Here we explore how good quality, secure and shareable data underpins two major targets outlined in the strategy. We also outline why data is important to support developments in other areas of the strategy that receive mention, but are not yet subject to specific targets. 

In future, we would be keen to see similarly ambitious targets instituted for development of energy efficiency (reducing energy demand is the fastest route to reducing emissions, increasing resilience and benefiting consumers), onshore renewable generation, and grid management.

Data will enable the UK to meet new targets around offshore wind and hydrogen

Offshore wind

“Our ambition is to deliver up to 50GW by 2030, including up to 5GW of innovative floating wind.”

Why data access is essential to meeting this target

• Data will be vital to support planning and environmental impact assessments, ensuring resources are appropriately sited and constructed in a manner with minimal environmental impact. The strategy includes a commitment to reduce “consent time from up to four years down to one year” and separately to establish a “fast track consent route” – data will be vital to enabling planning applications to be assessed rapidly while retaining rigour.
• Data will also be vital to support transmission networks across the UK to assess, plan and deliver new connections required to integrate the boom in offshore wind to the national grid.

Hydrogen

“Doubling our ambition to up to 10GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, subject to affordability and value for money, with at least half of this coming from electrolytic hydrogen.”

Why data access is essential to meeting this target

• Data will be key to assessing where new hydrogen production facilities are sited, particularly if paired with large renewable generation resources such as new offshore wind.
• Data will also support scheduling and buying excess green power for use in electrolysis.
• Data will further underpin commitments to design “new business models for hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure” by 2025.
• Finally, data be key to exploring and evaluating potential use cases for hydrogen, particularly in hard to abate sectors such as chemicals, steel, and aviation.

Data will enable further development of energy efficiency, onshore renewable generation and grid management

Good availability and sharing of data additionally underpins three other areas of development for which the strategy indicates support, but for which specific targets have not yet been articulated. In addition to making the most of the benefits of data in these areas, Icebreaker One encourages the government to produce ambitious targets against which progress can be measured.

Energy efficiency

The strategy outlined existing support mechanisms to improve adoption of energy efficiency measures, such as the Boiler Upgrade scheme and zero-rating VAT on energy saving materials. 

Why data access is essential to achieving this

Better quality and use of data can also support the uptake of energy efficiency measures, for example by:

• Enabling home and building owners to more clearly assess what measures are required in specific buildings and the financial and carbon impacts of different measures (individual or combination).
• Encouraging the financial sector to better understand the demand for and financial profiles of different measures, supporting increased availability of finance.
• Supporting installers to provide quicker and more bespoke quotes in a cost effective manner.
• Enabling government, industry and educational bodies to invest in skill-building in areas for which growth in demand is predicted (e.g. heat pump installation).

Onshore wind and solar

The strategy adopted a supportive tone with regards to enabling more build-out of wind and solar, including by addressing planning mechanisms that have restricted technology adoption in recent years. 

Why data access is essential to achieving this

To ensure the uptake of these technologies is sped up, data will be essential to enable:

• Effective planning and construction of onshore wind in Scotland, as well as empowerment of onshore wind-supporting communities in England to accelerate new projects.
• Improved and accurate knowledge of the UK’s microgeneration asset base, including at domestic level.
• Targeted grid reinforcement and build-out of new connections where required to enable more wind and solar to come onto the grid.

Networks, storage and flexibility

The strategy indicated prioritisation of two core features: “anticipating need because planning ahead minimises cost and public disruption; and hyper-flexibility in matching supply and demand so that minimal energy is wasted”. 

Why data access is essential to achieving this

Data will be key to facilitating these developments by:

• Supporting the new Future System Operator to fulfil its forthcoming duties with regards to system balancing, planning and strategic oversight.
• Enabling network digitalisation to support efficient and cost-effective management of existing assets.
• Driving anticipatory network planning and build-out in a manner that is appropriately targeted and cost-effective
• Enabling smart assets and automation services to deliver flexibility, including at a granular level, and supporting market drivers of those services such as flexible pricing and time of use tariffs.
• Permitting more inclusion of different energy storage mechanisms in the grid, including smart charging and dispatch to support minimal energy wastage.

Development of the specifications was informed by desk research and two sets of Advisory Group consultation and was guided by design principles of fairness, transparency and proportionality.

The specifications outline which access condition types can be supported in the Pilot phase, five proof pathways, and the associated roles and responsibilities of different entities within the Open Energy ecosystem. Design may be subject to iterative change in response to testing and feedback.

Please find the latest version of Open Energy’s Data Access Specifications here.

All terms used in the blog are defined in the glossary here. All policies will also be published in the Phase 3 operational guidelines (forthcoming end July 2021). For any questions stemming from this blog, or materials within, please contact openenergy@icebreakerone.org.

Data Sensitivity Classes

Open Energy facilitates sharing of a wide variety of data types, with varied levels of sensitivity. In order to handle this complexity, and to ensure data is appropriately protected, Open Energy has developed a system of data sensitivity classification. This policy details five Open Energy data sensitivity classes, graded across three dimensions of sensitivity: personal, commercial, and security. They are designed to complement Ofgem’s Data Best Practice guidance, by adding nuance to how Data Providers can classify types of Shared data.

Consultation during policy development informed a range of changes including:

• Reducing the number of classes from 6 to 5,
• Improving descriptions and example data types provided for each class; and
• Updating guidance regarding the classification of aggregated and anonymised personal data.

Details of public consultation feedback, and Open Energy’s responses, can be found here. A copy of the updated policy can be found here.

Data Access Conditions

Once Data Providers have allocated their datasets to appropriate sensitivity classes, they will then specify the access conditions for each dataset. To encourage the creation of  access conditions that are fair and proportionate to the dataset’s sensitivity profile, data sensitivity classes will be used as a guiding basis for considering access conditions, though not a complete determinant. As such, we define a standardised range of access condition types that Data Providers can associate with a particular dataset. This acknowledges the need for more nuance than would be captured under a ‘one size fits all’ approach for each sensitivity class, while still enabling standardisation of condition types. The policy focuses on access conditions for classes OE-SA and OE-SB only as personal data (OE-SP) are out of scope for Open Energy Phase 3. 

Consultation during policy development informed a range of adaptations including:

• Dividing group-based access conditions into externally defined and self defined types;
• Tightening the scope of use case-based access conditions to promote clarity and fairness; and
• Removing purpose-based access conditions to reflect coverage of these conditions elsewhere in ways that reduce implementation difficulties.

Details of public consultation feedback, and Open Energy’s responses, can be found here. A copy of the updated policy can be found here.

Data Licensing 

This represents the final step of the journey that Data Providers must take in order to ready their datasets for sharing via Open Energy. It consists of two parts: creating access rules, then associating the grant of a set of capabilities and obligations with each rule to form the license. Our model proposes a system whereby access and capability grants are determined, for each request to a Data Provider’s API, on the basis of a set of rules defined and published by that Data Provider. This is different from the single licensing model that is commonly used in the sector, whereby one license is produced to cover all circumstances of the dataset’s use. It also responds to industry feedback regarding problems with the length and complexity of single licenses, which can increase cost, friction and risk associated with data use. By contrast, the Open Energy model permits reasonable multiple licensing within a set of transparent, standardised parameters that enable each license to be significantly simplified. 

Consultation during policy development informed a range of changes including:

• Sharpening the descriptions of certain capabilities; 
• Confirming use of the ‘data pyramid’ to support the definition of different levels of onward sharing permissions; and
• Honing a set of clarifications provided with the policy to support understanding.

Details of public consultation feedback, and Open Energy’s responses, can be found here. A copy of the updated policy can be found here.

What’s next? 

In the next phase of development, Open Energy will produce guidance and tooling designed to support Data Providers to comply with Open Energy policies. We aim for this to build trust and fairness in the ecosystem, while making it as easy as possible for Data Providers to get up and running. The next phase of the project will also explore policy development around dispute resolution and we expect to hold a further public consultation on this topic in due course.

Summary

We are seeking feedback on a proposed model for data licensing in the Open Energy ecosystem. This encompasses two policies that unite the processes of determining who can access a particular dataset (access rules) and what can be done with that dataset (capability grants). Comments are welcomed from all energy sector organisations. The consultation may be of particular relevance to policy and legal professionals in the energy and/or data sectors. Feedback will be used to shape the Open Energy Data Licensing Model. This consultation is open until the end of day on 24 June 2021 and can be accessed here.

Proposal

This is the third in a series of Open Energy policy consultations during Phase 3 (February-July 2021) of project development. Previous consultations covered the establishment of a system of Data Sensitivity Classes and a range of Data Access Conditions. Final versions of these policies, incorporating consultation feedback, can be found here [Data Sensitivity Classes] and here [Data Access Conditions].  

This consultation now aims to gather respondents’ views on two further policies:

1. the creation of data access rules
2. the association of capabilities with access rules.

These policies are presented jointly for consultation as they unite the processes of determining who can access a particular dataset and what can be done with that dataset. Together they form the Open Energy data licensing model.

Creating access rules

The previous consultation on Data Access established a set of conditions (e.g. group-based access, payment-based access etc.) which may be considered when determining who can access a dataset. To facilitate this policy, we propose a system whereby access and capability grants are determined, for each request to a Data Provider’s API, on the basis of a set of rules defined and published by that Data Provider. 

Access rules are constructed by the Data Provider and described transparently on the metadata file. Data Providers may create access rules on the basis of two sources of information about the Data Consumer making the request: 

1. Information held by Open Energy – e.g. the type of organisation that the Data Consumer represents or whether the Data Consumer is a member of a certain group.
2. Information held by the Data Provider outside the Open Energy ecosystem – e.g. payment records or bilateral agreements.

Open Energy will permit two types of access rules: definitive and indicative. Definitive rules stipulate that a Data Consumer satisfying the stated conditions will be given access to data. Indicative rules stipulate that a Data Consumer satisfying the stated conditions may be given access, subject to assessment by the Data Provider. For example, an indicative access rule may require the Data Provider to check the existence/validity of a commercial agreement with the Data Consumer prior to granting access.

In all cases, if a Data Provider refuses access they must be able to demonstrate a justifiable reason for doing so. Data Consumers can challenge access refusals through a dispute-resolution mechanism if this is required (to be developed in more depth beyond Phase 3).

Associating access rules with capabilities

Once an access rule is established, Data Consumers can start to make API calls. The data returned from a call must be licensed. A data license is a legal instrument setting out what a Data Consumer can do with a particular artifact (e.g. dataset). This grants certain ‘capabilities’ to the Data Consumer, comprising a clear expression of things they can do with the artifact. Capability grants are accompanied by details of any obligations that the Data Consumer must abide by when exercising a capability. 

Example: the capability to redistribute (‘onward share’) an artifact may be accompanied by the obligation to credit the author(s) of the original artifact. 

In the Open Energy ecosystem we propose that licensing is expressed as the grant of a set of capabilities and associated obligations, scoped to the results of a single API call and verified through a non-repudiable digital signature.

In practice this means that, when a Data Provider establishes an access rule, they specify a set of associated capabilities and obligations. The capability grant will be returned as part of the results of the API call in a manner that is cryptographically bound.

This model is different from the single licensing approach – using one license to govern all scenarios for use of a particular dataset – that is currently commonly used in the energy sector.

So why are we proposing a different model?

Industry feedback has identified that single licensing can produce very long and complex licensing agreements – generating friction, cost, and risks associated with license miscomprehension. In response to these concerns, Open Energy research identified an alternative model that permits dual or multiple licensing of an artifact, whereby each individual license is kept as simple as possible. This model is more commonly used in data science and software development communities. For example, dual licensing enables software code to be released for free under one license, then to paying customers under a more permissive license.

Our approach accepts that a degree of license pluralism is necessary, and indeed valuable, in supporting a diversity of data types, actors and use-cases within the energy data ecosystem. While we are aware this may raise questions regarding license proliferation and/or opacity, our approach can reduce these risks by rationalising and standardising the parameters in which licensing occurs.

To do this, Open Energy will work to standardise a range of capabilities, the legal text governing how these capabilities are expressed, and the ‘human-readable’ ways in which these capabilities are communicated to Data Consumers. Beyond Phase 3, we will also develop guidance for Data Providers to encourage simplicity and discourage unnecessary protectionism, while also maintaining appropriate protections for higher sensitivity classes of data. 

Further details of the model, worked example scenarios, and clarification responses to common questions are outlined in the consultation document for consideration.

How can you help?

We are seeking feedback on the proposal through our consultation here. It will take around 60 minutes to read and respond. The consultation explores questions including: 

• Do you have any feedback on the proposed method of creating access rules and associated capability grants?
• Are there any capabilities not outlined in the consultation that Open Energy should consider?
• Are there any other obligations not outlined in the consultation that Open Energy should consider?

The consultation is open until the end of day on 24 June 2021 and responses are encouraged from all actors in the energy sector, or who work with energy and related data. Any queries should please be directed to emily.judson@icebreakerone.org. 

Proposal

This consultation focuses on data access. This means determining what conditions Service Providers (parties accessing data) must meet in order to gain access to datasets in different sensitivity classes. 

The consultation builds on previous development of the Open Energy data sensitivity classes policy, which outlines a system of five data classes graded across personal, commercial and security sensitivity profiles. Data Providers will allocate each of their datasets to a sensitivity class prior to sharing them within the Open Energy ecosystem. Data access conditions will then be applied in a manner that is proportionate to the sensitivity profile of each class. We propose to use the data sensitivity classes previously established as a basis for considering access conditions, but not as a complete determinant. Please note that data access (whether you have access to a particular set of data) is different from data licensing (what you can do with those data) – which will be consulted on shortly. 

Our approach must serve the goal of reducing friction in energy data sharing, while also balancing two distinct sets of needs:

1. Data Providers: to retain control over their data.
2. Service Providers: to access multiple datasets in a clear and manageable way.

As such, we propose to define a standardised range of access conditions as a mechanism to balance the factors outlined above. This acknowledges the need for more nuance than would be captured under a ‘one size fits all’ approach for each sensitivity class. Instead, our proposal will enable some tailoring within defined parameters.

How can you help?

We are seeking feedback on the proposal through our consultation here. It takes around 30 minutes to respond. The consultation explores questions including: 

• Are there any access conditions currently missing that you think would be essential for Open Energy to include?
• What are the top five priority access conditions for Data Providers?
• How might access conditions impact Service Providers who serve internal versus external data access needs?

The consultation is open until the end of day 24 May 2021 and responses are encouraged from all actors in the energy sector, or who work with energy and related data. Any queries should please be directed to emily.judson@icebreakerone.org. 

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Summary

We are seeking feedback on a system of data classification proposed for the Open Energy ecosystem. Comments are welcomed from all energy sectors organisations and users of energy data. Feedback will be used to shape the Open Energy data classes policy and inform subsequent development of data access and licensing policies (to be consulted on in due course). The consultation is open until 30 April 2021 and can be accessed here.

Background

Open Energy aims to modernise access to energy and related data and break down barriers to data sharing. Open Energy will make it easier to both share and access data, supporting the sector’s drive towards decarbonisation, as well as related social and economic benefits. The project aims to serve all energy sector actors looking to share data, access data, or both.

Open Energy builds on learning from Open Banking – identifying which elements are transferable to the energy sector, and which require adaptation or fresh thinking. Our ethos emphasises openness, transparency and sector engagement to ensure that the project meets the widest possible variety of needs. We are now seeking feedback on the first of a set of three policies aiming to navigate one of the most significant differences between Open Energy and Open Banking: the diversity of datasets shared within their respective ecosystems. 

Open Banking only handles two categories of data: open data and personal data. By contrast, Open Energy will incorporate more categories of data that have varied levels of sensitivity. In order to handle this complexity, and to ensure data is appropriately protected, Open Energy is developing a system of data classification. This consultation focuses on sharpening the descriptions, examples and criteria forming the data classes proposed. Follow-up consultations exploring data access and data licensing will take place later. 

Proposal

We propose a system of six data classes, graded across three dimensions of sensitivity: personal, commercial, and security. Proposed classes are presented in Table 1 of the consultation document. It is proposed that – once finalised – a definition, specification and dataset examples for each class will be provided in the Open Energy Operational Guidelines. Data Providers (organisations sharing data via the Open Energy ecosystem) will then assess their datasets and self-allocate them to a class, prior to sharing them via Open Energy. 

Open Energy data classes are designed to supplement, not replace, the Modernising Energy Data Best Practice Guidance (current version Point 12) determining whether data should be made Open, Shared or Closed. In particular, Open Energy data classes are designed to provide nuance to different classes of Shared data, with different sensitivity profiles.

How can you help?

We are seeking feedback on the proposal through our consultation here. It takes around 30 minutes to respond. The consultation explores questions including: 

• Are proposed data classes appropriate and clear?
• Are example datasets given for each class are accurate?
• Are any types of sensitivity missing from our analysis?

The consultation is open until 30 April 2021 and responses are encouraged from all actors in the energy sector, or who work with energy and related data. Any queries should please be directed to emily.judson@icebreakerone.org.