A new service to help people access energy networks’ data has been launched by Energy Networks Association.
With the backing of Britain’s electricity and gas network operators, the new Energy Data Request Tool supports a more modern, digital energy system by providing greater transparency of electricity and gas networks’ data. Doing so will help companies in and out of the energy industry to make investment decisions more intelligently. It can support emerging markets, like electric vehicle chargepoints and green gas generators, and help projects like new renewables sites connect to the networks.
The new Energy Data Request Tool will provide an easy way for customers with a need to access network companies’ data, such as those looking to connect renewable generation or green gas sites, to submit a request to any of Great Britain’s 11 energy networks using a single form.
The request form can be used by anyone to request any type of network data, excluding personal data. However, each energy network will continue to responsibly assess each request considering data privacy, security and confidentiality to ensure appropriate and proportional data-sharing.
Types of data which can be requested using the single form include:
- Information about electric vehicle chargepoints in a certain area.
- Where there is capacity to build a biomethane site.
- How much flexibility is tendered in a particular location on the electricity network.
The standardised, centralised data request form will gather invaluable insight into the volume of requests, their origin, the granularity of data requested and how the data will be used – which will inform future decisions to make more data available for use.
Network investment in modernising energy data is essential for continued decarbonisation of the energy system and delivery of Net Zero emissions. Taking a whole energy systems approach to data and digitalisation is critical to achieving a modern, digital energy system that works for everyone.
Alongside the new Energy Data Request Tool, ENA is building a proof-of-concept National Energy System Map of Britain. Both services will help to provide customers with even more access to energy data from electricity and gas network operators in Britain.
Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s gas and electricity network operators said:
“The new Energy Data Request Tool will help customers to harness the power of data to make better-informed investment decisions, like the location for new green gas sites and electric vehicle chargepoints. Providing more transparency of networks’ data is a big step forward as we begin to use data even more proactively to unlock Net Zero in the UK.”
Notes to editor
All the network operators have individual digital strategies, which describe how they plan to move towards digital networks. These documents will be updated in line with the requirements in Ofgem’s licence conditions.
The Energy Data Request Tool is available on ENA’s website for customers to complete and submit with their data access request. Requests can be raised to one or many networks in a single go.
These requests will be reviewed and processed by the network(s) who will respond directly back to you.
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.
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Press contacts for journalists
Peter Kocen
Senior Press and Public Affairs Manager
+44 (0)7792 220 974
peter.kocen@energynetworks.org