Recording of Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 15:27 .

Headline: "Challenges and Opportunities in Electrifying Energy Systems Discussed, Emphasizing Consumer Benefits and Intelligent Demand Management"

The discussion addresses the complexities and opportunities related to increased electrification of homes and transport, particularly within the context of renewable energy. Starting with a mention of solar power's impact on grid demand, especially noted in Australia, it highlights issues arising from uncontrolled load growth as more households adopt electric heating/cooling and electric vehicles (EVs). Traditional methods for managing maximum demand are becoming insufficient, leading to challenges that existing distribution networks can't quickly or adequately address due to physical limitations like supply chain capacity. Despite these hurdles, there is potential for creating immense value through managed loads—intelligently shifting demand can optimize system efficiency. Regulatory changes are underway to better support this transition. However, ensuring consumers see tangible benefits from cheaper renewable energy is crucial; otherwise, public backlash could arise due to high electricity costs despite abundant green energy sources. A proposed solution involves "intelligent demand" instead of outdated "demand-side response." This includes using smart tariffs that incentivize off-peak usage through variable pricing structures and educational campaigns promoting behavioral shifts aligned with system needs. Automation also plays a key role by integrating technologies such as EVs, heat pumps, solar panels/batteries into households’ daily routines efficiently. Examples include Octopus Energy’s tri-band tariff in the UK which successfully shifted significant household electrical loads away from peak times without sacrificing comfort or convenience—a testament to effective consumer engagement strategies combined with innovative tariff design.

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Speaker

Alex Schoch
Global Head of Flexibility
Octopus Energy
UK

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.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Carmen Gimeno
Secretary General
GEODE
Belgium

To Talk

Pursuing Socially Inclusive Demand-side Flexibility in Europe

Speaker

Andreas Jahn
Senior Associate
Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)
Belgium

To Talk

Flexibility Potential in the Household Sector - a Billion-Euro Market

Speaker

Sebastian Mahlow
Managing Director
ison GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Enabling Prosumers to Accelerate the Energy Transition

Speaker

Dr. Frank Schlichting
CEO
Kiwigrid GmbH
Germany

To Talk

The Dso's Enabling Prosumers

Speaker

José Ferrari Careto
CEO of Networks Business
EDP Group

To Talk

Panel Discussion

To Talk

Partners & Sponsors

• Conference Partner