I know interval data exists for most commercial accounts with smart meters but I can't figure out how to actually get it. I've asked three different utilities and gotten three different answers. One said to file a Green Button request, one said they don't provide it to third parties, and one said they'd mail me a CD. A CD. In 2020. What's the actual process?
How to get interval data from utilities that don't want to share
Every utility handles it differently and it's maddening. Here's what works for the major ones I deal with. Duke Energy — file a data request through their online portal with a signed LOA. Takes about 10 business days. Georgia Power — call the commercial account rep and request it via email with LOA attached. They'll send an Excel file. Con Edison — Green Button download through the customer portal, but your client has to grant you portal access first. AEP — formal written request to their metering department with LOA. Gets mailed on a CD, yes really. For AEP I usually ask the client to download it from their online account and forward it to me.
Phil covered the major utilities well. A few additional tips. First, always include interval data in your LOA language. If your LOA specifically says the utility is authorized to release interval and load profile data, you'll have fewer pushback issues. Second, for utilities that are difficult, go through the client. Most utilities now have online portals where the account holder can download their own Green Button data. It's faster to have the client do this than to fight with the utility's data request process. Third, some states have data access rules that require utilities to provide interval data within a certain timeframe. California, New York, and Illinois all have strong customer data access regulations.
Really helpful — thank you. Going to update my LOA to specifically mention interval data and have my current clients download Green Button data from their portals. Much easier than dealing with the utilities directly.