An Open Energy Steering Group was convened on Thursday 2 July 2026. The Steering Group comprises a wide range of industry leaders and subject matter experts spanning the commercial, regulatory and government landscapes. The Steering Group plays a critical role in Open Energy’s development, providing a sector perspective that ensures that Open Energy is designed for and with the energy industry.

Meeting Aims: 

1. Present the proposal: what good looks like for a digital coordination entity
2. Collectively discuss a responsible body for the coordination entity
3. Seek guidance on whether to present this proposal as from Open Energy or a new independent vehicle

Summary:

• It was agreed that:
  • As the group had previously highlighted, a digital coordination layer is essential to fill the governance gap between strategic oversight and technical delivery.
  • AG1 requires a co‑chair – members should nominate themselves or colleagues.
  • IB1 will produce a synthesis paper capturing the discussion on digital coordination entity options, including SPV model.
• It was noted that:
  • Scope definition must come before deciding the organisational form of the coordination entity. Multiple members emphasised that the role, remit and success criteria for the role must be clear before choosing a responsible body.
  • The domain coordinators (NESO, RECCo, Elexon) have been working closely together but it was acknowledged that the transparency of this work is currently limited, and greater visibility would be helpful.
  • Security considerations are not expressly called out in the digitalisation coordination function slide and must be incorporated.
  • Furthermore, decarbonisation alone is not a sufficient mission framing; consumer value, affordability, and security of supply should also be considered.
  • Getting the balance of independence vs domain knowledge is critical for any future coordination entity to address conflicts and ensure practical understanding.
  • Independence might be able to be achieved through behavioural measures, such as business separation within an organisation, rather than different entities.
  • Cross‑sector learnings (open banking, open property, smart data) provide valuable patterns for governance, trust frameworks, and scheme design.
  • Ofgem/DESNZ are expected to consult on the digitalisation coordination function by the end of 2026.
  • The I&C flexibility use case discovery phase and event on 17th June concluded positively, revealing clear user needs and gaps.
  • Quarterly goals work is progressing and will continue with Q3 focus on preparation for the AGM and progressing AG1/AG2 ramp up.
  • Open Energy’s analytical approach is welcomed, provided it helps frame consultation questions rather than prematurely prescribing an answer.
• It was discussed that:
  • A “good” digital coordination entity should include:
    • Secretariat capability;
    • Monitoring & evaluation;
    • Enforcement (complex, likely shared with Ofgem/DESNZ).
  • Representation and observer roles should be considered, including:
    • Security organisations;
    • Supply chain actors;
    • Flexibility service providers.
  • There is a need for a tighter feedback loop between coordination, delivery bodies, and standards.
  • Interoperability is essential, both within the energy sector and cross‑sector, and avoiding “reinventing the wheel”.
  • There could be turbulence in the market if multiple organisations put themselves forward to host the coordination function.
  • Funding models and trust frameworks are required for any coordinating layer to operate effectively.
  • Decisive decision‑making is becoming urgent, given market movement and upcoming regulatory consultations.

Next meeting: Tuesday 8 September 2026 14:00-15:30 BST