Lessons Learned from European Pilot Projects: Recommendations on Market Access Requirements for Electricity Consumers

Conclusions In the pilot projects DSM operator models were developed supported by different software solutions connected to hardware devices following the concept of a virtual power plant (VPP). In Austria a few VPP operators are currently active but which only commercialise flexibilities of industrial and commercial companies. The sector of residential consumers is still untapped. Although Austria has advanced its regulatory conditions the economic analyses in the pilot projects have proved that load aggregation in the residential sector does not offer a viable business model. Economic advantages for residential consumers are limited as well. Thus, other aspects as saving money or financial rewards need to attract or convince users to participate in DR programs. Nevertheless, it can be expected that the market for DR in the residential sector will develop in the upcoming years (under the condition that technical requirements as a smart meter roll-out has been carried out and the interoperability of home energy management systems improved).