Assessing distribution network tariff design in a changing context by Tim Schittekatte
Assessing distribution network tariff design in a changing context, Published on 13th November 2017 Written by Tim Schittekatte In this topic of the month, I argue that the ideal distribution network tariff does not exist. The most robust choice for the network tariff structure, being it volumetric with or without net-metering (€/kWh), capacity-based (€/kW), a fixed charge (€/connection) or a combination of those, is a function of the context to which it is applied. As a general statement, an ideal network tariff should be: Efficient, i.e. it should reflect the cost a consumer inflicts on the network and by doing so guiding the adoption and operation of distributed energy resources (DER) by consumers to a mutually beneficial outcome. Equitable(fair), i.e. consumers not being able to invest in DER or to react…