Live updates

We've identified an irregularity with the file sequence numbering on BRR, TMC and ASN files 

Background

Issue within AMT MarketFlow when generating the file sequence number (also known as generation number) of the file, in both the file name and within the file header, are not as per normal sequential numbering of files issued from UK Link. Content in the files is correct, but the sequence number of the file (and therefore within the header) will contain gaps for any given Shipper recipient. All files are unique, so no duplication of numbering.

Once the fix has been deployed, the file sequence number would continue from your last file; the file numbers will not be repeated.

Progress and next steps

• The root cause has been identified, for which the vendor is now attempting to fix and test before making available to us to deploy to our Production IT estate.
• AMT have confirmed on 4 August that the fix is in testing, however, have not yet been able to confirm when this fix will be released to us for deployment.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this issue further please contact the Issue Management team.

Blank data for Shipper and Supplier values being contained within the IDL Files

Background

Following CSSC implementation on 18 July 2022, new processes and files were implemented for the Shipper and Supplier switching process.

From 19 July 2022 onwards, the IDL files have contained blank data for the Shipper and Supplier values. The Shipper and Supplier data should not be issued in the IDL file until the following day.

The file issued on the following day contains the correct data for the Shipper and Supplier.

This issue has occurred due to the batch process for the IDL file creation, whereby it is being triggered before the new CSS file batch process has completed. This has caused the IDL file to have blank values for Shipper and Supplier data.

Progress and next steps

• Fix was deployed following testing and assurance activities on 4 August 2022. This will mean that the IDL files issued on the 5 August 2022 onwards will be correct.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this issue further please contact the Issue Management team.

Special characters contained within files

Background

Where a special character is included within a file, UK Link is not processing the file as expected, this results in either;

1. Exceptions being raised for the inbound file or
2. The file is processed; however, response files or notification files are not being submitted to the customer.

Progress and next steps

• AMT have confirmed they are testing a fix for this issue and will update us once they have results, in parallel we are investigating and testing our own temporary workaround fix in case resolution from AMT takes longer than expected.
• Customers are being contacted when a file has been identified which contains a special character. Depending on the scenario/file containing the special character, the customer is asked to re-submit the file or we will remove the special character with the customers approval.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this issue further please contact the Issue Management team.

Some users experiencing issues with accessing Portal and Gas Enquiry Service (GES)

Background

Customer users are experiencing the following:

1. In some instances, browser compatibility has caused access issues.
2. Issues relating to the functionality of Local Security Officer (LSO) / Master Administration User (MAU) within the portal
3. Small number of users are experiencing difficulties accessing the Gas Enquiry Service (GES) and UK Link Services Portal. We have undertaken technical triage sessions to understand the root cause with impacted customers.
4. Data displayed incorrectly, does not reflect what is recorded in UK Link

Progress and next steps

Calls will be set up  with customer users to troubleshoot GES issues. These will begin to be scheduled from next week.

• Support has been provided to customers to ensure that URLs & browsers are compatible with the new portal arrangement. A compatibility test has been created (URL) to allow customers to identify any potential issues.
  
• A number of fixes were deployed on 5 August. This will allow LSO/MAUs to search for newly created users, ability to disable/delete users, adding Organisation field to identify the right user accounts, search facility for email address. 
  
• We have identified a range of issues with user security and firewall settings for impacted parties. Sessions are being arranged with customers over the next few days with the technical team to resolve any access issues the users are experiencing.
  
• Investigating cause and resolution

There are currently no known UIG allocation issues.