Increased penetration of wind generated electricity using real time pricing & demand side management

Ireland aims to source 40% of its electricity needs from renewable energies by 2025, 86% of which will supplied by wind power. Harnessing the power of Ireland's large indigenous wind resource will make the security of electricity supply more resilient against fluctuations in international energy markets. In order for customers and suppliers to fully exploit the potential benefits offered by large amounts of wind power it will be necessary to offer dynamic pricing tariffs such as time-of-use tariffs and real-time-pricing to the domestic market. These time based tariffs are becoming increasing feasible as Ireland embarks on the nationwide roll-out of smart metering. In conjunction with the aforementioned tariffs, smart metering could allow customers to self-regulate their electricity usage behaviour in a more favourable manner that ultimately promotes the increased penetration of wind generated electricity. The following analysis looks at the potential of these tariffs as our generation portfolio moves from 11% to 40% renewable energy supply.