NY Directs Utilities To Meet With ESCOs on AMI Data Access, File Distributed System Implementation Plans "Supporting Retail Markets"

The New York PSC adopted an order implementing guidance for the filing of utilities' distributed system implementation plan, part of the PSC's Reforming the Energy Vision proceeding, which, among other things, require utilities to meet with ESCOs on AMI customer data access

Among other filings, the PSC is requiring electric utilities, which will act as the provider of the Distributed System Platform (DSP), which is the PSC's new regulatory paradigm to encourage distributed energy resources (DERs), to file supplemental implementation plans by November 1, 2016 that, "address[] the tools, processes, and protocols that will be developed jointly or under shared standards to plan and operate a modern grid capable of dynamically managing distribution resources and supporting retail markets."

Of note is that the PSC said that utilities, "should meet with ESCOs and DER vendors," to explore AMI data access issues

"Recognizing that the data exchange standards accommodate a range of datasets and other parameters regarding data delivery, in preparing their filings, utilities should meet with ESCOs and DER vendors to explore how these options should be addressed," the PSC said

Utilities without AMI plans must identify other tools that could be used to enable customer and authorized third-party access to customer data

"It is expected that EDI will continue to be useful and appropriate to exchange data between ESCOs and utilities, including hourly, interval, and billing quality data on a monthly basis. EDI is not suited, however, to exchanging detailed consumption data between utilities and vendors, or for use by consumers. Further, transmission of interval data on a next-day or real-time basis requires a protocol other than EDI, such as File Transfer Protocol. Accordingly, DSIP filings must include plans to phase-in the ability to provide ESCOs with access to daily, hourly, and eventually, close to real-time access to customer usage information, including budgets and timelines. The comments discussing whether utilities would be allowed to charge for certain customer data will be addressed in the REV Track Two proceeding," the PSC said

See the PSC's order on the distributed system implementation plans here

Case 14-M-0101