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Gemserv has launched a new software platform designed to streamline the management of the various industry codes governing the operation of the energy system.
The company says the CodeWorks platform will improve accessibility, foster industry collaboration and reduce the regulatory burden on signatories.
As part of the launch, Gemserv has digitised the Smart Energy Code (SEC), allowing parties to filter out relevant information and track historical amendments. The document is more than 2,000 pages long when printed out on A4 paper.
“We believe the launch of CodeWorks is the most tangible and exciting example of code digitisation to date and marks a significant first step in the digitalisation of the code landscape,” said Gemserv director of business development and consultancy Jon Harley.
“By simplifying access to the codes, enabling new methods of collaboration and reducing the burden of administration on code participants, code managers can operate more efficiently enabling focus on what matters – driving improvements for consumers and the market.”
Peter Davies, chairman of the SEC panel, said: “Future phases will enable smarter working with collaboration on modifications allowing for virtual working groups and online assessments to demonstrate compliance with the code obligations.
“This combination should reduce the effort and allow for digital transformation of SEC party processes which in turn enhance service delivery.”
CodeWorks has been developed in partnership with tech start-up ClauseMatch, which provides regulatory compliance software to financial institutions.
Chief executive and founder Evgeny Likhoded said: “Today, regulation is extremely cumbersome and difficult both to implement and to change.
“Putting regulation into a digital format thus reflects a general tendency across many regulated industries. It is amazing how agile the energy industry is reacting to these challenges.”
Gemserv administers the Smart Energy Code, the Master Registration Agreement and the Independent Gas Transporters’ Uniform Network Code.
The company plans to update CodeWorks later this quarter to allow signatories to propose code modifications through the platform.
Ofgem and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy are currently conducting a joint review of energy codes in Great Britain. The review was prompted by widely-held concerns that the present codes and governance arrangements have become outdated and a barrier to progress.
In July, they proposed two potential for models for the future governance of energy codes.
Under the first, the code administrator function would be replaced by the more proactive role of code manager. These code managers would be overseen by a separate “strategic body” tasked with implementing government policy.
Under the second, these two roles would be combined within an “integrated rule-making body”.
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