As the energy value chain becomes increasingly two-way, for example with the introduction of micro-generation and energy efficiency focused technologies, the customer becomes an active element in the operation of a smart grid, with the retailer as an essential link with regulators and smart electricity grid infrastructure providers.

These are some of the conclusions put forward in a recent discussiondocument, entitled "Energy Retailers’ Perspective on the Deployment ofSmart Grids in Europe" published by the Demand and Metering workinggroup of the SmartGrids European Technology Platform. “The combinationof Retailer and Customer (...) will be of crucial importance in achievingEU and Member States’ energy targets,” says the report.

The main driver for the successful uptake of smart meters isconsumer confidence, satisfaction and engagement, argues the report.“Regulators should determine the regulatory framework that allowsindustry – retailers, grid managers and other market participants – todevelop the detail.” One role of regulators is to “monitor progress inthe deployment of smart meters and smart electricity grids togetherwith customer acceptance and uptake of the new potential.” It adds that“if we want smart grid advantages to reach customers, and energyefficiency targets as well as targets for the use of renewable energysource to be achieved, retailers are essential. Energy retailers mustbe considered as the linking-pin between customers, who are at theheart of a smart grid/energy ecosystem, when achieving the EU goals asset forward.”

Major challenges for the success of SmartGrids, says the strategypaper, include “achieving interoperability and open,technology-independent communication through standardisation ofinterfaces and communication and agreeing on functionalities and commonprotocols in the area of technology, both infrastructural andapplications.”

For further information and the executive summary of the WhitePaper:
http://www.smartgrids.eu/documents