What is SMDA?
Objectives
The Smart Meter Device Assurance (SMDA) scheme has been set up to provide assurance to consumers, suppliers and financiers that smart meter equipment will work effectively in a smart environment.
The SMDA has two key objectives:
- To provide assurance that smart metering equipment (meters and associated devices) work with the Data Communications Company (DCC). The SMDA scheme describes this as ‘Interoperability’.
- To provide assurance that smart metering equipment (meters and associated devices) work with each other. The SMDA scheme describes this as ‘Interchangeability’.
The primary purpose of these objectives is to provide a level of assurance that devices deployed by suppliers in a customer’s home will work as expected.
Ownership and Independence
The Smart Meter Device Assurance (SMDA) Scheme is owned by the Smart Energy Code Company (SECCo.).
The Smart Energy Code (SEC) is a multi-Party agreement which defines the rights and obligations of energy suppliers, network operators and other relevant parties involved in the end to end management of smart metering in Great Britain.
The Scheme is independent of meter manufacturers, suppliers and other industry parties and testing services are available to all manufacturers of smart meter equipment.
History
The SMDA Scheme was originally established after a number of suppliers, meter manufacturers and funders of smart meter programmes identified a common benefit in establishing a central assurance regime. In January 2015 Gemserv, together with delivery partner TUV SUD, were appointed as the SMDA Scheme Operator by the SMDA Co. to establish an independent assurance scheme that provides testing for smart meter equipment.
The SMDA Scheme was initially set up as a joint initiative between the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), Energy UK, British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association (BEAMA) and the Community of Meter Asset Providers (CMAP) and was transferred into the SEC in January 2021.