Panel Discussion

Recording of Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 20:07 .

Industry Experts Discuss Challenges and Importance of Standardization, Consumer Engagement, and Information in Energy Transition at TV Grid Event

The context discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by integrating new devices into energy management systems, particularly in the European space. The rapid influx of new technologies such as energy storage systems and PV inverters complicates integration but is manageable through close collaboration between vendors, manufacturers, and energy managers. Standardization is debated; while it can streamline processes and reduce costs (e.g., harmonizing smart meter standards across Europe), premature or excessive standardization may stifle innovation. Participants highlight essential elements for empowering consumers to engage in demand-side flexibility: appropriate pricing mechanisms, ease of installation, quality products, comprehensive information dissemination, and ensuring that benefits accrue more to consumers than risks do to market participants. A key takeaway is that consumer engagement hinges on making technology accessible and beneficial while providing clear incentives. Finally, audience interaction reveals a consensus on the importance of information in driving consumer participation in energy transitions but indicates varying degrees of current engagement with demand-side flexibility schemes among them.

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Talk of session: Demand Side Flexibility - the Role of Grid Infrastructure, Market Players and Digitalization in Meeting Consumer Expectations

Active consumer involvement is a crucial aspect of the energy transition. Demand-side flexibility is essential for a flexible energy system that integrates the exponentially growing number of distributed energy resources. Both the system and society in general need consumers to adapt their energy usage to the available network capacity. Digitalization and new technologies - such as smart meters - as well as market-based solutions will allow consumers to become active players. However, being able does not necessarily mean being willing, so incentives are needed. This session will also address how our grid can be prepared to meet consumer expectations and how to deal with a flood of connection requests in a timely manner while ensuring security of supply.