The most important lesson from both 3GPP and the IETF is that technical standards alone are not sufficient. What makes these models work is the governance structure that sits around the standards — the rules, processes, and institutions that ensure the standards are developed, maintained, and implemented in a consistent and effective manner.
For EnergyOS, this governance structure must be provided by a Central Independent Digital Delivery Body (CIDDB). The CIDDB would be a new institution, established by legislation or regulatory mandate, with six core functions.
9.2 Governance Structure
The CIDDB's governance structure should reflect the multi-stakeholder nature of the energy sector. Drawing on the 3GPP model, the CIDDB should have:
A Board that includes representatives of all major stakeholder groups: generators, network operators, retailers, aggregators, technology providers, consumer groups, and government.
A Technical Committee that oversees the development of EnergyOS standards, organised into working groups corresponding to the layers of the EnergyOS stack.
An Independent Secretariat that provides administrative support and ensures the transparency and integrity of the standards development process.
A Regulatory Interface that maintains a close working relationship with Ofgem, DESNZ, and other relevant regulators.
9.3 Funding Model
The CIDDB should be funded through a combination of industry contributions and regulatory levies, analogous to the funding model of the Open Banking Limited entity. This would ensure that the CIDDB has the resources to carry out its functions effectively, while distributing the costs fairly across the industry.
Core Functions of the CIDDB
Standards Governance
Governing the development and maintenance of EnergyOS standards, working in partnership with BSI, IEC, and other relevant standards bodies through a transparent, contribution-driven process analogous to the 3GPP Technical Specification Group model.
Architectural Coordination
Acting as the architectural authority for the UK energy system's digital infrastructure, ensuring that new digital initiatives are developed in a coherent and interoperable manner, setting architectural guardrails for all market participants.
Certification and Compliance
Operating a certification scheme for EnergyOS-compliant products and systems, analogous to the 3GPP certification process for mobile devices, providing market participants with confidence in genuine interoperability.
Release Management
Adopting the 3GPP Release model, publishing a series of EnergyOS Releases — each defining a stable, implementable set of standards — providing market participants with a stable platform for investment and innovation.
Security Oversight
Overseeing the security of the EnergyOS digital infrastructure, working closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure EnergyOS is designed and implemented to CNI-grade security standards.
Consumer Advocacy
Championing the interests of consumers in the development of EnergyOS standards and architecture, ensuring consumers have control over their energy data, that benefits are shared fairly, and that vulnerable consumers are protected.