This chapter discusses the role of key Smart Grid characteristics in the transition to the Energy Communities paradigm, with particular reference to the role of information in shaping new frameworks and markets.To this end, we first present the different roles of the main actors in the evolution of the electricity network, taking into account the emergence of new players as well, at both technological and economic levels. Indeed, investments in information and communication technologies are at the heart of the Smart Grid concept and central to the deployment of Energy Communities.
The topic of digitization is addressed, with a focus on the information flows expected to be generated by these new entities. On the academic research side, several implications are already emerging, ranging from market design issues to financial and regulatory challenges, as well as negative externalities on the prosumer privacy side.
In such a complex context, it's worth highlighting challenges, barriers to development, and other relevant issues (e.g., energy poverty) related to market forces generated by new information flows.
The aim of this chapter is to discuss all the relevant issues and suggest new research avenues to make the transition effective.