The Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2022

PART 7 Applications relating to data light measures and standard alternative methodology measures

Applications

38.—(1) A participant may apply to the Administrator in writing for a measure that the participant intends to promote to be approved as a data light measure or a standard alternative methodology measure.

(2) The application must include—

(a) the following information—

(i) the measure description;

(ii) an explanation of how the measure is expected to achieve annual cost savings;

(iii) a methodology for calculating the annual cost savings of the measure;

(iv) evidence to support the explanation provided under paragraph (ii) and the accuracy of the methodology provided under paragraph (iii);

(v) the standards with which the measure conforms; and

(vi) such other information relating to the measure as the Administrator may require; and

(b) consent to the publication of information provided by the participant to the Administrator in relation to the methodology for calculating the annual cost savings of the measure.

Approval as a data light measure or standard alternative methodology measure

39.—(1) On receiving an application under article 38, the Administrator must decide whether to—

(a) approve the measure as a data light measure;

(b) approve the measure as a standard alternative methodology measure; or

(c) reject the application.

(2) The Administrator must not approve a measure as a data light measure or a standard alternative methodology measure unless it is satisfied that—

(a) the measure description stated in the application is accurate and contains sufficient detail to distinguish the measure from other measures commonly available on the market in Great Britain;

(b) the Standard Assessment Procedure does not provide a methodology for calculating the annual cost savings of the measure;

(c) the methodology stated in the application is reasonable;

(d) the standards stated in the application in accordance with article 38(2)(a)(v) include provisions designed to ensure the safety and efficacy of the measure on its installation; and

(e) the measure is not—

(i) a district heating connection;

(ii) the installation of equipment for the generation of heat wholly or partly from coal, biofuel, oil or liquefied petroleum gas;

(iii) the installation of equipment for the generation of heat wholly or mainly from a non-renewable source; or

(iv) a repair.

(3) The Administrator may only approve a measure as a standard alternative methodology if it is satisfied that—

(a) the measure results in a reduction in the cost of heating domestic premises to 21 degrees Celsius in the main living areas and 18 degrees Celsius in all other areas;

(b) the measure is—

(i) a type of measure listed in Table A.1, A.2 or A.3 in Annex A to PAS 2030:2019; or

(ii) a certified product under MCS; and

(c) the evidence included in the application is sufficient to enable a methodology for calculating the annual cost savings of the measure to be established under Appendix Q of the Standard Assessment Procedure.

(4) The Administrator may only approve a measure as a data light measure if—

(a) it is satisfied that—

(i) the measure is reasonably expected to result in a reduction in the cost of heating domestic premises to 21 degrees Celsius in the main living areas and 18 degrees Celsius in all other areas; and

(ii) the measure is certified, by a person accredited to ISO/IEC 17065:2012, as conforming to the standards stated in the application in accordance with article 38(2)(a)(v); and

(b) the threshold in paragraph (3) is not met.

Further applications: standard alternative methodology measures

40.—(1) A participant may apply to the Administrator in writing for a measure which has been approved as a data light measure to be approved as a standard alternative methodology measure.

(2) An application under paragraph (1) must include the information and consent referred to in article 38(2).

(3) The Administrator may only approve the application if it is satisfied that the threshold in article 39(3) is met.

Publication of information

41.—(1) If the Administrator approves an application under article 38, the Administrator must publish on its website the following information in respect of the measure—

(a) the measure description;

(b) whether the measure has been approved as—

(i) a data light measure; or

(ii) a standard alternative methodology measure; and

(c) the date on which the application is approved by the Administrator.

(2) If the Administrator approves an application under article 40, the Administrator must publish on its website the following additional information in respect of the measure—

(a) the approval of the measure as a standard alternative methodology measure; and

(b) the date on which the application is approved by the Administrator.

Definitions: data light measure and standard alternative methodology measure

42.  For the purposes of this Order—

(a) a data light measure is a measure which—

(i) falls within a measure description published by the Administrator in accordance with article 41(1)(a);

(ii) is approved as a data light measure; and

(iii) is completed—

(aa) after the date on which the application under article 38 is approved in respect of the measure; and

(bb) if relevant, on or before the date on which an application under article 40 is approved in respect of the measure;

(b) a standard alternative methodology measure is a measure which—

(i) falls within a measure description published by the Administrator in accordance with article 41(1)(a);

(ii) is approved as a standard alternative methodology measure; and

(iii) is completed—

(aa) if an application under article 40 is approved in respect of the measure, after the date on which the application is approved;

(bb) otherwise, after the date on which the application under article 38 is approved.