Mission: Data Launches Interactive Tool to Boost Energy Data Transparency Across North America

Mission: data, with support from Google, has launched the Green Button Explorer, an innovative interactive map designed to improve transparency and access to energy data across North America. This tool aims to empower consumers, policymakers, and stakeholders by providing detailed insights into how utilities are adopting open-data standards, crucial for advancing the renewable energy transition.

The Green Button Explorer focuses on the “Green Button Connect My Data” standard, which facilitates real-time, secure data sharing, offering consumers and third-party services actionable insights into energy consumption and costs. Unlike traditional data downloads, this standard supports ongoing data portability, essential for driving energy efficiency and innovation.

One of the standout features of the Green Button Explorer is the Green Button Scorecard™, which evaluates utilities on their adoption of open-data standards. This scorecard goes beyond mere technical certification, providing a comprehensive assessment of how well utilities are implementing data portability to support the shift towards renewable energy. Currently, the Scorecard covers several key areas, with more to be added as the evaluation process progresses.

The development of the Green Button Explorer is the result of extensive collaboration between Mission:data and Decimal Point Studio, highlighting the slow adoption of open-data standards within the energy sector. Despite the Green Button standard being introduced over a decade ago to modernize utility infrastructure, many utilities have lagged in its implementation. The Green Button Explorer addresses this gap by tracking and evaluating utility performance, offering a critical tool for stakeholders to push for better adoption of these standards.

Policymakers and regulators are crucial in advancing energy data access, and tools like the Green Button Explorer are designed to educate and inform them about the current state of energy data accessibility. By implementing standards such as Green Button, policymakers can help drive actions that reduce costs for consumers, support grid stability, and accelerate decarbonization efforts.

Mission:data, led by President Michael Murray, has played a pivotal role in advocating for energy data transparency and the widespread implementation of data portability. The organization has stepped in to address the gaps that others have overlooked, educating government regulators and creating resources like the Green Button Explorer to support the energy transition.

As energy data becomes increasingly vital in the shift towards renewable energy, the Green Button Explorer will continue to serve as an essential tool for evaluating utility performance and pushing for the broader adoption of open-data standards. With the ongoing commitment of organizations like Mission:data and the collaboration of key partners, there is optimism for a future where energy data transparency drives a more efficient and sustainable energy system.