Smart Meter based Business Models for the Electricity Sector - A Systematical Literature Research

Abstract

The Act on the Digitization of the Energy Transition forces German industries and households to introduce smart meters in order to save energy, to gain individual based electricity tariffs and to digitize the energy data flow. Smart meter can be regarded as the advancement of the traditional meter. Utilizing this new technology enables a wide range of innovative business models that provide additional value for the electricity suppliers as well as for their customers. In this study, we followed a two-step approach. At first, we provide a state-of-the-art comparison of these business models found in the literature and identify structural differences in the way they add value to the offered products and services. Secondly, the business models are grouped into categories with respect to customer segments and the added value to the smart grid. Findings indicate that most business models focus on the end-consumer as their main customer.