Regulatory work
Demand-side flexibility
Demand-side flexibility plays a key role in reducing overall system costs, and consumers participating in flexibility should be rewarded. ESMIG advocates for policies that enable consumer participation in demand-side flexibility and facilitate the efficient operation of energy markets. Smart metering systems provide the granular measurement and settlement capabilities needed to support flexibility services.
Accurate, user-friendly and (near) real-time readings provided to the customer directly from a chosen interface and any third party authorised by the consumer should be available. This is the key to running demand response services, taking ‘online’ energy-saving decisions and effective integration of distributed energy resources.
Smart metering systems should include advanced tariff structures, time-of-use registers and remote tariff control. This will help consumers and network operators to achieve energy efficiency and save costs by reducing the peaks in energy demand.
ESMIG advocates for consistent market rules that allow smart metering functionalities to be used to their full potential across Europe.
Privacy and Security
Privacy and data protection safeguards need to be in place so that consumers can be confident that their data is treated securely and their privacy is not infringed. Consumers also need to be properly informed about how their data is protected with basic and simple information.
ESMIG supports policy and regulatory approaches that strengthen security, protect consumers and promote trust in smart energy systems.
Privacy by Design
In ESMIG’s view, ‘privacy by design’ means that the Smart Metering Infrastructure is developed in such a way that distinct information flows for different stakeholders can be identified, implemented and controlled.
This approach ensures that privacy and security considerations are integrated throughout the design and operation of smart metering systems.
From the smart meter to regulated market actors
Information required for metering, settlement and other regulated market processes forms a core data flow within the smart metering ecosystem. This information typically includes consumption data, power quality information and system alerts and, while generally less privacy sensitive than high-resolution consumer data, must still be appropriately protected.
ESMIG seeks to advance policies that ensure this information can be exchanged securely, accurately and efficiently while maintaining consumer protection, trust and system reliability.
From the smart meter to consumer applications and energy service providers
To give consumers the possibility to get more detailed insight in their energy consumption and/or production, additional information flows are generated by the meter. In several EU member states, the consumer will be able to decide if this information is generated, where this information goes and by whom it can be used.
ESMIG advocates for frameworks that enable secure, consumer-controlled and non-discriminatory access to energy data while fostering innovation and fair market participation.
By making this distinction in information flows, not only consumers have better insight and control regarding the type of data and its destination, but it is also possible to take the appropriate measures for protection depending on the risks related to the disclosure of this information.
Interoperability and common standards are essential to enabling secure and effective data exchange between authorised participants.
Security Legislation
ESMIG supports the European Commission in the development of security related legislation such as:
— The Delegated Regulation of the Radio Equipment Directive
— The Cybersecurity Act
— The Cyber Resilience Act
New harmonised standards are being created that can be used to prove compliance with these Acts.
ESMIG supports a harmonised and proportionate approach to cybersecurity, certification and compliance requirements that avoids unnecessary regulatory overlap and helps promote security, interoperability and innovation across the smart energy ecosystem.
ESMIG also advocates for fair competition and a level playing field for providers operating across the European market.