“Energy Communities” explores core potential systemic benefits and costs in engaging consumers into communities, particularly relating to energy transition. The book evaluates the conditions under which energy communities might be regarded as customer-centered, market-driven and welfare-enhancing. It “also reviews the issue of sustainability of energy communities and whether these features are likely to change as opportunities for distributed energy grow”, as described by Elsevier. “Sections cover the identification of welfare considerations for citizens and for society on a local and national level, and from social, economic and ecological perspectives, while also considering different community designs and evolving business models.”

The chapter, written by Enel Foundation and Enel Italy, addresses the function of distribution networks and, more specifically, the role of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in enabling the development of energy communities. In Italy, as in all EU countries, the DSO is a regulated business which provides a number of services and acts as neutral market facilitator and innovator, driving the transition of the energy system toward a more sustainable future. As long as they are endowed with enhanced digital capabilities, DSOs can make available key technologies for smooth, cost-efficient, and reliable operation of energy communities. The chapter draws in particular on the experience of E-Distribuzione for illustration. It also explores the nature of incentives for communities, identifying their effects and ways to allocate subsidies consistently with policy objectives, and also discusses criteria to define the geographical limits of communities.

You may check out the full book on ww35-1w.elsevier.com/energy-communities/lobbe/978-0-323-911