Error and Failure Resolution
This page will explain how the Error and Failure Resolution (EFR) sits within the remedial technique in ELEXON’s Performance Assurance Framework and when and how it is used.
An Error/Failure may be detected through the application of any Performance Assurance Technique. Upon detection the PAB can invoke the Error/Failure process.
How it relates to you
This process requires Performance Assurance Party (PAP) to keep ELEXON informed of the actions that they are taking to resolve the identified errors or failures.
Your Operational Support Manager may also identify an operational issue needing EFR.
When an Error or Failure is identified, ELEXON will ask for a set of actions to resolve the issue and the timescales in which these actions will be completed.
ELEXON will review and monitor the actions being taken in order to provide reassurance to the PAB (and therefore to other industry participants) that the PAP is working towards a resolution in an appropriate manner and within an agreed timescale.
Failure of the PAP to satisfactorily meet the requirements agreed with ELEXON and to resolve the Error or Failure within the timeframes required may lead further escalation within the Performance Assurance procedure.
Process considerations
- Identification of the issue
- PAB decides to turn EFR on
- Developing an action plan
- Monitoring the action plan
- Escalation to PAB
- Escalation to The Panel
- Continued performance issues and additional escalation actions
Developing an action plan
Within the EFR we ask you to provide an action plan detailing the steps you’ll take to resolve the issue and the timescales for completion. As part of the EFR process, you agree with ELEXON what steps you’ll take to resolve the identified performance issues.
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The process explained
Within the EFR we ask you to provide an action plan detailing the steps you’ll take to resolve the issue and the timescales for completion. As part of the EFR process, you agree with ELEXON what steps you’ll take to resolve the identified performance issues.
- PAP has 20 working days to prepare an EFR plan to define actions to resolve issue
or
- 10 working days if the plan is revised following a previously failed plan or response to an ELEXON review
If the plan is not provided within an acceptable timescale, PAB escalation can be triggered
Review of action plan by ELEXON
- We will review the plan within 20 working days (although this is usually sooner)
- If the plan is agreed by ELEXON it is baselined
or
- If the plan needs modification, ELEXON sets out updates that are required in order for the plan to be baselined
If the plan is not provided within an acceptable timescale, PAB escalation can be triggered
Monitoring an action plan
When you’ve completed each step on your action plan, you need to let your OSM know. If you haven’t completed the steps according to your plan, you need to let your OSM how you’ll get back on track.
By providing this information, we can monitor how you are doing with resolving the performance issues.
When all actions are completed, the cessation of the EFR process will be agreed with ELEXON and/or the appropriate BSC Agent (e.g. the BSC Auditor or the Technical Assurance Agent) that highlighted the issue.
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The process explained
Successful outcome from baseline
- PAP completes actions within the plan and provides ELEXON with updates with 5 working days of the milestone date
- PAP achieves performance measures required to exit EFR
Exiting EFR can include 3 months of performance at a performance standard or review from a third party such as the BSC Auditor.
- PAB decides to turn EFR off and PAP is notified
Unsuccessful outcome from baseline
- If the PAP does not provide an update in a reasonable time, PAB escalation can be triggered
- If milestones are not met or performance measures are not met, an updated plan may be required.
If the history of resolving the problem has encountered previous difficulties or the issue has a substantial impact on Settlement or other PAPs, PAB escalation can be triggered.
PAB Escalation process
If performance issues are not resolved satisfactorily we may need to use an escalation mechanism to support the successful outcome of the process.
Escalation involves direction from the PAB. You will be required to agree the actions with the PAB you will implement to resolve the issue. Progress will be monitored by the PAB and your OSM until a successful resolution is achieved.
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Panel Escalation Process
If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved during PAB escalation, the issue can be escalated to the BSC Panel.
Ultimately, for BSC Parties escalation can lead to being placed in Default which can result in the BSC Panel deciding to take actions which can include expulsion from the BSC or the removal of rights to register Metering Systems
- See Section H.3.2 of the BSC for full details of the consequences of Default
For SVA Party Agents and CVA Meter Operator Agents escalation can ultimately lead to the Removal of Qualification which means that an agent can no longer operate within that role for the purposes of the BSC or be an appointed as agent for Suppliers in order to operate these processes.
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Continued performance issues
If a performance issue is persistent or material, the PAB or Panel can initiate additional escalation processes.
- More information on the Removal of SVA Qualification
- More information on Breach and Default procedures
About the Performance Assurance process
Error and Failure Resolution (EFR) is a key remedial technique in ELEXON’s Performance Assurance Framework.
It is used to assure ELEXON, the Performance Assurance Board (PAB) and the rest of the industry that you understand identified performance issues and have robust plans in place to correct them in a timely manner.
The BSC obligation
Section Z of the BSC covers the establishment of the Performance Assurance Board (the PAB) – its powers and functions, the duties and responsibilities of its members, and its proceedings; performance assurance procedures; Risk Management Determination (RMD) Queries and Appeals; and the administration and implementation of Performance Assurance Techniques (PATs).
BSCP538 describes the administration of the error and failure resolution and escalation procedure.