Net-metering benefits for residential customers: the economic advantages of a proposed user-centric model in Italy
Contrary to many expectations, the development of smart (mini-)grids is slow, notwithstanding drastic improvements in innovative technologies, and the reasons for this are not strictly technical. The problem lies in regulatory barriers. Moreover, the current business models accommodate utilities more so than customers. Net metering is a key enabling factor for smart (mini-)grids. This article addresses the economic benefits of net metering for residential customers.