A low-cost alternative to smart metering infrastructure based on peer-to-peer technologies

We propose a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network of homes with low-cost digital electricity meters. The meters are capable of transmitting measured values and receiving signals. Energy saving applications are then realized on Internet-enabled devices available in today's households. The operation of those devices in a P2P network enables a far broader range of applications of energy efficiency and value-added services for the grid. The proposed smart metering infrastructure consists of off-the-shelf hardware and existing communication infrastructure. Since the P2P network utilizes the participating homes' resources optimally, disruptive business models are rendered possible, which we discuss in detail.