During the project first period, REDREAM analysed the alignment between the consumer-centric model and the SDL paradigm proposed. The alignment between the consumer engagement strategies and the EU policy was defined to set the project KPIs and the consumer engagement project Methodology (SO1). This initial methodology, with the user feedbacks gathered during the second period, was embedded in the technological solutions (SO2-SO8). Finally, this initial phase provided the basis for REDREAM’s assessment and the relevant policy and regulation which is in the process to apply for the DEMOs.
In particular, the appliance of SDL paradigm focusing on an active role of the customers was very important with regards to the Explanation of the SDL paradigm and the Engagement Methodology, that go beyond the current state of the art whose potential impacts include: a) Increase the engagement and participation of consumers into the energy market; b) Increase consumers' awareness of energy efficiency and the environmental impact of their consumption; c) Increase of community awareness and capability to drive the energy transition. This was shared with other bridge projects (SO9).
During the second period, the challenge was encouraging users to test the proposed solutions. To achieve clients, different plans were used to group the tools from the simplest ones to the most advanced and complex ones. Solar self-consumptions became the most accepted plan in UK, SP and HR where different actions of demos were activated the users to change their behaviour: reducing the environmental impact of their consumption, increasing the local renewable usage and creating a community belong feeling.
The project breakthrough continues with the creation of digital twins and the exposure of the designed API for them, opening the capability for third parties to develop their services, tools, applications and interfaces. Secondly, gamification has activated the most inactive users to start being conscious of the energy consumed by their energy appliances and mobility. Thirdly, the creation of virtual devices allowed the activation of the sharing of local renewable production. This plan had the most social impact since users are currently eager to consume renewable energy. Fourthly, the energy efficiency and demand response tools developed allowed testing of the ongoing local flexibility market platforms in Spain and UK, and they also manifest the urgency to establish the regulation to enable end users to participate and obtain remuneration payments. In addition, the advisory tool, combined with the smart plug gamification, was used to activate users' implicit demand response.
