Ofgem has published a draft impact assessment (IA) for the implementation of a digital Consumer Consent solution, and is consulting on it until 13 November 20251. The regulator has selected RECCo as the delivery body to design, develop and deploy the solution1. The draft IA concludes that the quantified benefits of implementing the Consent solution are potentially greater than the costs1.
The document sets out the history of the work. Ofgem published a Call For Input in November 2023, presenting three options to industry stakeholders on solution design1. In August 2024 it consulted on its preferred policy option, to appoint RECCo as the delivery body to design and deliver a digital Consumer Consent platform, and in April 2025 it confirmed its minded-to position that RECCo would be the delivery body1. The draft IA states that the decision reached by Ofgem in April 2025 takes place, and RECCo Ltd delivers a technical solution to Consumer Consent1.
Ofgem describes the problem as a lack of a single, standardised process for obtaining and managing consumer consent to share energy data, which it says leads to inconsistent practices, consumer confusion and "consent fatigue"1. The stated objective is to give consumers control over their data through clear, real-time tools to grant, manage and revoke consent1. The draft IA links the work to the government's Clean Power 2030 ambition, which includes achieving 10 to 12 GW of capacity through consumer-led flexibility, and to the Clean Flexibility Roadmap published on 23 July 20251. It also notes that August 2025 changes to the Balancing and Settlement Code have allowed flexibility services to be provided before a customer is switched to half hourly settlements, and that the Data Use and Access Act 2025 makes some changes to data protection laws1.
"We are consulting on the draft Impact Assessment (IA) for the implementation of a digital Consumer Consent solution."
The draft IA is not qualified under Section 5A of the Utilities Act 20001. Ofgem states it will publish the non-confidential responses it receives alongside a decision on the Consent Solution and next steps1. The document refers to releasing the MMP on 31 March 2027, but the sources do not explain what the MMP is or what that release involves1.
Why it matters for households
Smart meter data shows how much electricity and gas a home uses and when. At present there is no single, standardised way for a householder to agree to share that data, and Ofgem says this fragmentation causes confusion and consent fatigue1. A Consumer Consent Solution would be the mechanism through which a household grants, manages and revokes permission for its energy data to be used. Ofgem frames the purpose as giving consumers control over their data and building trust in data-sharing services1. The draft IA also treats consent as a foundation for consumer-led flexibility, meaning households shifting or timing their use in response to signals1. The draft IA identifies cyber risk as a centralised access point as one risk of a single technical solution1. The consultation is run under Ofgem's consultation process, and the regulator's wider role is set out in its remit as energy regulator.
What happens next
The consultation on the draft IA closes on 13 November 20251. After that date Ofgem will consider all responses and evidence provided, and will publish the non-confidential responses alongside a decision on the Consent Solution and next steps1. The draft IA refers to releasing the MMP on 31 March 20271.
Sources1 cited
- Consumer Consent, ofgem.gov.uk