Brokers voice concerns over half-hourly data access

Energy brokers and TPIs have voiced concerns over access to half-hourly energy data.

The Energy Consultants Association said work on major new data-access frameworks could improve competition, switching, billing validation, flexibility, demand response, energy efficiency and net-zero delivery.

However, it warned that the wrong approach could “create a serious barrier for customer-appointed representatives”.

“We support secure, transparent and properly governed access to data. But the framework must be proportionate, workable and designed with the non-domestic market, not imposed on it,” the association said in a letter to the Government and regulators.

It points out many non-domestic sites are operated by companies, charities, churches, sports clubs, schools, public bodies, landlords and community organisations.

“Their data may be confidential or commercially sensitive, but that does not automatically make it domestic personal data,” said the ECA.

“If non-domestic customers are forced through domestic-style consent journeys, personal ID checks, unfamiliar portals, provider-specific letters of authority and repeated approval processes, many simply will not engage.”