Electric power systems data access and transparency; principles

(a) The commission, in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter, shall consider the value of improving electric power systems data access and transparency within the State in order to empower ratepayers, improve decision-making related to reliability and operational efficiency of the electric system, maximize the value of grid modernization technologies and investments, and promote innovation and economic development opportunities related to electric power systems data analysis. (b) In advancing the public interest, the commission shall balance consumer privacy, critical infrastructure security, grid modernization, and economic innovation considerations associated with electric power systems data access and transparency, including but not limited to the following principles: (1) Enabling ratepayers to access their energy consumption and production data; (2) Enabling ratepayers to authorize third-party data access, and allow verification of third-party authorization through electronic signature; (3) Increasing the amount of publicly-available data related to utility generation, transmission, and distribution systems, as well as non-utility data from third parties that provide generation or non-wire alternatives to individual customers or the grid; and (4) Ensuring that electric power systems data is made available through simple, electronic, consistent, machine-readable formats with temporal and geographic granularity.