Ofgem has launched a consultation on the proposed governance and legal framework for the Smart Data Repository (SDR), a key component of the UK’s evolving energy digitalisation landscape. The consultation seeks views on licence and code modifications required to establish and operate the SDR, which will support secure access to smart meter consumption data and underpin future innovation across the energy sector.
The SDR is being developed as part of the Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) programme and will be operated by Elexon. Its primary role will be to store, manage and share half-hourly electricity consumption data, creating a long-term repository that extends beyond the 13 months of data currently held on smart meters. Ofgem believes this approach offers a cost-effective and efficient means of enabling wider access to valuable energy data while supporting the objectives of the Energy Digitalisation Framework.
A key feature of the proposed solution is its integration with RECCo’s Consumer Consent Solution (CCS), allowing consumers to provide explicit consent for authorised third parties to access their energy data. This is expected to facilitate the development of new services, support greater consumer participation in energy markets, and improve access to data-driven insights for organisations across the sector.
Ofgem is proposing amendments to the Energy System Operator Licence and supplier licence conditions to provide a clear legal basis for the SDR’s operation and governance. The consultation also considers how data privacy, security, proportionality and oversight arrangements should be managed as access to energy data expands. Previous industry discussions have highlighted the importance of consistent data governance practices while recognising that different datasets may require different levels of control and protection.
Improved access to high-quality smart meter data could support enhanced asset management, meter health monitoring, settlement processes, consumer services and future flexibility markets. Industry stakeholders have also highlighted the importance of interoperability between the SDR, CCS and other emerging data platforms to ensure efficient and consistent use of energy data across the sector.
The consultation closes on 19 October 2026, with Ofgem inviting responses from suppliers, code bodies, consumer groups and data users.
Further information: Ofgem Smart Data Repository Consultation [ofgem.gov.uk]