Measurement Canada’s Implementation Plan for the Transition to New Compliance Sampling Specifications (from LMB-EG-04 to S-S-06)

2010-02-08

1.0 Background

Measurement Canada recently completed the establishment of a new compliance sampling specification S-S-06 - Sampling Plans for the Inspection of Isolated Lots of In-service Meters and has launched the consultation process with regard to the requirements that will apply to the performance sampling of in-service electricity and natural gas meters. As the new compliance sampling specification S-S-06 will introduce extensive changes to the metrology program which has been used for the purposes of meter seal extension since 1988, Measurement Canada wishes to advise all affected stakeholders on how the new requirements will be introduced once finalized following public consultation.

2.0 Implementation Considerations - General

2.1 Accredited Organizations

For organizations currently accredited to perform meter inspections under the compliance sampling requirements of LMB-EG-04 - Statistical Sampling Plans for the Verification and Reverification of Electricity and Gas Meters, the complete transition to specification S-S-06 for all meter types will require that significant changes be implemented to an organization’s meter testing operations. As a minimum, these include: employee training, the development of new quality procedures, and, in some cases, considerable modifications to a meter owner’s data management and meter records system.

2.2 Utilities and Meter Owners

Utilities with responsibility for ensuring metering accuracy under the requirements of the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, may also need to give consideration to the implementation of enhanced meter management and performance monitoring measures in anticipation of the application of new meter performance assessment requirements. Where applicable, it is expected that the application of interim assessment activities may serve to assist meter owners in ensuring that their obligations, relative to meter performance quality levels, will be met or exceeded when lots are evaluated under the new compliance sampling plan in specification S-S-06.

3.0 Transitional Implementation Plan

3.1 Electronic Electricity Meters

In 2010, meters currently being assessed under the requirements of provisional specification PS-S-04 (pilot compliance sampling program for electronic electricity meters) will be subjected to the transitional options that have been published by Measurement Canada in Information Bulletin: Transitional Options for Electronic Electricity Meters Sampled under the Pilot Compliance Sampling Plan (2010-01-04). As of January 1, 2011, all electronic electricity meters will be expected to be assessed under the requirements of specification S-S-06 or alternatively, reverified on the basis of 100% reinspection.

3.2 Electro-mechanical Electricity Meters and Natural Gas Diaphragm Meters

Specification LMB-EG-04 will continue to be recognized for the purposes of compliance sampling either electromechanical electricity meters or natural gas diaphragm meters for the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 calendar years. As of January 1, 2011, meter owners will be provided with the option of becoming accredited for conducting compliance sampling under the requirements of specification S-S-06. All organizations accredited by Measurement Canada to conduct compliance sampling under specification LMB-EG-04, will be required to achieve accreditation to conduct compliance sampling under specification S-S-06 prior to January 1, 2014.

3.3 Application of Measurement Uncertainty

The requirement to apply measurement uncertainty to compliance sampling performance results that are obtained under the requirements of specification S-S-06, will be considered a risk management decision which can be implemented at the meter owner’s discretion. Notwithstanding the discretion provided, Measurement Canada recommends that meter owners give serious consideration to their compliance assurance obligations when the application of measurement uncertainty is being considered.

3.4 Marketplace Monitoring

In support of the transition periods that are being provided to meter owners and accredited organizations for the purposes of implementing the new compliance sampling requirements, Measurement Canada wishes to advise stakeholders that the Agency will be raising the level of monitoring activity with regard to compliance sampling inspection results and associated reporting requirements. Commencing in 2011, the Agency will introduce additional compliance sampling key performance reporting indicators. More specifically, meter owners will be required to report on all pre-emptive meter population management activities that were implemented during the reporting year, including the application of reduced meter seal extension periods and the removal of meter lots prior to their seal expiration.

Guy Dacquay
Manager, Utility Metering Division
Program Development Divsion
Measurement Canada

For further information, please contact:

Bruce Lyng
Program Officer, Utility Metering Division
Program Development Directorate
Measurement Canada
Email: bruce.lyng@ic.gc.ca