Roles and Responsibilities in Smart Grids: A Country Comparison

Christine Brandstätt, Nele Friedrichsen, Renate Meyer, Martin Palovic

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Smart grids are described as a tool to pursue a diverse set of political and environmental energy goals. Visions of smart grid implementation differ around the world, and roles in smart grids are not yet clearly defined and assigned. This paper systematically explores smart grid visions and pilot projects in selected countries representing different electricity system types: centralized versus decentralized and full versus partial liberalization. We find that traditional system structure and problems shape smart grid models. The assignment of smart grid aspects to monopolistic and competitive sections and possibilities for bundling of functions are not uniform. Smart meters can be assigned to network companies or suppliers. These in turn can be integrated or unbundled. The organization of smart grids and the intertwined appearance of functions that are possibly competitive and those that are monopolistic raise further questions for regulation.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication9th International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM 2012)
Number of pages8
Place of PublicationLos Alamos, CA
PublisherIEEE
Publication date2 Aug 2012
Article number6254698
ISBN (Print)9781467308328
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Aug 2012
Externally publishedYes
EventThe 9th International Conference on the European Energy Market. EEM 2012 - Firenze, Italy
Duration: 10 May 201212 May 2012
Conference number: 9

Conference

ConferenceThe 9th International Conference on the European Energy Market. EEM 2012
Number9
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityFirenze
Period10/05/201212/05/2012

Keywords

  • Smart grids
  • Organizational aspects
  • Power systems

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