ACTION PLAN

STS ASSOCIATION

1.1.1 General

The STS Association (STSA) is putting in place the necessary infrastructure and has launched a campaign to make all STS users aware of the TID rollover requirements and to assist and advise users in the execution of the TID rollover key change program.

1.1.2 Checklist of actions required

  • STSA to communicate to all its members regarding the rollout plan - this process is under way;
  • General assistance from the STSA technical support in respect to rollover queries;
  • Development of CTS tests for the new SM and KMC - this has been completed;
  • Manage the updated KMC project - this has been completed.

SECURE MODULE SUPPLIERS

1.2.1 General

Upgrading of Secure Modules (SMs) to cater for the rollover bit as well as the handling of multiple base dates has been completed. It is the responsibility of the SM supplier to communicate with their customers to inform them of the requirement to upgrade their SMs.

All SMs that do not support the STS Edition 2 must be upgraded, this includes the TSM210, TSM250, TSM410 and TSM500 models.

1.2.2 Checklist of actions required

  • Upgrade SM to cater for rollover bit and multiple base dates - this has been completed;
  • Test SM - initialization, key-loading, and new firmware functionality to STS600-4-2 specification - this has been completed;
  • Certify SM to CTS spec for STS600-4-2 (STS531-8-2) - this has been completed;
  • Field test SM - code at KMC and test tokens with live keys - this has been completed;
  • Deploy upgraded SM to the field - this has started.

KEY MANAGEMENT CENTRE (KMC) SUPPLIERS

Upgrade to the existing KMC and rollout the new KMC supporting multiple base date functionality has been completed.

KEY MANAGEMENT CENTRE

1.4.1 Overview

The Key Management Centre has been upgraded in compliance with STS 600-4-2 and is fully operational regarding support for the TID rollover program.

1.4.2 Checklist of actions required

  • Issue new vending keys in the new key load file format to upgraded vending and meter manufacturer systems when so requested and are ready to receive them;
  • Maintain support for legacy key load files until all TID rollover key change programs have been completed.

METER MANUFACTURERS

1.5.1 Overview

Meter manufacturers must update their production processes in order to cater for the new manufacturing security modules, and to enable them to manufacture meters on either base date as specified and so requested by their customers.

1.5.2 Checklist of actions required

  • Update manufacturing modules - this has started;
  • Check rollover bit functionality in meters - this has started;
  • Change production processes to cater for multiple base dates - this has started;
  • Manufacture meters with new base date of 2014 when requested to do so by their customers.

VENDING SYSTEM MANUFACTURERS

1.6.1 Overview

Vending system manufacturers are required to update all the operational vending software to cater for the new SM API and key-load files and rules. They will also be required to contact all their customers to arrange for software upgrades to be performed in the field.

1.6.2 Checklist of actions required

  • Update software to cater for new Key Load File (KLF) specification - this has started;
  • Update software to handle multiple base dates - this has started;
  • Certify software to CTS test specs - this has started;
  • Upgrade customer vending software in the field - this has started;
  • Get contact details of all sub-vendors that use their vending systems and communicate these to the STS Association.

UTILITIES

1.7.1 Overview

Utilities are responsible for their own rollout plan of the TID rollover key-changes to the new base date. This program must be set up by the utilities themselves based on the timing requirements of their program timelines. This part of the project is naturally the most important and difficult of the entire program and must be thought out thoroughly before implementation.

1.7.2 Checklist of actions required

  • Request the vending system supplier to upgrade the vending system as per 5.6 of STS 1800-3;
  • In the case where the utility had developed their own vending system, the utility must do the upgrade as per 5.6 of STS 1800-3;
  • Divide the installed base of meters into smaller manageable groups for processing one group at a time;
  • Decide on key-change program option as per 4.7 of STS 1800-3;
  • Compile a program for the entire key change operation;
  • Inform all role players (especially the end-customers) and regions of the program details;
  • Start the program on a pilot site to test the processes;
  • Roll out to other meter groups;
  • Ensure that the entire program is completed at least one year before the TID rollover date of 2024;
  • As soon as the vending system has been upgraded, new orders for meters should instruct their meter vendor to manufacture those meters on base date 2014.

SUB-VENDORS

1.8.1 Overview

Sub-vendors are responsible for the rollout plan of the key-changes to the new base date on meters that are under their control. This program must be set up by the sub-vendors themselves, based on the timing requirements of the program timelines. This part of the program is naturally the most important and difficult of the entire program and must be thought out thoroughly before implementation.

1.8.2 Checklist of actions required

  • Request the vending system supplier to upgrade the vending system as per 5.6 of the STS 1800-3 document
  • Divide the installed base of meters into smaller manageable groups for processing one group at a time;
  • Decide on the key-change program option as per 4.7 of the STS 1800-3 document
  • Compile a program for the entire key change operation;
  • Inform all role players (especially the end-customers) and regions of the program details;
  • Start the program on a pilot site to test the processes;
  • Roll out to other meter groups;
  • Ensure that the entire program is completed at least one year before the TID rollover date of 24 November 2024;
  • As soon as the vending system has been upgraded, new orders for meters should instruct their meter vendor to manufacture those meters on base date 2014.

TOOLS/SPECIFICATIONS REQUIRING UPDATES


1.9.1 Virtual Secure Module (VSM)

  • The update of the VSM to cater for new base dates has been completed;
  • Allow import of KLF using VSM allocated keys;
  • Update VSM to handle new KLF specification;
  • Release updated VSM for use.

1.9.2 Nedisys file specification

The specification (ST_240-76627071_Prepaid Meter upload standard Rev4) may be obtained from Eskom at http://www.prepayment.eskom.co.za.