The Open Source Value Proposition for the Energy Sector

How do we systematically quantify the ROI of open source software? This LF Research and LF Energy report introduces a benefit-cost framework to help energy grid operators answer that question.

Using a scenario comparison that organizes value into four components — cost, risk, strategic value, and societal value — to distill the relative efficiency of each scenario, the framework shows that increasing open source investment yields a proven net value 2–5x higher than current operational costs. Additionally, maintaining an open source fallback maximizes negotiating headroom to decrease hardware and software purchase costs.

Grid operators should read the report and consider adopting this framework to transform procurement debates into objective, evidence-based roadmaps.