INTERRFACE: transmission system operators–distribution system operators–consumer interface for innovative grid services – analysis of end users’ requirements, tools and services, market platforms, and regulation

The current paper presents the main conclusions of INTERRFACE's work package dedicated to state of the art analysis, which concerned on assessing the needs of users, grids and market, and on analysing existing tools from these 3 dimensions. The work reported in the current article was coordinated by the following partners: the work related with customers', grid's and market players' perspective needs was led by Energias de Portugal – Distribuição (EDPD) while the work that addresses existing tools and services at an EU level was led by Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN). Moreover, the analysis of the existing market designs, market platforms and control schemes focusing at a European level was led by RWTH, and the study of all relevant regulatory issues that should be taken into account in INTERRFACE was led by Florence School of Regulation (FSR). The key findings of this paper allude for the changes needed in the energy sector at various levels, in order to meet the challenges posed by the energy transition. Some of these changes include: fostering consumer active participation in the energy markets; focus on interoperability and standardization; adapting today's tools, systems and market mechanisms to the new framework; review the regulatory framework in accordance to the changing electricity sector.