Appointing a Data Collector

What is a Data Collector and do I have to appoint one?

It is mandatory for customers with larger Half-Hourly metered electricity supplies to appoint agents to act as Meter Operator (often referred to as the MOP) and Data Collector (the DC). A MOP installs a meter and communication link on the electricity supply at your property whereas the DC's role is to collect and distribute your meter's usage data to the relevant parties, so they can bill each other and ultimately you via your supplier.

Whilst most customers have a MOP contract and pay an annual charge to the appointed party, charges for DC services are generally recovered by your supplier who appoint a DC on your behalf. Some build the cost into their monthly standing charge, others show it as a monthly Settlement Charge. Where transparent, the monthly Settlement Charge varies from supplier to supplier but is usually in the order of £13.75 to £20.75/ month/ meter (£165 to £249/annum).

Do I have to allow my supplier to do this on my behalf?

The simple answer is no. For customers with Half-Hourly electricity supplies, our recommendation would always be that you give due consideration to appointing your own Data Collector (DC), rather than allowing your supplier to do so on your behalf. One big advantage is access to consumption data; you and Control Energy Costs as your consultant would have direct access to Day+1 detailed consumption data and metering information via a web portal.

With the roll out of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and increasing numbers of clients that need to comply with ISO standards, monitoring your energy usage is becoming increasingly important. Direct access to your metering data allows us to seamlessly provide you with detailed consumption and costs reports.

What will it cost me?

Our recommendation would be that you enter into an independent DC agreement with an approved service provider, typically at a cost of £140/annum/supply point (ex VAT). This would be subject to an industry standard five year agreement, as with your existing MOP service agreement.

However, as supplier invoiced DC charges would disappear from your monthly invoices, in the vast majority of situations, appointing your own DC will provide a financial benefit; it depends on your existing electricity supplier. The table below illustrates the financial differential with the 6 major electricity suppliers:-