Energy data privacy is a hot topic in the world of renewable energy. Here’s why: for a typical commercial solar power plant, there are many entities with a vested interest in the project. Here’s a typical list:
- Plant builder
- Plant financier and/or owner
- Plant operator
- Energy purchaser
- Building occupant
- Utility regulatory authority
- Environmental authority
- Research institute or other subsidizing party
- Component supplier
- Other agency contracted to provide technical support
Given this environment, the majority of these entities understand that data and information sharing is critical to the success of a project, and therefore agree to do so. However, as time goes on and more projects are completed, the players can change and some entities may claim special interest. This is where problems can arise.
For Fat Spaniel, a company that provides services to enable the flow of energy information, energy data privacy is a challenge. Why? It’s a question of who owns the data? Is it the contractor who purchased the monitoring service and installed the monitoring instruments? Is it the PPA financier who paid for and owns the plant? Is it the building occupant who bought the electricity that was generated? Is it the utility company that subsidized the plant’s construction? Is it the public who’s tax dollars paid for the subsidy that enabled the construction of the power plant that produced the energy? The tale reads like a Dr. Seuss riddle and the answers are inconclusive at best.
With such a complex web of potentially competing interests, information services companies must constantly balance the needs of all of its customers. On one hand, the task is simple in that each group generally requires a unique set of services. On the other hand, the task is difficult since all services are based on a common data set. It is quite a puzzle.
Fat Spaniel’s position with regard to Energy Data Privacy is articulated in our Data Ownership and Data Sharing Policy. To summarize, we make no claims of ownership or of proprietary rights in the data we collect from our customers. By the same token, we require the ability to share data with relevant third parties in order to provide monitoring and reporting services, and therefore secure those rights from customers by agreement. We feel this is an appropriate balance that protects customer rights while still allowing the company to do its job.
My personal opinion is that the debate on energy data privacy is just beginning. It will undoubtedly become an important one in that energy shapes who we are and how we live.
It is interesting to note that just last week, the leader of Google’s PowerMeter project, former NASA astronaut Ed Lu, was on Capitol Hill testifying that data collected by smart meters “rightfully belongs to consumers,” and that they should decide what happens to it. (Tip of the cap to earth2tech). Time will tell if Ed Lu is right. I do know it will be a lively debate.
Write back to us at “dogblog at fatspaniel dot com” to share your views.
Posted by Tom Tansy.