Open Letter from DESNZ and Ofgem: scoping exercise on the provision of wider access to smart metering data
Summary
DESNZ and Ofgem are scoping where to host repositories of historical smart metering data, allowing consented third-party access via a consumer consent solution. The scoping exercise completes by end of May 2026, after which a preferred approach will go to consultation.
Why it matters
This is an announcement of a scoping exercise that will produce a consultation — two steps removed from any rule change. The consumer data access question matters for retail competition, but this letter commits to nothing beyond a timeline for thinking about it.
Key facts
- •Scoping exercise to complete by end of May 2026
- •Will determine where smart metering data repositories should exist
- •Output will be a preferred way forward for consultation
- •Based on consented third-party access to historical consumption data
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
Open Letter from DESNZ and Ofgem: scoping exercise on the provision of wider access to smart metering data | Ofgem Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience. BETA This site is currently in BETA. Help us improve by giving us your feedback . Close alert: Open Letter from DESNZ and Ofgem: scoping exercise on the provision of wider access to smart metering data Publication type: Transparency document Publication date: 1 April 2026 Topic: Metering Subtopic: Smart meters Print this page Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn This open letter, published jointly with the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, sets out our position on repositories of smart metering data. There is a pressing need for smart metering data repositories to exist, as they will allow consumers to draw direct benefit from their smart meters. By allowing consented third-party access to their historical data through the consumer consent solution, consumers will be able to receive products and services that are tailored to their needs. DESNZ is initiating a scoping exercise to determine where any potential repository (or repositories) should exist, aiming to find an appropriate way forward that maximises benefits to consumers. We expect this scoping exercise will complete by the end of May 2026. The output of the scoping exercise will be a preferred way forward for consultation, and we will engage with relevant stakeholders in due course on timelines for this consultation and subsequent conclusions. Document Joint Open Letter from DESNZ and Ofgem: scoping exercise on the provision of wider access to smart metering data [PDF, 90.79KB] Print this page Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Close