Use of AI within the energy sector call for input​

Overview

We are seeking views on proposals about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used responsibly and safely in the energy sector to encourage more innovation.

Who should respond

We would like views from people and organisations within the energy sector who are either using or looking to use AI. We would also like to hear from technology companies and AI developers who provide AI services within the sector. We particularly welcome responses from consumer groups, charities and academia as well as other stakeholders and those working on AI policy.

Background

We think that the use of AI within the energy sector can help improve planning, management and real-time operation of the energy system. AI is already being used by the energy sector across England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain). It is creating efficiencies; however, it also has challenges and risks.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has set out what regulators should do to make sure that the sectors they regulate follow the UK’s AI regulatory principles in their ‘A Pro-Innovation Approach to AI Regulation’ AI White Paper.

As the energy regulator for Great Britain, we are providing an outline of our strategic approach to the use of AI and what we aim to do in line with these principles.

We will be measured by the Office of AI, part of DSIT, on how we guide the energy sector to use AI responsibly, to enable innovation through good practice. The proposed recommendations in this call for input set out to how we intend to deal with both the opportunities and risks.

Our approach and proposed recommendations

The Ofgem AI taskforce has been working with other regulators and other representative bodies as part of this call for input. This call for input sets out the findings and proposed recommendations.

Our initial review of the regulatory framework applying to the energy sector suggests existing regulation is adequate to capture use of AI.

However, we do think there is value producing regulatory guidance and tools to the sector on the risk-based use of AI in the energy sector. This will require collaboration with the sector, academics and other regulators to:

• keep abreast of AI developments
• ensure consistency
• tailor our regulatory tools for AI

We provide analysis of our role, the opportunities and risks associated with AI, and regulatory considerations from a consumer, market, company and sustainability viewpoint. The recommendations are based on three themes: 

• collaboration
• addressing regulatory issues
• sector support

Why your views matter

We want to make sure people and companies within the energy sector use AI in a responsible and innovative way, as part of the UK government’s AI principles.

Your responses to this call for input will help us to develop our regulatory strategy about how AI is used within the energy sector now and in the future.

What happens next

This call for input has now closed. We are analysing all responses we have received.

We aim to publish the outcome of this call for input during summer 2024.