What is an authorization?

What is an Authorization?

An authorization (or “auth”) is the mechanism by which UtilityAPI receives permission from a utility customer to have access to their data. When a utility account holder completes an authorization form, they are granting permission for two key actions:

1. Permission to link their utility account and associated utility meters to UtilityAPI’s platform for a designated period of time.

2. Permission for UtilityAPI users to collect utility data — such as bills and interval data  —from the utility meters associated with that account.

This process ensures data sharing is transparent, secure, and always customer-permissioned.

How do I receive a customer's authorization?

You receive a customer’s authorization by sending them your UtilityAPI authorization form and having them complete it.

Every UtilityAPI account has a unique authorization form that can be shared with a utility account via a direct link, sent to them via email, or displayed in an onboarding flow via API. Once a utility account holder fills out the form and submits it, the authorization is created, and their account is linked to our platform. 

You can track the status of each authorization request via the dashboard or API.

What data is available once a customer completes an authorization form?  

Upon successful authorization, users gain access to a list of meters associated with the customer's utility account and detailed information about each meter, including but not limited to the:  

• Meter's service address 
• Utility rate or tariff that the meter is enrolled in
• Service address identifier (SAID) number of that meter

We refer to this information as our Meter Data product and make it available in the dashboard and API.

Authorization Size Segments

Not all authorizations are the same. A single-family home might have one meter, while a commercial facility could have hundreds of meters. To help manage expectations and optimize workflows, UtilityAPI categorizes authorizations into four size segments based on the number of meters