AI in the energy sector guidance consultation

Overview

We are seeking views on our draft guidance about how artificial intelligence (AI) should be used safely, securely, fairly and sustainably in Great Britain’s (England, Scotland and Wales) energy sector to encourage more innovation. 

Who should respond

We are seeking views from people and organisations involved with AI in the energy sector. We would like to hear from licensees, market participants, operators of essential services and dutyholders. We also welcome responses from technology companies, AI developers, consumer groups, charities, academia and other stakeholders. 

Background

This guidance builds on our call for input on the use of AI in the energy sector, and our high-level strategic approach to AI, both published in April 2024. It sets out good practice for all stakeholders considering procurement or deployment of AI in the energy sector. Our guidance aims to streamline regulatory burdens on stakeholders, by acting as a roadmap to the existing regulatory framework.  

We want to ensure that stakeholders take appropriate and proportionate measures to mitigate risks and your views on this consultation will help inform our approach. 

Why your views matter 

We want to make sure people and companies within the energy sector use AI in a safe, secure, fair and sustainable way, building on the UK government’s AI principles and benefitting energy consumers. 

Your responses to this consultation will help us to develop the scope of our regulatory guidance and our approach to current and future risks as well as opportunities offered by AI.  

Next steps  

We will conduct two online engagement sessions providing an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions and outline views on the consultation questions.

These sessions will take place on: 

Tuesday 7 January 2025 10:00am to 11:30am

Thursday 9 January 2025 2:00pm to 3:30pm 

Ofgem is running three AI regulatory laboratory (AI Reg Lab) sessions to test this guidance in a table-top exercise. This collaborative approach with stakeholders will allow the practical application of the guidance to be tested in a safe space.

We invite applications from energy sector licensees, market participants and operators of essential services. For successful applicants, these sessions will take place from 10:30am to 4:00pm on the following dates: 

Wednesday 5 February 2025 

Thursday 13 February 2025  

Tuesday 25 February 2025 

We aim to finalise and publish our AI guidance and consultation responses in spring 2025.