In September, we reconvened the Steering Group for Open Energy. The Steering Group comprises a wide range of industry leaders and subject matter experts spanning the commercial, regulatory and government landscapes. The Steering Group plays a critical role in Open Energy’s development, providing a sector perspective that ensures that Open Energy is designed for and with the energy industry.

Date: 30 September 2025 14:30-16:00 BST

Location: In person and online

Co-Chairs: Sara Vaughan & Gavin Starks

Secretariat: IB1

Meeting Aims 

  1. Introduction to the Cunliffe Review in preparation for aligning on responses in the next meeting 
  2. Conduct vote to endorse setting up Data Standards Water Quality Monitoring 
  3. Conduct vote to confirm endorsement by members of the Innovate UK bid 

Summary:

  • It was noted that:
    • Elexon is progressing the Smart Meter Data Repository, coordinating with RECCo on its work on consumer consent alignment, with differing timelines expected for delivery.
    • DESNZ and Ofgem are expected to publish a vision document in Q1 2025. A question remains around how much it integrates and is influenced by the ongoing work in Open Energy.
    • The joint SIF bid with Arup, SSE, and NGED aims to develop a core use case that improves LAEP data sharing for high energy demand users, with a methodology to develop data schemes compatible with any trust framework.
  • It was discussed that selecting and progressing specific use cases is necessary to test and shape the overall architecture, inform technical and legal standards, and support regulatory alignment, mirroring the iterative approach taken in Open Banking.
  • It was discussed that while there is significant activity underway across the sector, there remains a degree of caution as to whether this activity is delivering tangible outcomes. This caution stems from several factors:
    • That current efforts require greater coordination and orchestration across the various market actors and initiatives to ensure alignment and avoid duplication. There is a need for an “orchestration layer”.
    • There is a question around who the delivery agents are, and how delivery can be ensured.
    • There is a need for clearer prioritisation and a stronger demonstration of commercial value.
    • There is a question around who is the master arbiter, who takes the ultimate decisions, e.g. on questions of definition?
  • It was noted that the goals for Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 have been set, including:
    • A webinar addressing language challenges that is scheduled on 23rd October from 2-3pm
    • Two SIF bids to be submitted in early Q1 2025: ‘SIF ADA’ and ‘Market Architecture’
  • It was discussed that key implementation decisions over the next 6-12 months will significantly shape the future architecture of the UK energy data ecosystem.