Ofgem is seeking participants in a project to develop a standard for data sharing and use in the energy sector.
The regulator noted that better access to their own data would help consumers engage in the energy market. For example, allowing switching sites to access consumers’ supplier and usage data directly would allow for proper comparisons and avoid the need for consumers to find and input information themselves. That would make the process easier and less likely to result in poor transfers.
More broadly, consumer data is currently held by suppliers and is often of inconsistent quality. Being able to access this data is typically a slow process, the regulator says.
The data standard is being developed as part of the governments broad ‘midata’ programme, which aims to allow consumers to leverage their data in all industry sectors. The regulator says it is taking this forward by calling on the energy sector to help develop a data standard, underpinned by regulation, to enable the access and sharing of consumer data. The project is supported by BEIS, DCMS, and the ICO as well as OFgem.
It will have three development teams; the standard design authority, user engagement forum and industry delivery group. The people in these teams will come from the sector and may include consumers, interest groups, suppliers, other organisations in the energy sector and innovation organisations.
Development is planned between August 2018 and February 2019. Formal consultation is planned between December 2018 and January 2019. There is an expectation for early adoption by April 2019 and for the project to be closed by June 2019.
To take part contact Ofgem on [email protected]