Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

SP Energy Networks Open Data Portal

  • Why has SP Energy Networks implemented the Open Data Portal?

At SP Energy Networks we are committed to sharing data with our customers and stakeholders on a presumed open basis. We recognise that access to data, and information, will be a key enabler in our ability to achieve Net Zero, and that we have an important role in facilitating efficient whole system planning and operation, and supporting the development of new market opportunities. Our Open Data Portal is a centralised repository for all data that can be shared openly, providing a method to easily search our data and consume data via an Application Programming Interface (API).

  • Where is SP Energy Networks Open Data Portal hosted ?

The SP Energy Networks Open Data Portal is hosted on Opendatasoft's servers.

  • Do I need to register to use the SP Energy Networks Open Data Portal?

Registration to our Open Data Portal is required to be able to view and download our datasets, and generate APIs. Additionally, after registration, you can choose to subscribe to receive notifications from SP Energy Networks on dataset updates.

Registration is free and can be done at any time by clicking here, or via the ‘Signup’ button at the top right of our home page. Please note, if you already have an account on a different Opendatasoft portal, you can request access to our Portal here.  If you require any support please contact the Open Data Team by email at opendata@spenergynetworks.co.uk.

  • How do I create an account?

To create an account, click the ‘Signup’ button in the top right corner of the homepage. You will then be prompted to provide your email, full name and create a password. If you have already got an account with another Opendatasoft portal, click the ‘Signup’ button, and select the ‘Sign in and register to the domain’ link at the bottom of the page. Once you are logged in, you will be able to view, export and generate API calls for all our datasets.

  • How do we get help or provide feedback/recommendations?

Please select the link “Provide Feedback on Existing Dataset” within the “Contact Us” section of the Portal or send an email to opendata@spenergynetworks.co.uk.

  • How frequently is data in the Portal updated?

The description of the individual datasets provide information on how frequently the dataset is updated, and when the last update was carried out. For any specific enquiries on individual datasets please send an email to opendata@spenergynetworks.co.uk.

  • Will SP Energy Networks be publishing new datasets?

We are committed to sharing our data with our stakeholders and will be publishing additional datasets as the development of our Open Data Portal progresses. We will continue to work with our internal and external stakeholders to identify potential new datasets for publication; if you have ideas for what data you would like to see us publish, please let us know by selecting the link “Request a New Dataset” within the “Contact Us” section of the Portal.

  • How do I request removal of certain information or data that I believe to be private or sensitive?

You can contact us directly at opendata@spenergynetworks.co.uk and we will review your request and provide an update.

  • Can I subscribe to update notifications on datasets?

Yes, you can subscribe to any dataset you can access on our Portal; by doing so, you opt-in to receive any notifications that SP Energy Networks issues. There is a 'Follow' button which is available to users who are logged in on the Portal using an account.

  • What history of data will SP Energy Networks maintain on the Portal?

This will depend on the individual dataset; the description of the individual datasets details what historical information is available.  For any specific enquiries on individual datasets please send an e-mail to opendata@spenergynetworks.co.uk.

  • Why is my API no longer working?

As users are now required to login to the Open Data Portal, any APIs which were configured prior to this change will no longer work. Similar to the website requiring a user login to access the Portal, APIs now require a user specific key to fetch data from the Portal.

To produce your API key, you will need to navigate to the ‘Your account’ page by clicking your name in the top right corner of the home page. Your specific key is shown within the “API keys” tab, which can be used to generate an API for any of our datasets.