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CDS Power Systems Data aims to define an open specification for raw electric power system data to facilitate a systematic and more accurate approach to report grid emissions.

CDS Power Systems Data is developing open specifications that define how electric power system data should be shared and structured. By enabling consistent, machine-readable access to this critical information, the group is laying the foundation for more accurate grid emissions reporting and better tools for energy transition planning.

Why It Matters

Electric utilities, energy modelers, and developers of low-carbon technologies increasingly depend on high-quality data from power system operators – yet that data today is fragmented, inconsistent, or difficult to use at scale.

CDS Power Systems Data delivers a unified, open standard that streamlines how this data is accessed and interpreted across regions, platforms, and applications.

By aligning around shared data definitions, CDS enables:

  • Transparent grid carbon accounting based on actual power system activity

  • Data-driven decisions on clean energy siting, storage, and operations

  • Improved emissions tracking at various levels of geographic and temporal granularity

What’s Included

The specification defines standardized access to key categories of power system data, such as:

  • Generation mix (fuel types, technologies)

  • Power imports and exports

  • Market activity and prices

  • Delivery capacity and transmission constraints

  • Emissions associated with generation

This information is vital for stakeholders working to understand and reduce the carbon intensity of electricity.

Use Cases

The CDS Power Systems Data specification supports several priority use cases:

  • Carbon Accounting: Enables emissions modeling tied to real grid conditions

  • Consumption Optimization: Powers smart tools that shift load to cleaner hours

  • Renewable Project Siting: Informs site selection with visibility into grid constraints and emissions profiles

Get Involved

This is an open source, collaborative effort. Whether you’re a grid operator, energy analyst, technology vendor, or policymaker, your contributions can shape the future of power system transparency. To contribute directly to the specification, just sign up for a free LF Energy Specification Support Program (LFESS) membership.

You can reach the community on the following channels:

 

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