NESO Appointed by Ofgem as Interim Data Sharing Infrastructure Coordinator

• Following public consultation on the future governance of Data Sharing Infrastructure (DSI) in the energy sector, Ofgem has appointed NESO as Interim Data Sharing Infrastructure Coordinator.
   
• This appointment builds on Ofgem’s mission to drive greater availability of data within the energy sector, and NESO’s leadership in energy system digitalisation, including its work on the Virtual Energy System, an ambitious programme to develop a connected digital twin of Great Britain's entire energy system.

We've been appointed by Ofgem as the Interim Data Sharing Infrastructure (DSI) Coordinator, a critical role in delivering a digitalised, secure, and efficient energy system.

Ofgem has committed to developing the pathway to deliver a DSI, and this decision follows Ofgem’s consultation on the future governance of DSI in the energy sector, recognising our expertise in delivering whole-system coordination and innovation. As the Interim DSI Coordinator, we'll play a pivotal role in orchestrating data sharing infrastructure to support the energy transition and enhance system resilience.

This appointment builds on our leadership in energy system digitalisation, including our work on the Virtual Energy System, an ambitious programme to develop a connected digital twin of Great Britain's entire energy system.

By taking on the Interim Data Sharing Infrastructure Coordinator role, we'll help industry leverage better data sharing to reduce inefficiencies, improve system resilience, and support a more flexible, integrated energy network.

Coordination of data sharing standards is crucial to the future of the energy sector, facilitating a secure and resilient energy system, enabling improved simulation and forecasting, more efficient whole-system decision-making, and supporting the long-term vision of operating a zero-carbon energy system. Our appointment as the Interim Data Sharing Infrastructure Coordinator marks a key milestone in the development of a common data-sharing infrastructure that will underpin a smarter, more dynamic, and transparent energy system.

We'll work closely with Ofgem, industry, and government to design and implement the Data Sharing Infrastructure. The initial focus will be on establishing a secure and interoperable framework that enables the seamless exchange of energy system data.

Over the next four years, this role will evolve to support a wider range of use cases, including the priority use cases Ofgem have set out in the consultation decision.

Shubhi Rajnish, Chief Information Officer, NESO

“This is a critical step in ensuring the energy sector has the right digital foundations in place for the future. Data sharing underpins everything from system planning to market efficiency, and having a clear, coordinated approach will benefit the entire sector. We will work closely with industry to get this right, making sure the system is accessible, secure, and fit for purpose.”

Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director of Digitalisation and Innovation, Ofgem

“Ofgem is leading the digitisation of the energy system, and for good reason. From reducing costs of system maintenance through the use of new monitoring technology, to more accurate billing via more accurate and regular smart meter reading, accelerating digitisation should see bills, and carbon emissions, reduce in the years to come.

“The governance of how that data is shared is critical, and NESO is uniquely positioned to carry out that important role. In the years ahead we need to see industry invest more in data collection and quality, and work towards a culture of data sharing while being mindful of customer privacy. Today’s decision is an important step towards that goal.”

Ofgem's decision