Challenges and opportunities of electricity consumption optimisation in Slovenian households

The successful transition to a sustainable energy system based on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources is positioned very high on the political agenda in the European Union (EU). Expected investments in the energy efficiency are recognized as a new market opportunity for all energy suppliers. Based on comparative analysis of differences in electricity distribution load diagrams, innovative and more appropriate dynamic tariff system can be designed. In this paper, influence of the expected investments in the energy efficiency projects on the electricity costs for end consumers in the household sector in Slovenia and the market position of local energy suppliers have been evaluated. Special attention is given to the mechanisms that are suggested to correct market imperfections and to stimulate wider implementation of the energy efficiency projects. The paper also presents the possibilities to optimize electricity consumption by behavioral changes and load shifting in households.