Aggregator's business models

Abstract

Aggregators are considered essential to obtain flexibility from small residential and service sector consumers. They can implement business models by trading flexibility from their consumers' assets in various electricity markets. The aim of this paper is to identify challenges faced by aggregators with different roles, while implementing business models. We consider aggregators possessing three roles: of a supplier, Balance Responsible Party (BRP), and of an independent aggregator. The results show that challenges identified create higher complexity for aggregators with BRP's role and independent aggregators to implement business models, while it is significantly easier for aggregators with supplier's role. Recommendations are given to overcome the higher complexity: standardization of contracts and raising consumers awareness. These recommendations facilitate aggregators with different roles to implement their business models, and enable a healthy competition in electricity markets.