DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program
Stored: DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Office of Electricity |
| Top Organization | Department of Energy |
| Creation Legislation | None |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program sets a voluntary code to secure smart grid consumer data, boosting trust and innovation in utilities. |
| Program Start | 2015 |
| Initial Funding | Not publicly specified |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
The DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program (DataGuard), launched on January 12, 2015, by the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity (OE), emerged from a 2012 White House call-to-action to address privacy concerns in smart grid technology, providing a voluntary code of conduct for utilities and third parties managing consumer energy usage data.
Developed through a multi-stakeholder process involving over 50 entities—including utilities, consumer advocates, and tech providers like UtilityAPI—it has been adopted by organizations such as the Green Button Alliance and Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative, serving over 60 million customers with secure, standardized data access by 2025.[1]
DataGuard’s five principles—customer notice, choice, access, security, and integrity—guide its implementation, supporting DOE’s mission for a resilient, modern grid amidst evolving energy policies.
Goals
- Ensure consumer awareness and control over energy usage data privacy.
- Promote secure, standardized data practices among utilities and third parties.
- Enhance trust and innovation in smart grid technologies for energy efficiency.[2]
Organization
The DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program is managed by the Office of Electricity within DOE, with initial coordination by the Federal Smart Grid Task Force and ongoing support from the Green Button Alliance since 2015. It operates as a voluntary, industry-led effort with no dedicated federal funding pool, overseen by DOE’s OE leadership.[3]
Partners
- Green Button Alliance
- Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- UtilityAPI
History
DataGuard originated in 2012 as the Smart Grid Data Privacy Voluntary Code of Conduct (VCC) Initiative, formalized on January 12, 2015, under President Obama’s privacy and cybersecurity agenda.[4] By 2018, inaugural partners like the Green Button Alliance joined, expanding its reach. It evolved with certifications for adopters like UtilityAPI and international uptake (e.g., Canada), maintaining relevance by 2025 amid growing smart grid adoption.
Funding
Initial funding in 2015 was not publicly specified, drawn from OE’s operational budget, with no dedicated congressional allocation noted.[5] Ongoing support relies on DOE resources and industry contributions via adopters, with no end date as it aligns with smart grid privacy needs.
Implementation
DataGuard implements its voluntary code through five principles, adopted by utilities and vendors managing data for over 60 million customers, with tools like UtilityAPI’s platform ensuring compliance since 2015.[6] It progresses via industry adoption, certifications, and DOE oversight, adapting to privacy demands without a fixed end, enhancing tools like Green Button’s data-sharing capabilities.
Related
External links
- https://www.energy.gov/oe/dataguard-energy-data-privacy-program
- https://www.greenbuttonalliance.org
- wikipedia:Smart grid
Social media
References
- ↑ "DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/oe/dataguard-energy-data-privacy-program.
- ↑ "DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/oe/dataguard-energy-data-privacy-program.
- ↑ "About the GBA". Green Button Alliance. https://www.greenbuttonalliance.org/about-the-gba.
- ↑ "DataGuard Announcement". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/oe/articles/dataguard-energy-data-privacy-program.
- ↑ "DataGuard Energy Data Privacy Program". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/oe/dataguard-energy-data-privacy-program.
- ↑ "DataGuard Compliance". UtilityAPI. https://utilityapi.com/dataguard-compliance.