What is an ODA (Independent Service Provider) and why is it important for property managers?
The energy market is digitalising at a rapid pace. Smart meters, energy management systems and data platforms generate millions of measurement data points every day. But who is actually allowed to use this data – and under what conditions?
This is where the ODA, or Independent Service Provider, comes into play.
ODAs form the link between metering data from grid operators and organisations that want to use this data, such as energy companies, property managers or service providers. They ensure that energy data is processed securely, transparently and in compliance with legislation.
What exactly is an ODA?
An ODA is an organisation certified by Energy Data Services Netherlands (EDSN) to request and process smart meter data on behalf of the owner of the connection point.
The role of the ODA is defined in the Energy Act and further detailed in the Code of Conduct for Processing by Other Service Providers (VMNED).
In practical terms, this means that an ODA is authorised to:
- Request metering data (such as electricity, gas or heat) from the grid operator
- Make this data available based on user consent
- Ensure that data processing complies with privacy and security standards (GDPR)
An ODA is therefore not an energy supplier or metering company, but a neutral data service provider that enables insight without commercial influence.
How does an ODA work in practice?
When a company, municipality or property manager wants insight into energy consumption at a specific location, an ODA can request access to smart meter data on behalf of the building owner.
The process follows these steps:
1. Consent
The owner of the connection (or an authorised representative) explicitly grants permission for the ODA to access the data.
2. Authentication via EDSN
The ODA connects via secure protocols to the national energy data platform (EDSN).
3. Data collection and processing
Metering data (for example, 15-minute intervals) is automatically retrieved, validated and made available to the connected platform.
4. Analysis and visualisation
The data can then be used in dashboards, billing systems or energy monitoring tools.
The key advantage: no manual meter readings, no risk of errors, and full control over your own energy data.
Why is this relevant for property managers?
Property managers are increasingly faced with energy distribution, reporting requirements and sustainability regulations.
Examples include the Heat Act 2026, CSRD reporting obligations and local sustainability targets.
With an ODA connection, they gain:
- Real-time insight into consumption per building, cluster or tenant
- Reliable billing data for fair allocation of energy costs
- Automatic monitoring of anomalies and faults
- GDPR-compliant data security without dependency on commercial suppliers
In short: an ODA provides property managers with both the technical and legal foundation to use energy data professionally.
ODA and privacy: security above all
Energy data is privacy-sensitive, as it can reveal presence, usage patterns and behaviour. That is why strict rules apply to ODAs:
- Data may only be accessed with explicit consent
- Only necessary data may be processed (data minimisation)
- Processing must comply with ISO 27001 standards and EDSN security guidelines
Most certified ODAs use encrypted connections and log every data transaction.
Users always retain control over their consent and can withdraw it at any time.
This ensures that energy data usage remains both secure and transparent.
ODA and the future of data-driven property management
The role of ODAs is growing rapidly. Where energy data was once mainly used for billing, it is now increasingly applied for:
- Smart control of installations (EMS)
- Predictive maintenance based on consumption profiles
- Benchmarking between buildings or tenants
- Sustainability reporting and CO₂ monitoring
More and more property organisations are directly integrating energy data into their management systems. This creates a fully data-driven management process in which insight, efficiency and compliance come together.
Read also: Billing data: fair and efficient energy costs for businesses
What are the concrete benefits of working with an ODA?
For property managers, collaboration with an ODA means:
- No more manual meter readings
- Full control over data access and security
- Reduced administrative burden
- Better reporting to tenants, investors and regulators
- A future-proof foundation for the heat transition
With reliable data, energy management becomes not only easier, but also smarter and more sustainable.
Conclusion: insight starts with trust in data
ODAs are the silent engine behind data-driven energy management. They make it possible to use energy data securely, independently and reliably – exactly what property managers need to be prepared for the future.
Want to know how your organisation can make smart use of energy data via an ODA?
Contact Aurum Europe for an Free Quickscan
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is an ODA?
An Independent Service Provider (ODA) is certified to request and process energy data from smart meters on behalf of the connection owner.
Is an ODA the same as a metering company?
No, an ODA is independent and has no commercial interests in energy supply or grid operation.
Who supervises ODAs?
Certification and supervision are carried out via EDSN and the VMNED code of conduct.
Do I need an ODA as a property manager?
Yes. If you want to use metering data for billing, monitoring or reporting, an ODA connection is required to do so securely and legally.
How can I recognise a reliable ODA?
Check whether the organisation is registered with EDSN and complies with ISO 27001 data security standards.