Work

Business Models for Energy Community with Vulnerable Consumers

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Renewable energy communities (REC) can involve final consumers into the energy system incentivizing investments in decentralized renewable energy sources and shaping their energy behaviour to improve the local balance of consumption and generation. However, RECs can also help alleviate energy poverty, which occurs when low incomes and inefficient buildings and appliances result in disproportionately high energy costs for households, by lowering energy expenses through the sharing of surplus electricity at reduced prices with vulnerable members. This work explores REC business models with the specific focus on incorporating and empowering vulnerable consumers. Based on the literature review, we propose indexes to assess the vulnerability and non-vulnerability of REC members. From these indexes, we propose two business models based on two different strategies for the operation and settlement of a REC with flexible assets and vulnerable members.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15519597

Authors: Teresa, Santos, Ricardo, Silva, João, Mello, José, Villar

Institution: INESC TEC

Language: English

Topic: Smart Grid Energy Management

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, No poverty, Reduced inequalities, Climate action

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission