What is so special about data?
Having worked at several organisations I have found myself housed in a variety of departments, most commonly in a quiet corner of the Operations or Information Technology teams. These teams were undoubtedly invaluable to their organisations, but they very much represented the nuts and bolts of keeping the organisations running day to day. In my view, harnessing the power of data should be seen as front and centre of any forward-thinking organisation and by investing in data, ENA is demonstrating it understands that it is an asset which is central to the future of the energy industry.
What does a Data Lead do?
This is a hugely exciting time to come on board, as ENA position to help members in their data and digitalisation journeys. It is fair to say that it is not a level playing field and that members have differing levels of data maturity. It is my job to identify a reasonable benchmark that networks can be encouraged to aspire to; understanding how we can help some members to reach that level, whilst also championing those who are excelling.
Through the ENA’s Data Working Group, we are coordinating members’ efforts in response to the Energy Data Task Force recommendations. Namely in creating a National Energy System Map and a Data Triage process, both of which will be going into a Proof of Concept development stage early in 2021. As well as being reactive to government and regulator needs, the Data Working Group is mapping out the Energy Data Landscape to identify areas of opportunity and collaboration that are ripe for members to get involved in.
What about the ENA’s own data and digitalisation journey?
With ENA growing organically over the years, the way in which data is managed and used internally has not been centrally coordinated. Now is the time to undertake an extensive data mapping exercise and create a robust and future-proofed strategy. This will lend a consistent structure to the many avenues in which ENA is involved with data, with one possible end goal being a centralised data catalogue consolidating all datasets in one place. This will give a better holistic view of all data led initiatives across ENA and will allow members faster and more coordinated access to the data ENA currently holds. This will also equip ENA with the tools to perform data functions for members that have, up until now, not been possible.
With the right foundations in place there will be countless opportunities for ENA to further deepen its impact on the Energy Data Landscape - moving us all in the right direction towards a Net-Zero future.
About us
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.
Press office contact
Our press office can assist with enquiries from journalists and content creators only. You can email press@energynetworks.org. Please note, if your enquiry is urgent or requires a response out of normal working hours you should call us on 0204 599 7691.