Last week we convened the January Open Energy Steering Group meeting. The Steering Group is comprised of a wide range of industry leaders and subject matter experts, representing a cross section of private and public players with a unique contribution. The Steering Group plays a critical role in Open Energy’s development, providing us with a sector perspective that ensures that Open Energy is designed for and with the energy industry.

We discussed the many recent policy reports impacting the energy sector, and everyone’s thoughts on the challenges the sector faces for the UK to achieve net zero. We also talked about the Icebreaker One theme for 2023, and discussed the Steering Group’s governance scope, how it should evolve, its goals and the skills needed for the Steering Group going forward. Also our researcher Michael talked to us about the SODA smart meter project, the progress so far, and next steps. 

Key insights from the Steering Group:

  • An acknowledgement of the sector’s data quality issues and the need to move to common data approaches;
  • An acceptance of the need for access to carbon intensity data, at appropriate granularity, in order effectively to measure carbon reduction;
  • The need for a change in “how” we do things as a country to support innovation;
  • The potential for trusted intermediaries, a core team or vehicle, to have access to and oversight of relevant data, within appropriate safeguards, to enable secure data sharing and facilitate best practice;
  • The need for a change in behaviours, to create a tipping point to enable this to happen.

How you can support:

  • Please let us know about any relevant consultations where you think we could add value or help share our vision by responding — email openenergy@ib1.org 
  • If you are interested in getting involved with Project Perseus, there is more information here: https://ib1.org/perseus/