Smart Energy Prosumers

This report identifies eight different smart prosumer models, and identifies what the financial and non-financial factors driving these models, as well as the benefits these prosumers are bringing to society as a whole.

Across all these models, we discover several recurring financial and non-financial drivers to become a prosumer. Financial drivers are often based on specific regulatory frameworks, such as existing feed-in-tariffs, the regime of taxes and network charges, and access to markets for aggregated and flexible loads. As for non-financial drivers, themes such as participation in the energy transition, autonomy, resilience, and the importance of showing climate leadership become apparent.

In addition to the benefits of being a prosumer, it is important to highlight the benefits prosumers are bringing to society. In terms of the energy system, they have an important role in decarbonisation, keeping overall system
costs low, as well as increasing energy security and resilience. In broader terms, they also play a role in raising awareness, making the energy system more inclusive, as well as increasing competition and innovation.

Finally looking forward, it is important to consider what will make these prosumer models more sustainable. We know prosumers are creating a considerable amount of value for the energy system, and in an ideal situation this
would be directly reflected in price signals and revenue streams. However, since is not currently the case, we are left to consider how prosumers can monetize their value in the short term. It is also important to consider are
whether prosumers have access to information needed to make decisions and how to communicate about the value they are bringing to the system

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