THE FREE YOUR DATA ACT
This legislation, SB 3903, (Sen. Cunningham/ Rep. Evans) is needed to free customers’ electricity interval usage data by modernizing data access regulations. To further protect consumers, the Act creates additional oversight and accountability measures for the retail industry. The Act contains data protection measures to ensure that licensed parties responsibly use and protect consumer data. Freeing the data will empower customers, support innovation and competition, while promoting the responsible and cost-effective use of electricity.
SMART METERS NEED SMART DATA ACCESS RULES
Illinois consumers paid billions of dollars to install and deploy smart meters and have a resilient grid. The smart meters measure and record electricity usage in 15- or 30-minute intervals and outdated regulations restrict how and where the data can be accessed. As a result, this usage data is not easily accessible to customers or companies that can help organize, analyze, and inform consumers about their electricity usage habits.
DATA SUPPORTS A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY
Data is the lifeblood of the clean energy economy. The current lack of data access limits innovation and competition and prevents the introduction of electricity plans that encourage responsible electricity usage and help lower energy costs to customers.
FREE YOUR DATA – OVERVIEW
Data is the lifeblood of the renewable energy economy. Illinois consumers paid billions for smart meters and a resilient grid – let’s put the data to use for them. Support SB 3903 (Sen. Cunningham / Rep. Evans) and help ‘Free Your Data’ from the current outdated and cumbersome process in place.
Allowing Illinois’ licensed competitive retail energy companies access to consumers’ electricity usage data will help identify emerging customer needs, develop usage-based energy plans that help consumers save money, and support the state’s transition to green energy.
THE BENEFITS OF BETTER DATA ACCESS
Empower Customers
Customers deserve improved access to their usage data to help them make smarter decisions regarding how and when they consume electricity.
Encourage Innovation Through Analytics and Real-Time Monitoring
Unlocked usage data can provide customers with analytics, real-time monitoring, and the benefits of competitive electricity plans that offer lower rates at different times of the day.
Help Customers Responsibly Manage Energy Consumption
The data belongs to customers, but access to it is restricted by outdated regulations. This is limiting access to software, tools, and services that can help educate consumers about usage habits.
Create Value For Customers
If retail energy providers had access to usage data, consumers would be able to utilize time-of-use plans or select from tailored plans that meet their needs and help them save money.
Support Illinois’ Historic Pivot To Green Energy
While Illinois transitions its generation fleet to renewable and carbon-free energy, it is important that consumers gain access to valuable energy management tools and data to make responsible choices that can save families money.