A report that looks at how different parts of our energy system will need to exchange data in real-time to enable net zero has called for the extension of SERL as part of its recommendations. The switch towards a more complex energy network will necessitate more and quicker digital communication between smart devices, homes, and local and regional energy networks to be effective.

The report

‘Delivering a Digitalised Energy System’ represents the findings of the Energy Digitalisation Taskforce (EDiT). The taskforce is chaired by Lauren Sandys and run by the Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) for the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), in partnership with Ofgem and Innovate UK.  EDiT aimed to highlight the opportunities of digitalisation to the energy industry and accelerate digital take-up. They also sought to develop a road map and identify gaps and risks associated with the new landscape. EDiT ran from April – December 2021 and published its findings in January 2022.

Recommendations

The taskforce supported the recommendations of the Smart Meter Public Interest Advisory Group (PIAG) that greater access to depersonalised smart meter data would be in the public interest. Allowing access to ‘suitably aggregated and anonymised smart meter data’ would lead to enhanced government statistics on energy use and more insightful research. This in turn leads to better policies and interventions to reduce energy demand. Another PIAG recommendation supported by EDiT is that of ‘extend(ing) SERL and using smart meter data to improve energy demand representations and focus on the wider use of gas demand data’ (p.23).

Benefits for consumers

The report also says that digitisation will give energy consumers a greater range of services better tailored to their specific needs and flexible to changes in their lifestyles. And it will also provide a more reliable energy supply as the digitised system will be able to regulate itself more effectively. Consumers will also be able to play a more active role in monitoring their own energy demand and carbon footprint as the UK works toward a net zero energy system.

 

Read the full document: Delivering a Digitalised Energy System

More on the Smart Meter Data Public interest advisory group

More on the SERL dataset