The power sector is adapting to accommodate a shifting generation mix, the electrification of other sectors, and the changing role of customers on the grid. Data are critical to understanding and adapting to these new system conditions and maintaining reliability, resilience, security, and affordability. The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity (OE) conducts research, development, and demonstration of technologies that advance power sector data collection, processing, and management. Transformative technologies for power sector data are creating new methods of operating the grid, enabling new markets, and facilitating the integration of renewable resources.
OE has been working to develop a data strategy for the U.S. power sector. To support the development, OE sponsored a four-part webinar series, culminating in an in-person summit, Power Sector Transmission & Distribution Data and Information, in October and November 2023. These meetings provided space for experts to share research and development on ideas and technologies that could modernize the U.S. power sector.
During the in-person summit, contributors discussed existing data practices, in both domestic and international power markets, and pathways for developing a data strategy to support the evolving U.S. power sector. Discussions included opportunities and risks related to technology, policy, markets, standards, and privacy and key considerations included data needs, interoperability, open and closed data sharing, and privacy and security.
The report for the summit is below.