The UK government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has issued a call for evidence on a potential new Smart Data scheme that would give households greater control over their energy usage and help them save money on their bills.
The call for evidence is open until 10 March 2025, and will gather industry and stakeholder views on how the potential scheme can be implemented.
The Department is asking specifically for views on the current energy landscape, the potential customer problems that could be solved through a Smart Data scheme, and the challenges, barriers and risks involved with developing such a scheme.
An energy Smart Data scheme would not only help customers better understand their energy usage, but would also give them access to personalised services to enable them to initiate savings.
The Department cites, as an example, new services that could help customers compare prices, change suppliers and switch to low-carbon tariffs.
There are also growth opportunities for businesses as the government heralds a new era of “clean” electricity, encouraging the creation of new technologies and giving British businesses scope to innovate and attract investment.
According to estimates from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, Britain’s data economy drives investments worth up to 6.7% of UK economic activity.
Minister for Energy Michael Shanks
The government cited Open Banking in the UK as an example of a successful Smart Data scheme, which it aims to replicate in the energy market.
Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said: “Data and digitalisation will be an essential foundation of our mission to deliver a zero-carbon electricity system by 2030. Reforms will help consumers and businesses to benefit from the new era of clean power.”
He added: “Following the world-leading example of Open Banking, energy Smart Data could help consumers find the best tariff based on their actual consumption, providing personalised solutions, better services and greater choice, whilst saving them money.
“We look forward to working with industry and other key stakeholders to explore how we can implement an effective and safe Smart Data scheme in the energy market.”
In October 2024, a new government bill, the Data Use and Access Bill, was introduced to Parliament to support the future of Open Banking and the growth of new Smart Data schemes. It is expected to generate approximately £10 billion towards the UK economy over 10 years.
