technology, marking a major milestone for customer choice and competition in the Smart metering market under Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS).
As MHHS continues to transform the industry, our MDR qualification represents a commitment to keeping customer choice at the centre of industry change and extends our capability as the only all services agent for data, metering and networks for MHHS.
Alongside MDR qualification, Stark is also fulfilling the Other User (OU) and Registered Supplier Agent (RSA) roles, providing a comprehensive Smart metering capability for the industry.
Why an independent Meter Data Retriver matters
The MDR role was introduced as part of MHHS to enable independent organisations to retrieve Smart meter data through the Data Communications Company (DCC).
This helps preserve competition in the data services market and gives customers and Suppliers greater freedom to choose how Smart meter data is managed.
- For businesses, this means greater control and visibility into energy data, easier supplier switching, and the benefits of a competitive market.
- For Suppliers, it creates more flexibility in how MHHS obligations are delivered and opens access to specialist data service providers.
Stark’s Advocacy for Choice
From the earliest stages of the MDR role’s development, Stark advocated for an approach that prioritised competition, customer choice and high-quality data services.
The introduction of MDR ensures Smart meter data services are not limited to a single route, creating opportunities for innovation and improved service levels across the market.
Stark’s work throughout the MHHS consultation and development process helped champion an outcome that places customers at the centre of the evolving Smart metering ecosystem.
"From the start, our goal at Stark has been to ensure customers have genuine control and choice over their energy data. By listening to stakeholders and championing independence, we've helped shape a system where competition leads to better outcomes for everyone. Qualifying as the first independent MDR is a testament to our commitment to innovation and service."
James MurphyHead of Policy & Regulation, Stark
"It's an important moment for the energy industry. Customer choice has always been at the heart of our business and becoming one of the first independent Meter Data Retriever further reflects this. A more customer focused and competitive approach, avoiding monopolistic sectors is the key to higher quality data integrity, necessary to support UK’s broader energy infrastructure ambitions.
All the development has been handled in-house and the team have done an amazing job of delivering this on the backdrop of various challenges. It just shows how deeply innovation runs in our DNA.
As MHHS reshapes the energy landscape, we are proud to be leading the way and helping customers and Suppliers realise the full value of Smart meter data."
Alex WarrenCEO, Stark
Innovation through industry change
This MDR Smart metering capability builds on our capability as the only all-service MHHS agent for data, metering and networks, with the unique ability to remotely dial all legacy and new meter models.
With MDR, OU and RSA capabilities in place, we are well positioned to support Suppliers and business customers as the market transitions to the next generation of Smart metering and settlement services.
Stark would also like to thank the Data Communications Company (DCC) for its expertise in Smart metering and support throughout the testing and onboarding process.
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