The flexibility gap: Socioeconomic and geographical factors driving residential flexibility. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ribó-Pérez, David; Heleno, Miguel; Álvarez-Bel, Carlos
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 153(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Residential flexibility -- Energy inequality -- Energy transition -- Spain; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112282
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: Residential consumers are moving to the center of electricity systems and their flexibility is seen as a key resource to integrate renewable energy sources and support the grid. However, residential flexibility capacities are not homogeneous, as they depend on household appliances, comfort patterns, occupancy, and climate conditions. Here, we calculate the technical flexibility capacities of 45 consumer types in mainland Spain, organised according to income and regional criteria. We show that flexibility gaps exist at both regional and socioeconomic (income) levels with flexibility differences of up to 10 times more capacity between the household groups from the lowest to the highest capacities. These geographical and socioeconomic gaps in flexibility can lead to distortions in national markets and have the potential to exclude citizens from the provision of flexibility services. Our results show in quantitative terms that a consumer-centered approach without considering correcting measures nor these gaps in drafting energy policies may lead to increasing inequality levels in the residential sector. Under an economic competitive paradigm, households with lower income levels or located in regions with lower flexibility potential may be excluded from the provision of flexibility to the detriment of households with larger potential, raising justice concerns in a flexibility-based energy transition. Highlights: A study of the flexibility differences among residential households in Spain is presented. Demand side flexibility is key for the ongoing energy transition. Geographical and socioeconomic flexibility gaps among households exist. Socio economic flexibility differences will increase with demand electrification.