Today, Ofgem have launched our Statutory Consultation on Supplier Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSOP) payment uplift.
In May 2024 we consulted on a proposal to increase the compensation payment that suppliers must make to customers when they fail to meet any of the Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSOP). We proposed uplifting the compensation payment amount to account for inflation since the current payment level of £30 was set in 2015.
We are confirming our intention to increase this compensation payment level to account for inflation as outlined above. This consultation sets out our rationale for proposing this minded-to position and the draft Statutory Instrument to amend the 2015 regulations and increase payments from £30 to £40.
We encourage responses from Consumer Groups and Charities, and all responses and questions can be sent to FutureConsumers@ofgem.gov.uk.
Kind regards,
The Stakeholder Team
Update on ECO4 and GBIS Flex Data Matching and Next Steps – OFGEM
11/07/2024 update
We are reaching out regarding issues raised relating to the LA Flex Data Matching Process, including the false non-receipt of Declaration Notifications (DNs) by Ofgem leading to mismatches incorrectly being flagged to suppliers. This issue has been raised by several suppliers and LAs, and we wish to reassure you that we are aware of the problem and seeking to address it as swiftly as possible.
We would also like to clarify that we will not be looking to reject any Flex projects impacted by such mismatch errors until the issue is mitigated. This includes as part of the Mid-scheme assessment for suppliers (we do still expect any other issues raised through the MSA process to be resolved by suppliers).
Our next steps for addressing this issue include:
- Providing interim guidance to suppliers on how to address these issues
- Identifying manual workarounds to facilitate data matching whilst issues with our digital processing are being resolved
- Working with LAs to identify any gaps in our existing data. We will do this by sharing across the Declaration Notifications we hold for each LA which LAs can then check against. For DNs which have failed core checks, we will also provide the error messages associated. This process is anticipated take place next month.
In autumn of this year, IT developments are also expected to be released, which we believe will assist in resolving mismatch errors more efficiently and with less input required from us. This includes:
- An API which will allow data sharing and matching between the ECO Register and Flex register, and;
- The LA Flex External Register which will allow for DNs to be directly uploaded via an online platform.
When each of these are released, we will provide guidance for all stakeholders and host workshops on how to use these platforms. Other issues, such as the matching of postcodes, will also be addressed when the API is released.
While we are hopeful that these developments will support in solving these mismatch errors, we still expect suppliers and LAs to work together to ensure accurate information is notified to us. Mismatches unrelated to the issues discussed here are also still expected to be rectified by suppliers.
We will be sure to communicate any further updates as and when they happen but do reach out if you have any further queries or questions relating to this issue in the meanwhile.