The Public Utility Commission Thursday adopted a Final Order detailing standards for a secure system that will allow authorized third-parties to access consumer Smart Meter data, in order to assist consumers in identifying ways to save money or energy while also ensuring consumer privacy and the confidentiality of customer information.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve data access standards which were developed by the Electronic Data Exchange Working Group. These standards were initially proposed in February 2015 and have been the subject of extensive input and review.

The goal of the project is to provide a framework for access to Smart Meter data, with customer consent, by certain entities – such as electric generation suppliers – in order to provide consumers with beneficial information based on their historical power usage, such as conservation opportunities or better rates.

In addition to establishing standards for accessing this data, the Commission underscored its zero tolerance policy regarding the confidentiality of consumer information.

For more information on smart meters, visit the PUC’s Act 129 Energy Conservation Information webpage.

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