By Eugene Hamrick, Director of Enterprise Analytics and Innovation
Data analytics are revolutionizing the electric cooperative landscape, helping to improve reliability, reduce costs, and personalize the member experience. With the rise of cyberattacks and data leaks, concerns around data privacy by both cooperative staff and leadership, and their member-owners are at an all-time high. Striking the balance between leveraging data while protecting member privacy is crucial for building trust and ensuring ethical practices.
Responsible Data Collection and Use
To ensure responsible data collection and use for member privacy, co-ops must follow known compliance for utility and consumer data. A key standard is (NERC-CIP), or The Northern American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection plan, which regulates the security of the electric grid for many entities. Additionally, each cooperative should research data privacy regulations specific to their state of operation. By complying with these standards and taking proactive measures, utilities can safeguard the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of their members as well as their internal Company Identifiable Information (CII).
Balancing the democratization of data and robust security management can be difficult. To provide valuable insights, data must be accessible to those who utilize it within the utility. The best approach is to centralize and manage the data using data standards like those above. Other times, anonymizing member information by removing PII from the data set may be the best method. This mitigates the risk of compromising privacy while still leveraging the benefits of analytics.
Building Trust with Members
Data and privacy rights are a hot issue regardless of the industry, and everyone wants to be reassured that their information is safe. Privacy begins internally, with thorough cyber and information security training for employees paired with cybersecurity best practices and support from leadership. By highlighting training in data security, a co-op can demonstrate their commitment to protecting member information.
To build trust with members, transparency is key. Openly communicating compliance with known regulations emphasizes a co-op’s dedication to secure data practices. Similarly, sharing appropriate information on implemented security measures can offer members peace of mind. It’s important to communicate that their data is a valuable asset that, when applied responsibly, delivers immense value through improved services and cost savings.
Electric co-ops have an obligation to preserve the privacy of member information. Responsible data management goes beyond strict adherence to legal and regulatory standards; it requires a proactive approach that prioritizes member interests and puts ethics at the forefront. As utilities navigate an increasingly data-driven world, ensuring integrity and appropriate transparency in data practices positions them to deliver innovative solutions while safeguarding member privacy.
BrilliT is uniquely positioned to help co-ops leverage their large stores of data through our analytics team while working in tandem with our cyber team to ensure data is put to work in the most secure way possible.
BrilliT is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and was created to help co-ops tackle the cybersecurity and IT challenges of today's constantly evolving digital world.
About the Author
With over 10 years in the cooperative industry, Eugene Hamrick brings years of data science, business intelligence, and member insights experience to BrilliT. His knowledge and expertise help promote data enhanced decision-making and analytic solutions, ensuring cooperatives receive maximum benefits from the use of data.
