2011-03-18

Call for interest: Proposal for a new work item on Energy Services

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is seeking feedback on the development of a new work item on Energy Services submitted by the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) Consumer Policy Committee.

There are approximately two billion people without access to energy supply networks around the world. In some countries, even where they have existing networks, service interruptions and fluctuations in supply and delays in repairs are frequent. In many countries, privatization is bringing inexperienced businesses into supply markets in circumstances where consumer welfare may be damaged. Services are frequently characterized by irregular interruptions of supply, inadequate information about service development, unfair contractual rights and the lack of dispute resolution measures and inconvenient payment methods. The proposed standards will provide best practice guidelines for new networks and guidance to improve existing networks.

Scope of the Proposed ISO Standards:

The proposed new work on Energy Services is expected to provide sector specific guidance for energy suppliers, drawing on standards already developed in relation to customer satisfaction such as ISO 10001 to 10003. The standard is intended for used by energy suppliers to measure and assess services with a view to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these services to household users and increase customer satisfaction.

The energy services covered can include gas, electricity and hot water district heating systems and distributed fuels and off-grid systems.

As the official Canadian member of the ISO, the Standards Council of Canada is seeking feedback on ISO’s proposal from Canadian stakeholders. All responses submitted to SCC will be considered to generate a Canadian position and comments on this proposal. Stakeholders are invited to consider the following when formulating a response:

1. Is the proposed scope relevant and does it use appropriate terminology, or is the scope too broad or too specific?
2. Could the development of this proposed standard impact your sector negatively or positively and why?
3. Will the development of this proposed standard benefit your sector or will it pose challenges?
4. If this field of technical activity is regulated, will the proposed development of this standard complement it or not?

The deadline for submission is April 15, 2011.

For more information or to seek clarification, please contact Lynne Gibbens, Senior Program Officer, ISO, via email at [email protected] or by telephone +1 613 238 3222 ext. 452.

The Standards Council of Canada is a federal Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective standardization in Canada with the goal of enhancing Canada’s economic competitiveness and social well-being. SCC is Canada’s representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is responsible for coordinating Canadian participation in the development of international standards. It also accredits standards development and conformity assessment organizations. For more information on SCC’s programs visit www.scc.ca or email [email protected].