Proportional load control was designed to enable more innovation than was previously possible, including potential compatibility with V2G technologies. Government also commissioned the Beyond Off-Street trial, an initiative to demonstrate how smart meters can deliver smart EV charging in an on-street and destination charging setting. Government recognises there are outstanding issues to be worked through for the smart metering solution to meet all our objectives for smart charging in a comprehensive way. We are undertaking further work to consider these issues, and welcome further engagement with industry in this area.
Government is also continuing to explore alternative options to the smart metering solution. One such option, as described in the call for evidence, is using BSI (British Standards Institution) Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) 1878 and 1879 for Energy Smart Appliances as a basis for a long-term approach, alongside a supporting regulatory framework. BSI PAS 1878 and 1879 were published in May 2021, after being developed via a Government sponsored, industry-led process. They provide both a standard for device-level requirements and a framework for Demand Side Response operation and are compatible with international smart grid standards being developed.
It should be noted that call for evidence responses provided limited details on alternative options for delivering smart charging that meet Government’s policy objectives. While government will continue to explore a variety of approaches, the smart metering system remains the lead option for ensuring cyber secure and interoperable smart charging in the long term. We encourage stakeholders who favour alternative options to share their views with us. As referenced in the previous section, further work is underway within Government to determine an appropriate regulatory response to load controlling entities.
Next steps Government continues to be mindful that the smart charging industry remains at an early, albeit rapidly developing stage. We are committed to finding a solution which safeguards consumers and the energy system, while also providing space and freedom for innovation as the market to continue to grow and evolve. As described above, Government aims to consult on an appropriate regulatory approach for organisations performing a ‘load controlling’ role in 2022.
Responses to the upcoming Call for Evidence on regulating third party intermediaries in the retail energy market, in which further evidence will be sought on load controlling entities, will help to inform ongoing work in this area. In addition, we will continue to work with industry to explore potential solutions to the cyber security and interoperability challenges ahead of formal consultation, including via the ongoing work of the EV Energy Taskforce and other industry forums throughout 2021 and 2022. 27