National Energy Efficiency Data-Framework: making data available
This consultation invites views on DECC’s proposals to publish anonymised datasets containing record level data from the National Energy Efficiency Data-Framework (NEED).
The National Energy Efficiency Data-Framework (NEED) was set up by DECC to provide a better understanding of energy use and energy efficiency in domestic and non-domestic buildings in Great Britain. The data-framework matches gas and electricity consumption data, collected for DECC sub-national energy consumption statistics, with information on energy efficiency measures installed in homes, from the Homes Energy Efficiency Database (HEED). It also includes data about property attributes and household characteristics, obtained from a range of sources.
This consultation invites views on DECC’s proposals to publish anonymised datasets containing record level data from the National Energy Efficiency Data-Framework (NEED). The proposed datasets contain records for individual households. Data would be anonymised to prevent any individual household or business being identified.
In summary, it is proposed that two anonymised NEED datasets will be released:
- Public use (or training) dataset: Approximately 20,000 records including information on energy consumption, energy efficiency measures installed in properties and property attributes. This dataset would be made available to all.
- End user licence dataset: Approximately four million records including more variables than the public use dataset. It would be published in a slightly more restricted format; all individuals would be required to agree to an end user licence before having access to the data.
These two datasets would be samples of domestic properties in England and Wales. The data would be published in a format that could not be used for targeting specific households. It is envisaged the data would primarily be used by researchers looking at how energy is used in households, including the impact of installing energy efficiency measures.
This consultation invites views on DECC’s proposals to publish these data. Views are sought on the proposed content and suggested approach to implementation. Consultation questions are set out in Section 5 but more general comments may also be provided.