Energy industry regulator Ofgem has taken on three companies to provide consultancy support for its digital initiatives.
The move follows the organisation having outlined plans to develop new digital assets and step up data sharing.
It has published an award notice for the relevant contracts showing that LA International Computer Consultants, Satigo and Solirius have places within a four-year agreement which began on 1 February and is valued at up to £18 million.
The notice says the companies will provide experts and project teams to support various requirements, running from research to release to management of projects, and for the retirement of some digital services.
They will also provide support in building up Ofgem’s digital skills capability.
The regulator has previously stated an intent to modernise its activities through the better use of data, increasing the interoperability of different datasets and following up recommendation of the Energy Data Taskforce Report. These include the further digitalisation of the energy system, the creation of a data catalogue for the sector, and the development of a digital system map of the energy system.
It has also recently run a consultation on data sharing, stating the aims of improving access to personal data across the sector, improving consumer trust in data sharing services, and developing a consent process or mechanism.
Aiming for net zero
On the launch of the consultation, Ofgem’s deputy director of digitalisation and innovation, Marzia Zafar, said: “Any energy system that could achieve net zero by 2050 will be decentralised, digital, and run on data. Consumer data flows from smart meters are going to inform where power is needed, and how the system will flex to balance demand and supply.
“The system we foresee will need consumers to be able to trust that their data is being used fairly, and that their interests are at the heart of it.”
