Energy codes

Companies that apply for an energy licence must agree to follow the rules in the codes for the activities that they are licenced to do. Examples of activities include supplying or moving energy.

Codes

• Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC)
• Carbon Capture and Storage Network Code (CCSNC)
• Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC)
• Distribution Code (DCode)
• Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement (DCUSA)
• Grid Code (GC)
• Independent Gas Transporters Uniform Network Code (IGTUNC)
• Retail Energy Code (REC)
• Smart Energy Code (SEC)
• Security and Quality of Supply Standard (SQSS)
• System Operator Transmission Owner Code (STC)
• Uniform Network Code (UNC)

Process

Code administrators are the point of contact for each code. They provide information such as how to propose changes and the rules on making changes to a code. They follow the Code Administration Code of Practice (CACoP).

Energy codes are updated when they are changed or modified, for example to remove specific requirements.

Each code has a panel or committee that oversees the assessment of proposed changes. Changes are approved based on how they will help to meet the objectives of the code.

Read about each code administrator and the code they are responsible for.

Code changes

Our role is to review and decide whether to approve or reject code changes that are submitted to us. The proposed changes are also known as modifications. We may also ask for more information about the proposed code changes.

The types of changes we review include proposed changes to procedures or methodology. These types of changes are known as ‘material changes.’

Code bodies include administrators, panels and working groups. They decide on simple changes.

Other organisations that have an interest in a code can propose changes.

For example, if a code change would benefit consumers, advocates such as Citizens Advice may propose changes.

Others, such as meter and data companies and enquiry services may also suggest code changes based on, for example, information they receive from consumers.

Propose a code modification

Code bodies send us code modifications that contain material changes to review.

They review, draft and update code change requests.

Dates of when we aim to approve or reject proposed changes to energy codes are in the Energy code timetable.

Energy code reform

We are working with the UK government on reforming energy codes to make energy markets work better for consumers.

These reforms include introducing newly licensed code managers and combining some codes.