Estudo de viabilidade de mudança de modalidade tarifária para consumidores residenciais

Abstract

The growing demand for electricity and the need for greater efficiency in the use of energy resources have driven the adoption of demand-side management mechanisms, such as time-of-use (TOU) tariffs. These tariffs aim to encourage consumers to shift electricity consumption from peak periods to off-peak hours, thereby contributing to the reduction of stress on the power system. The objective of this study is to analyze the impacts of time-of-use tariffs on residential electricity consumption, with an emphasis on peak demand reduction and load shifting to periods of lower system demand. The study adopts a quantitative approach, based on the analysis of empirical residential electricity consumption data from Northern Italy. Consumption patterns before and after the implementation of time-of-use tariffs were compared, taking into account temporal and behavioral variations among consumers. The results indicate that time-of-use tariffs promote significant changes in consumer behavior, leading to reduced electricity demand during peak hours and increased consumption during off-peak periods. However, the magnitude of the response varies according to socioeconomic factors, consumers’ level of information, and the tariff structure adopted. It is concluded that time-of-use tariffs are effective instruments for energy demand management, contributing to the efficiency of the electricity system. Nevertheless, their effectiveness depends on complementary policies, such as adequate consumer information and well-designed economic incentives.