Identify existing solutions
- Aim: identify and evaluate existing solutions that could address the challenges faced by RTSM.
- Objective: Use a combination of public data and methodologies to better understand the requirements of the RTSM solution and assess the suitability of global solutions for implementation in the GB gas network.
Basis of design for a modelling solution
- Aim: To create a robust and accurate design framework for a modelling solution that determines energy content for billing and settlement purposes in a multi-gas grid.
- Objective: Ensure that the proposed solution is technically feasible, economically viable, and complies with regulatory requirements.
Feasibility, integration roadmap, and trial planning
- Aim: To assess the feasibility of the proposed basis of design, plan the roadmap for integration across GB, and understand requirements for a trial.
- Objective: Evaluate how the solution can integrate with existing industry requirements (regulatory, technical, economic, operational, etc.) and develop a strategy for smooth implementation, minimising disruptions while focusing on key areas like design, deployment, and training.
Work Package 1: Market research
Work Package 1 (WP1) was delivered on our behalf by BIP.
A comprehensive market research study was conducted to identify various solutions that have been developed globally for billing and settlement in multi-energy gas systems. Using these developed solutions as examples, the project sought to understand their technical requirements and how these solutions could be applied to help solve Great Britain's challenge. We found that suitable CV modelling solutions are available and that their adoption is attainable across Great Britain.
Work Package 2: Modelling solution
Work Package 2 (WP2) was delivered on our behalf by Correla.
This part of the project designed a fit-for-purpose modelling solution that meets the requirements of Great Britain's gas consumers and existing stakeholders whilst effectively addressing the challenges with billing and settlement in a future multi-gas system.
A key output of this work package was the Basis of Design of the proposed solution. The Basis of Design outlines the required amendments in the market structures and connection frameworks, the basic architecture of new systems proposed, and considers key essential aspects such as changes in regulation and the interlink between solutions for a seamless transition process. It also encompasses the identification of high-level dependencies and interactions with other industry systems to comprehensively address integration.
Work Package 3: Feasibility study and roadmap
Work Package 3 (WP3) was delivered on our behalf by BIP.
This work package conducted a comprehensive feasibility study that evaluated the viability of each proposed solution by assessing all factors critical to its success - regulatory, technical, economic, scheduling, and operational. This enabled the development of a comprehensive roadmap to inform the strategic implementation of the proposed solution across Great Britain, considering all key aspects and paving the way for successful implementation with minimal disruption.
Work Package 4: Rollout strategy
Work Package 4 (WP4) was delivered on our behalf by BIP.
This work package developed a rollout strategy for a potential demonstration of the solution in a dedicated future Pilot phase. The most feasible Pilot options and locations have been identified, and these will be further analysed in upcoming work. The demonstration activities will also include a trial phase which will be conducted after the Pilot.
Work Package 5: Dissemination
Work Package 5 (WP5) was delivered on our behalf by both Correla and BIP.
The dissemination process ensured that all project learnings were successfully shared with key stakeholders. The partners discussed the findings and results from all work packages and tailored them into a detailed technical account that described the work’s methods, analysis, and findings.
Industry engagement
Throughout Phase 1, monthly update meetings were organised with the project Steering Committee comprising subject matter experts from organisations critical to the programme’s success, including all GDNs, National Gas Transmission, Xoserve, NESO, Ofgem, DESNZ and both delivery partners - BIP Consulting UK and Correla. We have also worked closely with Ofgem, keeping the regulator informed on crucial project updates and seeking guidance on key decision points to help align the direction of the programme with industry needs.
In the final months of 2025, a series of four dedicated industry engagement sessions were hosted. The information presented can be found below. These sessions provided an opportunity to present findings, answer questions and gather feedback. This has gone on to help shape project outputs and aid in decision making ensuring a fit-for-purpose solution design for all. The dedicated SGN-led engagement sessions targeted all key stakeholder groups and enabled the dissemination of information in one place, facilitating collaboration and cross-party dialogue.
Next steps
Work is underway to appraise the options available for a future Pilot phase of RTSM. Key aspects of its design need to be determined such as network location, what gases will be used, what software’s we will test and the duration. The Pilot phase aims to test the efficacy of the solution we have designed on the live network. Essential elements of the solution will be assessed during the Pilot including modelling software performance, data flow and processing, and accuracy of the proposed new billing methodology. The Pilot is a key next step in delivering the wider RTSM Programme and progressing us further towards our goal of nationwide implementation