New business models enabled by smart grid technology and their implications for DSOs

Abstract

In this paper, new business models (BM) enabled by smart grid technologies are presented and discussed. We focus on the business opportunities for four main agents, namely the Distribution System Operator (DSO), the aggregator, the end-users, and the newly envisioned data service provider. We discuss the challenges and opportunities for the DSO to implement their new BMs and interact with other BMs. We highlight the several regulatory barriers that may still exist for the implementation of each BM. Moreover, this paper also invites for a future stakeholder consultation and a quantitative economic evaluation of each BM. The result of this work in progress should lead to regulatory recommendations to foster the adoption of cost-effective business models.