For the first time in Austria, time-varying and capacity-based grid tariffs have been tested under real-world conditions. As part of the ‘Real-world Laboratory on the Grid’ project, the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, together with its project partners, investigated the steering effect of the new tariff models on grid usage behaviour and identified the additional conditions that must be met to enable grid-friendly behaviour in the first place.
Key findings from the project
New grid tariffs alone are not enough. The project focused on the question of whether new grid tariffs create sufficient incentives to better align electricity consumption and feed-in with the new requirements of the electricity grid. The results paint a nuanced picture: financial incentives can play a part, but they only take effect when combined with clear information, personalised feedback and active dialogue between stakeholders. A key finding of the project is that energy literacy – that is, an understanding of the interrelationships within the energy system – is a central prerequisite for behavioural change. Communities of practice, workshops and joint reflection helped to dispel initial scepticism towards new grid tariffs and foster motivation for behaviour that benefits the grid.
Data made understandable
Personalised visualisations of participants’ own electricity consumption and feed-in behaviour proved particularly valuable. Heatmaps enabled participants to better understand their consumption and feed-in patterns and to adjust them in a targeted manner. The desire for such tools to be made available on a permanent basis demonstrates the potential of data-driven feedback for the energy transition.
Results with an impact beyond the project
The findings are already being put into practice. Project partners are further developing their billing systems and remuneration models, whilst regulatory recommendations have been discussed with relevant stakeholders and serve as a basis for future decisions on the further development of the grid tariff system. In addition, a Sandbox Guide has been produced to support grid operators in planning and implementing their own regulatory sandboxes.
Research for a resilient energy system
The project demonstrates that the transformation of the energy system cannot be achieved through technical innovations alone. Equally important are appropriate regulatory frameworks, clear information and the active involvement of the public. Through its research, AIT is helping to lay scientifically sound foundations for a resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Project consortium: 4ward Energy Research GmbH (Koordination), AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Energy Services Handels- und Dienstleistungs GmbH, Kraftwerk Glatzing-Rüstorf eGen sowie Peter Muckenhuber Consulting.