Cities are becoming increasingly smart, dynamic, and complex composite systems – fundamentally changing the way we live and work, and improving the quality of life.

Firstly, the project proposes a knowledge-enabled, common data-driven platform based on a Common Information Model (CIM). This platform will allow consumers to analyse their energy usage information for active participation in the retail energy market and make better-informed decisions. In 2019, the Energy Market Authority liberalised the retail electricity market to allow consumers with more options to manage their energy costs. This platform will allow consumers to choose a retailer at a price plan that best meets their needs instead of buying from a single utility at the regulated tariff. This will empower consumers, foster innovation for a consumer-oriented energy grid, and provide more decarbonised, resilient and affordable electricity.

Secondly, the information provided by the common data platform opens the path towards a consumer digital-twin. This project therefore lays the foundation for an integration of consumer usage real-time data into city information modelling. The project contributes to improving interoperability among many different digital technological systems in the city and provides information to city planning authorities while respecting consumer privacy. Further, this project questions which policies need to be set in place to protect consumer data and at the same time provide information on how the platform’s data can be used in smart city planning in Singapore.

The overarching aims of the CEUS project are:

1. A common language.
We will provide new forms of consumer semantics to expand the smart city planning of the future. A Singapore-specific Common Information Model will allow consumers to make better decisions around their energy use.

2. More effective data sharing.
We will develop an autonomous agent framework in the CARES J-Park Simulator that enables a seamless and effective consumer energy usage data exchange with third party services.

3. Smart city energy policies.
We will suggest amendments to the existing energy policy framework to implement the proposed technical solution in a smart city environment.