In November, we convened the third Perseus Policy Advisory Group meeting, co-chaired by Planet Mark and Icebreaker One. During this meeting we discussed and endorsed our top policy objectives.  We also discussed crossover with other advisory groups, and insights into implementation and challenges as the group looked ahead to 2024.

Key insights:

  • Survey methodology & results were noted:
  • Objectives reviewed in terms of whether the AG must; should; could do it; a different group should lead it; and it is not important.
  • Top 5 policy objectives were agreed and the scope for the group was discussed:
  1. Identifying and addressing any regulatory issues that will affect scaling the demonstrator for energy data sharing.
  2. Exploring the policy implications of the types of data / sustainability metrics being handled by Perseus, including Data Protection issues, ensuring that SMEs have control of their confidential data.
  3. Defining rules around interoperability to ensure that Perseus systems work seamlessly with accounting applications, banking platforms, energy companies etc.
  4. Identifying and addressing barriers to data access / measurement for SMEs (e.g. landlords being unwilling to share energy data).
  5. Guidelines for competition and innovation to ensure access for a diverse range of third party sustainability analysis firms
  • The Perseus Scope and Advisory Group cross over was discussed
    • It was noted that there would be overlaps between the different AGs; they will crystallise next year and help us set up additional processes to drill into the details
  • The following points were discussed regarding the scope and size of the challenge e.g.
    • Data being made available to distinguish between sole trader and non sole trader
    • Data being tied to a known register, to avoid relying on the user having to de-code
    • Ensuring organisations understand the business benefits of having data reported for them
    • Aiming for a many-to-many approach
  • The following points on implementation were discussed:
    • Gaining access to smart meter data
    • Constraints around access to tariff information which may or may not be fit for purpose. It was noted that this could have implications on green tariffs and how supplier emissions might be audited.
    • How do we deal with green tariffs?
    • SME has system to access smart meter data
    • The implications of SMEs changing energy suppliers part way through the year
    • Source data: do we need it to be assurable? / should the gathering be automated?

Attendees

Co-chairs

Gavin Starks, Founder & CEO, Icebreaker One

Andrew Griffiths, Director of Policy and Partnership, Planet Mark

Members

Andrew Dakers, Chief Executive, West London Business

Hannah Gilbert, ESG Senior Manager, British Business Bank

Ian Sutherland, CFO and Head of Net Zero, Tide

Jago Corry, Policy Associate, Innovate Finance

Jane Lucy, CEO & Co-Founder, Perse Energy

Madhuban Kumar, CEO, Carbon Laces