Securing open data in energy: triage in data best practice guidance
- Publication type:
- Consultation
- Publication date:
- Closing date:
- 14 July 2026
- Status:
- Open
- Topic:
- Cybersecurity
Proposed options for triaging data for publication under data best practice guidance in light of the evolving threat environment.
Consultation description
Data needs to flow effectively through the energy system to inform decisions, increase visibility, and help reduce cost of the transition to net zero. Data is commonly considered to be a spectrum, ranging from open, to shared, to closed. This consultation relates to Open Data, data which can be safely published without restrictions for innovators, developers and others to use to build tools and new products. Ofgem made compliance with Data Best Practice (DBP) Guidance, which considered Energy System Data (ESD) to be ‘presumed open’, a requirement for some licensees.
Since then, the global security landscape has changed. Hostile state actors and terrorists have targeted energy infrastructure and the increased use of AI has also changed how Open Data might be used. This necessitates that we give further careful and prudent consideration as to how and when network companies should publish data openly.
The aim of the consultation is to garner views as the most effective of the three proposed models:
- The centralised model
- The hybrid model
- The educational model
This consultation frames the issue with an explanation of the risks and benefits of Open Data, and seeks views on where the balance between security and growth is to be found.
Who should respond
- Licensees obligated to follow DBP guidance
- Stakeholders who follow DBP guidance voluntarily
- Data users
- Innovators
How to respond
Submit your response by 14 July 2026 by emailing digitalisation@ofgem.gov.uk.