Quick Guide to Unmetered Supplies

Unmetered supplies are a crucial part of our energy infrastructure which often go unnoticed.

From streetlights to traffic signals, here we’ll explore what constitutes an unmetered supply, the regulations governing them, the key players & consumer responsibilities in managing this unique segment of the electricity market. 

1. What is an unmetered supply (UMS)?
2. Who is the Unmetered Supplies Operator (UMSO)?
3. UMS Inventory List 
4. UMS Connections Agreement 
5. UMS Certificates
6. UMS in Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS)

From local authorities to energy suppliers and network operators it’s important to understand these key requirements for unmetered supplies, especially under Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement.

1. What is an unmetered supply?

An unmetered supply is the name given to equipment which uses power from the national grid, but doesn’t have an electricity meter measuring it. 

Typically, unmetered supplies are equipment such as traffic lights, streetlights, outdoor illuminated advertising, on-street EV charging and CCTV cameras.  

In these instances, the amount of energy consumed by each unit doesn’t justify the expense of installing a meter, or it’s just not practical.   

This unmetered market has legal provisions set out in the Electricity (Unmetered Supply) Regulations managed by the government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards 

2. Who administers unmetered supplies?

The Unmetered Supplies Operator (UMSO) ensures the correct application for unmetered supplies. 

They are appointed by the DNO or IDNO (network operators).

3. UMS Inventory List

What is the Unmetered Supply Inventory list?

The Inventory lists all connected equipment by location, Charge Code and Switch Regime.

It is agreed with the Unmetered Supplies Operator (UMSO) and the customer.

Elexon has a complete list of the Charge Codes and Switch Regimes. 

What updates does the customer have to give the UMSO?

The customer must tell their UMSO about any changes to unmetered equipment the month after changes are made.

Changes can be backdated (currently) up to 13 months if errors are detected.

Typically, inventories which do not change much, such as traffic signal installations, do not need regular submissions.

If there are no changes to unmetered equipment, the customer must confirm this to the UMSO monthly.

What are Charge Codes?

Unmetered supply charge codes are 13-digit numbers used to identify the connected equipment.

Charge codes indicate the nominal Watts of the equipment, and the full data from Elexon provides the circuit.

Watts which are used to calculate energy consumption in conjunction with Switch Regimes.

What are Switch Regimes? 

Unmetered supply Switch Regimes are 3-digit alpha-numeric codes to identify the equipment’s operational hours.

This is used to calculate consumption along with the Charge Code information.

4. UMS Connection Agreement

What to consider when connecting unmetered equipment?

Where you have unmetered equipment, you must estimate the power being consumed to a degree of accuracy, so the appointed electricity supplier can charge for usage.  

In other words, unmetered supplies have estimated consumption which suppliers will bill you for.  

And you need that estimate to be accurate.

Does it matter if I use an IDNO or DNO for unmetered supply connections?

So long as the DNO or IDNO can cover UMSO requirements, you can choose either.

• Distribution Network Operators (DNO) cover a defined geographic area of the UK each
• Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNO) introduce competition & operate across the country

Stark Infra offer an IDNO service as part of our comprehensive service and covers the UMSO service too.

5. UMS Certificate

What is an Unmetered Supply (UMS) Certificate? 

A UMS certificate formally provides a customer with their MPAN. The UMSO will not usually issue one without first seeing the detailed inventory.

Unlike Non-half-hourly UMS EAC certificates, a half-hourly one does not contain any demand or consumption data as the UMSO is not the party that calculates this.

This can sometimes make it difficult for customers to appoint a supplier who usually asks for indicative consumption values.

UMS for Non-Half Hourly

When the UMS Certificate for NHH is issued for the first time, it will show the details of the MPAN(s) and Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC).

If the inventory of equipment changes then the UMS Certificate needs to be updated.  

6. Unmetered supplies in Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS)

The Unmetered Supply Data Service (UMSDS) agent will provide all HH services for unmetered supplies under MHHS.

The best way to view the UMSDS is that it combines the role of Meter Administrator and Data Collector.

Stark will be qualified to provide this UMSDS service under MHHS.

UMS to move to HH settlement by April 2025

All unmetered supplies must move to Half Hourly settlement ahead of metered supplies.

The deadline for this is April 2025.

Elexon’s P434 modification allows for this.

Summary

As regulations evolve and technology advances, staying informed about the intricacies of unmetered supplies is crucial for local authorities, energy suppliers, and network operators alike.  

By understanding the processes, certifications, and key players involved, we can ensure more efficient management and accurate billing of these unique power connections.