SSEN first DNO to publish full smart meter half-hourly consumption data

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has become the first Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to publish its full smart meter half-hourly consumption datasets.

The data has been published through its specially developed Open Data Portal and is accessible to everyone.

It provides more than 170 million readings per day from the 1.8 million smart meters in SSEN’s north and south licence areas.

The data provides insight into 84,000 low voltage street-level feeders and over 36,000 distribution substations.

An SSEN spokesperson said that providing this access to localised energy consumption “will enable SSEN and interested parties, such as local authorities, flexibility markets, academia and other energy suppliers to model electricity demand with greater accuracy and efficiency”.

Paul Fitzgerald, smart energy systems manager at SSEN, added: “These are exciting times for accessing and utilising smart meter data. SSEN is delighted to be the first DNO to unlock the full consumption datasets at such a granular level, and to make them available on our Open Data Portal for interested parties to access.”

Fitzgerald continued: “Smart meter data plays a key role in supporting a cost-effective and efficient transition to net zero. As we decarbonise heat and transport and move towards low carbon technologies, knowing current demand on the electricity network will help identify new opportunities for low carbon technologies, flexibility and reinforcement.”

Following Ofgem’s Data Best Practice consultation decision in August 2023 that permits DNOs to share consumption data, SSEN was the first DNO to obtain Ofgem approval of its updated Data Privacy Plan that demonstrates how it will securely collect, aggregate and publish consumption data, while still protecting consumer privacy.

DSOs are exploring what it means to live their newly assigned roles and responsibilities as agents of the energy transition. Utility Week examines SSEN’s experiences so far, in a special report available here.