Demand Side Management services for smart buildings with the use of second generation Smart Meter and the Chain-2 of E-Distribuzione

The paper focuses on the new opportunities offered by the second-generation smart meters (2G SM) installed in Italy by the Distribution System Operator (DSO) E-Distribuzione, who has started the roll-out of the new metering devices in 2017. Among the innovative features of 2G SM stands out the possibility for the customers to be informed in real time on its consumptions. This feature opens new scenarios with a more active and aware role of the user in the management of energy resources and in the participation in the regulatory initiatives that the DSO can implement. In the paper is presented the regulatory contest and the property of communication between the in-home device (IHD), used to develop demand side management (DSM) algorithms, and the smart meters. With the aim of testing the performances of the Chain-2 and the DSM strategy, a specialized laboratory has been created to simulate three typical Italian apartments. Finally, an example of a strategy for home automation is presented; it can lead to a decrease in costs for the consumption of electricity and it can be considered as a verification for the effectiveness of the new communication between the meter and the customer.