Tara McGeehan said that CGI – which has been named as the preferred bidder by the government for the Data Services Provider contract – will “collect the data on behalf of the industry and then return it to the people who require the data”.
She added that there are “very strict rules” around what can be done with the data, and that the distribution networks can request data to aid with the balancing of the network but the personal data will be removed “so they get the data they need but don’t get any information they are not privy to.”
McGeehan also insisted that the data will be “very secure”, adding: “The amount of security protocols for this system is tighter than any other smart programme in the world.
“We’ve got tight rules from government, so from a data point of view, it’s been very carefully thought through.”
She also said CGI is setting up a “sandpit environment” so all the involved companies “can all have a practice together so we will be very well versed to make sure it’s all correct before the project goes live”.