Consumer Consent Service
Consumer Consent Service
Consumer Consent Service
What is the Consumer Consent Service?
The Consumer Consent Service (CCS) is a new, secure digital solution that empowers energy consumers to control who can access their energy data. It enables people to easily grant, manage, review, and revoke consent—supporting transparency, consumer choice, and data protection across the retail energy market.
This service is being developed in line with Ofgem’s published Design Principles and will underpin a supplier licence obligation for recording consent consistently across the sector.
What is RECCo’s role?
Ofgem appointed RECCo as the delivery body and governance under the Retail Energy Code (REC) for the Consumer Consent Service. This means we’re responsible for:
- Designing and developing the digital solution, starting with a minimum viable product
- Ensuring compliance with GDPR and robust data protection standards
- Delivering the service through agile, phased development (discovery, alpha, beta, live)
- Engaging with stakeholders throughout to ensure the solution is inclusive and fit for purpose
In addition, RECCo will support Ofgem as needed to facilitate this process, utilising the REC Change process to implement the necessary changes effectively. We will also ensure ongoing compliance with the Retail Energy Code (REC), which includes fulfilling associated monitoring and reporting requirements.
Why is the CCS needed?
Energy data is increasingly essential to delivering more customised retail energy services. But managing consumer consent has been inconsistent, creating friction for consumers and barriers for trusted third-parties. The Consumer Consent Service will:
- Put consumers in control of their energy data
- Reduce complexity and risk in how consent is recorded
- Open up the market to greater innovation and better value services
- Help accelerate the UK’s transition to a net-zero electricity system
What do stakeholders need to know?
Ofgem is establishing three industry working groups to support the next phase of development before transitioning responsibility to RECCo:
- Security, Technical & Design Group: Shaping a secure, scalable, and user-centric solution
- Implementation & Governance Group: Ensuring smooth delivery and alignment with regulations
- Consumer Protection & Accessibility Group: Supporting the needs of vulnerable and underserved consumers
We will work with these groups to build a service that meets consumer, industry, and regulatory needs.
How will it benefit consumers?
Designed to place consumers at the centre of the energy ecosystem, the service will give individuals control over who can access their energy data and how it’s used.
By actively managing their consent, consumers can unlock access to tailored products and services—helping them make more informed choices, reduce energy consumption, and potentially lower their bills.
It will also support a more competitive and innovative retail energy market by reducing barriers for trusted third-parties, delivering better consumer outcomes.
How will it benefit the industry?
The service will strengthen the sector by deploying greater efficiency, innovation, and collaboration across the market. Key benefits include:
- Tailored services: With better access to consumer data, providers can deliver more personalised energy services that enhance customer experience and reduce bills
- Cost reductions: Improved energy usage insights and demand-shifting to lower-cost periods can reduce overall system costs—resulting in more competitive pricing for consumers
- Inclusivity: Easier access to data makes it easier to serve vulnerable and underserved groups, helping the industry meet a broader range of consumer needs
- Accelerated decarbonisation: Smarter, more energy-efficient services support the UK’s goal of a decarbonised electricity system by 2030
Related news
RECCo appointed as the delivery body for the new Consumer Consent Service
Responding to Ofgem’s consumer consent consultation: RECCo’s role in shaping the future of energy data sharing
We’re ready to bring consumer consent to the retail energy market
