Energy Data Access Initiatives Continue to Progress, Support Climate Goals

September 1, 2020

in Policy Watch,

Energy Data Access Initiatives Continue to Progress, Support Climate Goals

Exciting energy data-access initiatives, as part of grid modernization efforts, continue to move forward in the United States. Innovative plans are also increasingly taking distributed energy resources (DERs) and renewable energy into account in support of grid resiliency and broader state climate goals. Stakeholder knowledge and participation in workgroups, and their resulting recommendations, are often the forebearer of future-forward policies.

On 8 June 2020, the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (PSCDC) announced (pdf) the approval of the next set of grid modernization recommendations for the District of Columbia stemming from its PowerPath DC stakeholder process. The recommendations include enhancing energy data access for all residential customers through Exelon subsidiary Potomac Electric Power Company’s (Pepco's) Green Button Connect My Data platform. The order, PowerPath DC (Case No. 1130, Order No. 20364) (pdf) helps to align the PowerPath DC grid modernization vision with Washington D.C.'s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2032.

In March 2020, the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) announced (pdf) a proceeding to expand the strategic access to, and use of, energy-related data in order to meet the state’s clean energy goals. In addition, access to system and customer energy-usage data is key to New York's Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) energy strategy, which is guiding the state toward a cleaner and more-resilient electricity system. On 29 May, 2020, DPS staff published two whitepapers on the strategic use of energy-related data. The first paper, regarding the development of a Data Access Framework (pdf), defines the process for access to energy-related data; recognizes customers’ right-to-consent to share their energy-usage data; and standardizes the necessary privacy, cybersecurity, and quality requirements for data access. The second paper, regarding the creation of an Integrated Energy Data Resource (pdf), proposes a statewide, centralized platform for access to customer and system data. Stakeholders are providing comments for consideration by the DPS. If adopted by the Commission, the Data Access Framework would guide the requirements and process for access to energy-related data in New York.

In February 2020, H.R. 5796, the “Access to Consumer Energy Information Act” or “E-Access Act”, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The E-Access Act enhances consumer access to electric-energy and natural-gas information to allow for the adoption of innovative products and services to help consumers manage their energy usage. In June 2020, the E-Access bill was included as part of a 9-bill Climate Crisis Action plan, released as a staff report, that would assist in guiding the U.S. toward net-zero carbon pollution by 2050.

In August 2020, Illinois’ “Putting Consumers & Climate First” (pdf) energy policy proposal outlined eight principles in support of moving the state toward a clean and renewable energy economy. Expanded access to energy data for customers and customer energy-management partners to enable customers to more easily and effectively manage their energy consumption is called for within the policy proposal. Working groups consisting of Illinois energy stakeholders are expected to reconvene.

To read more about these and other data access initiatives, please hover over the "Happenings" menu item on the Green Button Alliance website for a list of links to more information.