Policies for an EU smarter grid environment: A Delphi study on DSOs

The transition of the European Union (EU) electricity sector toward a smart grid environment has led to uncertainty about the role of distribution system operators (DSOs). This uncertainty is due to the rapid emergence of new service possibilities enabled by new information and communication technologies for electricity management and new distributed energy resources. This research addresses the observed uncertainty through a foresight study in which policy alternatives were evaluated in terms of business model innovation, technological adaptation, and market design issues. For this purpose, 208 experts evaluated 57 policy alternatives, following a Policy Delphi method. The study results indicate the importance of adapting the current business model and the need to simultaneously develop regulatory frameworks that support innovation. The results point to a lack of consensus regarding the degree of technology development and R&D activity considered appropriate for DSOs.