Data Sharing Approach

We actively embrace the need to share our data with our customers and the industry, fostering transparency, innovation, and collaboration

NESO (National Energy System Operator) acknowledges its crucial role within the energy sector and recognises the importance of the data it holds in shaping the future of energy systems and supporting the UK's ambition to achieve carbon net-zero by 2050. As a result, we actively embrace the need to share our data, fostering transparency, innovation, and collaboration.

To uphold this commitment, we have developed a robust external data sharing approach that prioritises sharing as much data as possible through our Open Data Portal. We believe in making data as accessible as possible while adhering to necessary safeguards. Additionally, when sensitive data cannot be openly shared, we ensure that, when required, it is shared directly, in a manner that is safe, secure, and governed.

For the purposes of this document, the term "data" encompasses structured forms, such as tables of data, as well as unstructured forms, such as reports or information.

Please note that this document does not include the approach taken to handle Freedom of Information (FOI) requests & Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests. For information regarding these specific requests, please refer to Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations page.

NESO is currently conducting a review of its data to determine its Data Sharing Status (refer to the table in tab below). During this review process, we identify any constraints or limitations associated with the data, including legal restrictions that may prohibit certain data from being shared. Additionally, we evaluate the risks associated with sharing the data, considering factors such as regulatory compliance, security, privacy, commercial and ethical implications, and data quality.

Based on the outcome of these reviews, a Data Sharing Status is assigned. NESO follows the principle of sharing data as Open whenever possible. In cases where data is identified as having high risks, we consider implementing mitigation measures to address these risks, as long as they do not compromise the usability of the data.

Data that is determined to have a Data Sharing Status of Open will be made available on our Open Data Portal, providing public access to the data. Data that is determined to have a Data Sharing Status of Public may be made available on our public website, such as the Future Energy Scenarios Report. Data with a Data Sharing Status of Shared may be made available to individuals on a strict need-to-have basis to ensure the protection of sensitive data.

NESO aims to fulfil these data sharing requests promptly and efficiently while maintaining the necessary safeguards to protect sensitive information. However, it is important to note that not all requests may be approved. There are various reasons why a request may not be fulfilled, such as legal constraints preventing the sharing of certain data or identified risks associated with sharing the data being too high and unable to be effectively mitigated.

NESO categories the shareability of its data into the following Data Sharing Statuses. These statuses provide clarity on the level of shareability for the data:

Sharing Status	Description	Examples
Open	Data is made available for all to use, modify and distribute, in line with NESO’s Open Data Licence Conditions.	Wind Forecast Data Historical Demand Data
Public	Data is made publicly available, but it should not be modified, altered, or further distributed in a way that changes its original content or structure.	Future Energy Scenarios (FES) Report Beyond 2030 Report
Shared	Data is made available to a limited group of participants outside the organisation, with some restrictions on usage, modification, and distribution.	Balancing data to industry parties
Closed	Data is not accessible outside the organisation.	Energy Resilience Plans

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Data Sharing Approach

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