Electricity usage-based privilege granting system, electricity usage-based privilege granting method and program

Abstract

To encourage consumer behavioral change.SOLUTION: An electricity usage-based privilege granting system encouraging participant behavioral change includes the steps of: obtaining the participant's past electricity usage and power supply units price; determining a baseline for each participant according to the obtained past electricity usage and power supply units price; obtaining a current electricity usage of the participant; comparing the obtained current electricity usage with the baseline; determining whether the compared result meets the baseline; and granting the participant a benefit when result meets the baseline.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique that is effective in encouraging behavioral changes in consumers. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of clean energy has become desirable from the perspective of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). However, output limits are imposed on solar power generation. This means that the balance between the amount of power generated by the supplier and the amount used by the consumer can be disrupted, resulting in inefficient energy specifications and the need to adjust the two. For example, it has become necessary to encourage consumer behavioral change, such as encouraging increased demand when supply is high (increased demand response (DR)) and encouraging energy conservation when supply is low (decreased demand response (DR)). As a technique for encouraging a subject to change his / her behavior, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that uses a quiz format to give a subject an incentive depending on the answer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-13990 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to encourage consumers to change their behavior, it is desirable for electricity suppliers to provide incentives to consumers, for example, encouraging consumers to use electricity when there is a surplus, and conversely, encouraging consumers to conserve electricity when there is a shortage, and providing benefits to consumers who conserve electricity. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not lead to behavioral changes that encourage consumers to use electricity or save electricity at specific times.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a system for awarding rewards based on the amount of electricity used, a method for awarding rewards based on the amount of electricity used, and a program therefor that make it easy to encourage consumers to change their behavior. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a system for granting rewards based on electricity usage that encourages participants to change their behavior, a past status acquisition unit that acquires the past electricity usage and power supply unit price of the participant; a determination unit that determines a baseline for each participant based on the acquired past electricity usage amount and power source unit price; a current status acquisition unit that acquires the current electricity usage of the participant; a comparison unit that compares the acquired current electricity usage amount with the baseline; a determination unit that determines whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline; an awarding unit that awards a reward to the participant when the baseline is satisfied; The present invention provides a system for granting rewards according to the amount of electricity used.

[0007] According to the present invention, if the comparison result between the baseline and actual electricity usage satisfies the baseline, a reward is given to the participant. As a result, when there is a surplus of electricity, the consumer is encouraged to use electricity, and when there is a shortage of electricity, the consumer is encouraged to save electricity, and if they save electricity, a reward is given, making it easy to encourage behavioral change in the consumer.

[0008] Although the present invention is categorized as a system, the same effects and advantages can be obtained even when it is a method or a program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it becomes easy to encourage consumers to change their behavior. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1 for providing benefits based on electricity usage. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an electricity usage-based reward system 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a list creation process executed by the computer 10. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a baseline determination process executed by the computer 10. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a benefit granting process executed by the computer 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same elements are designated by the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0012] [Outline of the electricity usage reward system 1] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of the power usage-based reward system 1. Components of the power usage-based reward system 1 will be described based on FIG. The electricity usage-based reward system 1 is a system that encourages behavioral change among participants 2 and is composed of at least a computer 10 with server functionality, a participant terminal 3 used by participants 2 who are consumers, a smart meter 4 that measures the amount of electricity used by participants 2, and an external computer 5 that manages a database (hereinafter, the database will also be referred to simply as DB) in which market information summarizing the unit prices (yen / kWh) of electricity by day and time period at each electric power company is registered. The participant terminal 3 is a terminal device used by the participant 2, and is, for example, a terminal device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, laptop computer, or a wearable terminal such as a smart watch, smart glasses, or HMD (Head Mounted Display). The smart meter 4 is a watt-hour meter that measures the amount of electricity used at first predetermined intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes) and has a communication function. The smart meter 4 stores the amount of electricity used measured at first predetermined intervals in a built-in memory in association with a timestamp, and connects to the computer 10 at second predetermined intervals (e.g., once a week) via the Internet or a public telephone line, and transmits the electricity used data stored in the memory in association with the timestamp to the computer 10. The external computer 5 is an information processing device that has a server function and manages the above-mentioned DB. The external computer 5 may be realized, for example, by a single computer, or may be realized by multiple computers such as a cloud computer. In Japan, the external computer 5 may be, for example, a server that makes the website of the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX), a general incorporated association, available on the Internet. The computer 10 has a server function and may be realized, for example, by a single computer or by multiple computers such as a cloud computer. The computer 10 is a so-called customer management database for an electric power company, and has the function of managing the amount of electricity used by each user (customer) using a customer ID assigned to each user, and calculating the billing amount. In this specification, a cloud computer may refer to either a computer that uses any computer in a scalable manner to perform a specific function, or a computer that includes multiple functional modules to realize a system and uses the functions in any combination. In addition to the participant terminal 3, smart meter 4, external computer 5, and computer 10 described above, the electricity usage-based reward system 1 may also include other billing management systems managed and operated by the electric power company, as well as other terminals and devices, and the number, types, and functions thereof are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0013] An outline of the processing steps performed by the electricity usage-based reward system 1 when encouraging behavioral changes in participants 2 will be described.

[0014] The computer 10 creates a participant list (step S0). The computer 10 sequentially lists and saves the customer IDs of users who responded to the DR implementation notice sent to the electric power company's customers via a website, email, or the like before the DR implementation date, denoting them as participants 2. Then, at the latest on the DR implementation date, a participant list is established that brings together participants 2 who wish to participate in behavioral change. For example, when an electric power company implements DR, this participant list is a list of the customer IDs of the electric power company, and by comparing it with a separate customer ID database, the personal information, rate menu, etc. of each participant 2 is linked to each participant 2.

[0015] The computer 10 acquires the past electricity usage amount and power source unit price of the participant 2 (step S1). The computer 10 acquires the past electricity usage of the participant 2 from the smart meter 4, and also acquires the power supply unit price for the period of this past electricity usage from the external computer 5.

[0016] The computer 10 determines a baseline for each participant 2 based on the acquired past electricity usage amount and power source unit price (step S2). The computer 10 determines a baseline based on the average value for each 30-minute period of the average electricity usage during the DR implementation time period over a specified period (the last 5 days, the last 3 days, etc.) and the average value for each specified 30-minute period (6 periods, etc.) up to a specified time before the DR implementation time (5 hours before to 2 hours before, etc.).

[0017] The computer 10 acquires the current electricity usage of the participant 2 (step S3). The computer 10 obtains the current electricity usage of the participant 2 from the smart meter 4. Here, "current" does not have to mean data at the exact present moment, as long as it is the latest data stored in the built-in memory of the smart meter 4 at the time the computer 10 accesses the smart meter 4, or the computer 10 may access the smart meter 4 and wait until the next power amount measurement value is taken before storing the latest value. It may also include data from the most recent past within the range stored in the smart meter 4. If the memory of the smart meter 4 is a FIFO type memory that replaces the oldest data in the memory when storing the latest data, it is possible to always obtain data for a second predetermined period, and data for a certain range of periods may be obtained as the "current power amount."

[0018] The computer 10 compares the acquired current electricity usage amount with the baseline (step S4). The computer 10 compares the acquired current electricity usage with the baseline electricity usage.

[0019] The computer 10 determines whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline (step S5). The computer 10 determines whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline depending on the supply and / or demand situation in the electricity supply and demand balance.

[0020] If the baseline is met, the computer 10 grants a reward to the participant 2 (step S6). If the baseline is satisfied, the computer 10 grants a reward to the participant 2. The computer 10 associates a preset reward with the participant 2 who satisfies the baseline in the created participant list, and grants the reward. On the other hand, if the baseline is not met, the computer 10 does not grant the reward to the participant 2 and notifies the participant 2 of a message indicating that the baseline has not been met.

[0021] The above is an overview of the power usage-based reward system 1. According to this system for granting benefits based on the amount of electricity used 1, it becomes easy to encourage consumers to change their behavior.

[0022] [Device configuration] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power usage-based reward system 1. The device configuration of the power usage-based reward system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The system 1 for granting rewards based on the amount of electricity used is a system for encouraging behavioral changes among participants 2, and is composed of at least a computer 10, a participant terminal 3, a smart meter 4, and an external computer 5. The electricity usage-based reward system 1 is a system in which a computer 10 is connected to a participant terminal 3, a smart meter 4, and an external computer 5 via a network 8 such as a public line network so as to be capable of data communication. In addition to the participant terminal 3, smart meter 4, external computer 5, and computer 10, the electricity usage-based reward system 1 may also include a billing management system managed and operated by the electricity supplier, as well as other terminals and devices, and the number, type, and functions of the other terminals and devices can be designed as appropriate.

[0023] The participant terminal 3 is the above-mentioned terminal device used by the participant 2, who is a demander who wishes to participate in the behavioral modification. The participant terminal 3 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. as a terminal control unit, and is equipped with devices, etc. as a communication unit to enable communication with other terminals, devices, etc. The participant terminal 3 includes, as an input / output unit, various devices for receiving predetermined inputs and executing input / output of various data.

[0024] The smart meter 4 is the above-mentioned watt-hour meter that measures the amount of electricity used by the participant 2 .

[0025] The external computer 5 is an information processing device that has a server function and manages the above-mentioned DB. The external computer 5 may be realized, for example, by a single computer, or may be realized by multiple computers such as a cloud computer.

[0026] The computer 10 has a server function and may be realized, for example, by a single computer, or may be realized by multiple computers, such as a cloud computer. The computer 10 has a control unit including a CPU, GPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and a communication unit including a device for enabling communication with other terminals and devices, a past status acquisition unit for acquiring participant 2's past electricity usage and power source unit price, and a current status acquisition unit for acquiring participant 2's current electricity usage. The computer 10 includes a data storage unit such as a hard disk, semiconductor memory, recording medium, or memory card as a memory unit. The computer 10 includes, as a processing unit, various devices that perform various processes, a determination unit that determines a baseline for each participant 2 based on the acquired past electricity usage and power source unit price, a comparison unit that compares the acquired current electricity usage with the baseline, a determination unit that determines whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline, and an award unit that awards a benefit to the participant 2 if the baseline is satisfied.

[0027] In the computer 10, the control unit reads a predetermined program, and in cooperation with the communication unit, realizes a participation expression acquisition module, a past situation acquisition module, a notification module, and a current situation acquisition module. In addition, in the computer 10, the control unit reads a predetermined program, thereby realizing a storage module in cooperation with the storage unit. In addition, in the computer 10, the control unit reads a predetermined program, and in cooperation with the processing unit, realizes a creation module, a determination module, a comparison module, a judgment module, and an assignment module.

[0028] Below, each process executed by the power usage-based reward system 1 will be described together with the process executed by each of the modules described above. In this specification, each module may execute its processing content as its own function, or may execute its processing content via a predetermined application.

[0029] [List creation process executed by computer 10] The list creation process executed by the computer 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. This figure is a flowchart of the list creation process executed by the computer 10. This list creation process is a detailed description of the list creation process (step S0) that creates a participant list.

[0030] The participation expression acquisition module acquires participation expressions (step S10). The participation declaration indicates that Participant 2 wishes to participate in behavioral change on the DR implementation date. The participation declaration includes at least the desired date and time of participation (the DR implementation date on which Participant 2 wishes to participate), as well as Participant 2's personal information (name, address, contract data (business operator information (business operator name, address, etc.), price menu (price plan, options, contract conclusion date, supply start date, contract period, etc.)). The participation expression acquisition module acquires participation expressions from the participant terminals 3. The participant terminal 3 accesses the website or input form required for the participant 2 to enter their participation declaration, such as by accessing the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the website for participating in the campaign, which is included in an email encouraging them to participate in a campaign related to the DR implementation date, or by accessing a participation form for the campaign provided on a specified website or within an application. The participant terminal 3 accepts input from the participant 2 regarding the participant's intention to participate on the DR implementation date, necessary personal information, etc., and accepts input regarding the participation declaration. In addition, when accessing the input form, the participant 2 may be prompted to enter a user ID and password to identify the customer ID of the participant 2, thereby omitting the entry of the necessary personal information described above. The participant terminal 3 transmits the accepted input regarding the participation declaration to the computer 10 as a participation declaration. The participation expression acquisition module receives the participation expression and acquires the participation expression.

[0031] The creation module creates a participant list (step S11). The creation module creates a participant list that compiles participants 2 who have expressed their intention to participate. The creation module creates a participant list that links and registers the identifiers, participation dates and times, and personal information of participants 2 who have expressed their intention to participate. The participant list created by the creation module can be designed appropriately depending on the content of the acquired participation declarations.

[0032] The storage module stores the participant list (step S12). The storage module stores the created participant list.

[0033] This completes the list creation process. The power usage-based reward system 1 rewards the participants 2 or notifies them of messages in the process described below based on the participant list created in the list creation process.

[0034] [Baseline Determination Process Executed by Computer 10] The baseline determination process executed by the computer 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. This figure shows a flowchart of the baseline determination process executed by the computer 10. This baseline determination process shows details of a past status acquisition process (step S1) that acquires the past electricity usage and power unit price of the participant 2, and a determination process (step S2) that determines a baseline for each participant 2 based on the acquired past electricity usage and power unit price.

[0035] The past status acquisition module acquires the past electricity usage amount and power supply unit price of participant 2 (step S20). The past electricity usage is the electricity used by participant 2 in a predetermined time unit (e.g., 30-minute increments) over a predetermined period (e.g., the past month). The power source unit price is the unit price of electricity in a predetermined time unit (e.g., 30-minute increments) over the period of the past electricity usage. The past status acquisition module acquires the past electricity usage of the participant 2 from the smart meter 4 or the storage unit of the computer 10 , and acquires the past power supply unit price of the participant 2 from the external computer 5 . The past status acquisition module requests the smart meter 4 to transmit the past electricity usage amount. Based on this request, the smart meter 4 transmits the past electricity usage amount of the participant 2 to the computer 10. The past status acquisition module receives the past electricity usage amount of the participant 2 and acquires the past electricity usage amount of the participant 2. The past status acquisition module requests the external computer 5 to transmit the past unit power prices for the period of past electricity usage. Based on this request, the external computer 5 transmits the past unit power prices of the participant 2 to the computer 10. The past status acquisition module receives the past unit power prices of this participant 2 and acquires the past unit power prices of the participant 2.

[0036] The determination module determines a baseline for each participant 2 based on the acquired past electricity usage amount and power source unit price of the participant 2 (step S21). The baseline is the amount of electricity that is expected to be supplied to the participant 2 under normal circumstances, expressed as an integer in kW, and is arbitrarily set by an administrator or the like of the electricity usage-based reward granting system 1. This baseline is determined for each participant 2. This baseline may be based on the "Guidelines for Energy Resource Aggregation Business" prepared by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. When determining the baseline based on this guideline, the determination module determines the baseline based on whether the DR implementation day is a weekday or other day (Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday). Below, we will explain how to determine the baseline based on this guideline when the DR implementation day is a weekday and when it is not a weekday.

[0037] A method for the determination module to determine the baseline when the DR implementation day is a weekday will be described. The determination module calculates the average value for each 30-minute period of electricity usage for the four days with the highest average electricity usage during the DR implementation time period out of the five days immediately preceding the DR implementation date.The determination module excludes Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, past DR implementation days, and days where the average electricity usage during the DR implementation time period is less than 25% of the total average electricity usage during the DR implementation time period over the last five days from the DR implementation date, and uses the four days going back even further within the past 30 days from the DR implementation date. The determination module calculates the average value by subtracting the average value for each 30-minute period over the four days from the electricity usage on the day of DR implementation for six 30-minute periods from five hours before to two hours before the DR implementation time. The determination module determines the baseline by adding the calculated average value for each 30-minute period of electricity usage over the four days to the calculated average value for six 30-minute periods. If the baseline is negative, the determination module corrects the baseline for the negative time period to zero. The determination module may determine the baseline based on the calculated value itself, or may provide a predetermined margin (such as a value obtained by adding the calculated average value for each 30-minute period of electricity usage over four days to the calculated average value for six 30-minute periods, and then further adding a predetermined percentage of this value (e.g., 20%)).

[0038] A method for the determination module to determine the baseline when the DR implementation day is a day other than a weekday (Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday) will be described. The determination module calculates the average electricity usage for each 30-minute period for the two days with the highest average electricity usage during the DR implementation time slot out of the three days immediately preceding the DR implementation date (excluding the DR implementation day itself). If there are multiple days with the lowest average electricity usage during the DR implementation time slot within the last three days, the determination module will exclude the day farthest from the DR implementation date and use the remaining two days. However, the determination module will exclude days when the last three days are weekdays, past DR implementation dates, or days where the average electricity usage during the DR implementation time slot is less than 25% of the total average electricity usage during the DR implementation time slot for the last three days, and will use the three days going back even further within the last 30 days from the DR implementation date. The determination module calculates an average value by subtracting the average value for each 30-minute period over the three days from the electricity usage on the day of DR implementation for six 30-minute periods from five hours before to two hours before the DR implementation time. The determination module determines the baseline by adding the calculated average value for six 30-minute periods to the calculated average value for each 30-minute period of electricity usage over the three days. If the baseline is negative, the determination module corrects the baseline for the negative time period to zero. The determination module may determine the baseline based on the calculated value itself, or may provide a predetermined margin (such as a value obtained by adding the calculated average value for each 30-minute period of electricity usage over three days to the calculated average value for six 30-minute periods, and then further adding a predetermined percentage of this value (e.g., 20%)).

[0039] The notification module notifies participant 2 of the determined baseline (step S22). The notification module notifies the participant terminal 3 of the determined baseline by push notification or the like. The notification module may notify an image showing the baseline, or may notify a predetermined message regarding the baseline. The participant terminal 3 displays this push notification. The participant 2 views this notification and understands his or her own baseline.

[0040] The storage module stores the determined baseline for each participant 2 (step S23). The storage module associates the baseline determined for each participant 2 with each participant 2 registered in the participant list created by the process of step S11, and stores the determined baseline for each participant 2.

[0041] This completes the baseline determination process. The power usage-based reward system 1 rewards the participant 2 or notifies the participant 2 of a message in a process described below, based on the baseline determined in the baseline determination process.

[0042] In the baseline determination process described above, computer 10 determines a baseline for each participant, but it is also possible to group participants by predetermined area (prefecture, city, ward, town, village, etc.) and determine a baseline that is the total for the entire group. In this case, when determining the baseline in the process of step S21, computer 10 may have an administrator of power usage-based reward system 1 or the like arbitrarily set the baseline for the entire area, or may set the baseline for the entire area based on the above-mentioned average values ​​for the entire area in accordance with guidelines.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above-described baseline determination process, computer 10 may group participants other than those in the predetermined area who have similar baseline waveform shapes (functions), i.e., participants who have similar amounts of electricity usage over a predetermined period of time, and determine a baseline that is the sum of the entire group. In this case, when determining the baseline in the process of step S21, computer 10 may have an administrator or the like of power usage-based reward system 1 arbitrarily set the baseline that is the sum of the entire group, or may set the baseline that is the sum of the entire group based on the above-described average values ​​of the entire group in accordance with guidelines.

[0044] [Benefit Granting Process Executed by Computer 10] The reward granting process executed by the computer 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. This figure shows a flowchart of the reward granting process executed by the computer 10. This reward granting process includes details of a current status acquisition process (step S3) that acquires the current electricity usage of the participant 2, a comparison process (step S4) that compares the acquired current electricity usage with a baseline, a determination process (step S5) that determines whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline, and a granting process (step S6) that grants a reward to the participant 2 if the baseline is satisfied.

[0045] The current situation acquisition module acquires the current electricity usage of participant 2 (step S30). The current electricity usage is the electricity used by participant 2 in a predetermined time unit (e.g., 30-minute unit) on the DR implementation date and time. The current status acquisition module acquires the current electricity usage of participant 2 from smart meter 4. The current status acquisition module requests the smart meter 4 to transmit the current amount of electricity usage. Based on this request, the smart meter 4 transmits the current amount of electricity usage of the participant 2 to the computer 10. The current status acquisition module receives the current amount of electricity usage of the participant 2 and acquires the current amount of electricity usage of the participant 2.

[0046] The comparison module compares the acquired current electricity usage amount with the baseline (step S31). The comparison module compares the acquired current electricity usage amount with the baseline of this participant 2 determined by the processing of step S21. The comparison module compares the acquired current electricity usage amount with the electricity usage amount at the baseline.

[0047] The determination module determines whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline (step S32). The determination module determines whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline according to the supply and / or demand status in the electricity supply and demand balance. The supply and demand balance may be set based on a preset reserve margin (a power reserve margin obtained in advance from an external computer), may be set by estimation from the power source unit price (if the power source unit price is high, it is assumed that the supply is low), may be set by estimation from a predetermined notice, etc. (if there is a notice of a government request to save electricity, it is assumed that the supply is low), or may be set based on other methods.

[0048] The decision module makes this determination based on one of the following five methods: The first determination method executed by the determination module is to determine that the baseline is met when the acquired electricity usage of a participant exceeds the baseline in a situation where the balance of electricity supply and demand is higher than a predetermined range (for example, about 20%). The second determination method executed by the determination module is to determine that the baseline is met when the acquired electricity usage of a participant falls below the baseline in a situation where the electricity supply and demand balance is high compared to a predetermined range. The third determination method executed by the determination module determines that the baseline is met when the acquired electricity usage of the participant exceeds the baseline in a situation where the electricity supply and demand balance is such that supply is higher than a predetermined range, and when the acquired electricity usage of the participant falls below the baseline in a situation where the electricity supply and demand balance is such that demand is higher than a predetermined range. The fourth determination method executed by the determination module determines that the baseline is met when either the acquired participant's electricity usage exceeds the baseline when the electricity supply and demand balance is in a situation where supply is higher than a specified range, or the acquired participant's electricity usage falls below the baseline when the electricity supply and demand balance is in a situation where demand is higher than a specified range. The fifth judgment method executed by the judgment module is to make a first achievement judgment when either the acquired participant's electricity usage exceeds the baseline when the electricity supply and demand balance is in a situation where supply is higher than a predetermined range, or the acquired participant's electricity usage falls below the baseline when the electricity supply and demand balance is in a situation where demand is higher than a predetermined range, and to make a second achievement judgment when the acquired participant's electricity usage exceeds the baseline when the electricity supply and demand balance is in a situation where supply is higher than a predetermined range, and also when the acquired participant's electricity usage falls below the baseline when the electricity supply and demand balance is in a situation where demand is higher than a predetermined range.

[0049] As a result of executing this process, the judgment module determines whether participant 2's behavioral change was successful (met the baseline) or unsuccessful (did not meet the baseline). A successful behavioral change is a situation in which participant 2 actively used electricity during times when there was a surplus of electricity and saved electricity during times when there was a shortage of electricity. On the other hand, a failed behavioral change is a situation in which participant 2 was unable to actively use electricity during times when there was a surplus of electricity and was unable to save electricity during times when there was a shortage of electricity. Furthermore, the implementer of the DR campaign can decide whether achieving only one of the above is considered a success or failure, and success may be determined by ranking cases where only one is achieved and cases where both are achieved. In this embodiment, a situation in which participant 2 saves power is taken as an example of behavioral change. Therefore, when the determination result of the determination module satisfies the baseline, the comparison result is a situation in which the baseline is below the baseline. In addition, as a behavioral change, if participant 2 is in a situation where he actively uses electricity, and the judgment content of the judgment module satisfies the baseline, the comparison result will be a situation where it exceeds the baseline.

[0050] In step S32, if the determination module determines that the comparison result does not satisfy the baseline (step S32 NO), that is, if the determination module determines that the acquired current electricity usage exceeds the electricity usage in the baseline, the notification module does not grant a benefit to participant 2 and notifies him / her of a predetermined message (step S33). The notification module notifies the participant terminal 3 by push notification or the like of a predetermined message indicating that the behavioral change of the participant 2 is not sufficient. The participant terminal 3 displays this push notification. The participant 2 views this notification and understands that the behavioral change is insufficient and that the participant 2 cannot receive the benefit.

[0051] In addition, the computer 10 may link this judgment result to the relevant participant 2 among the participants 2 registered in the participant list created by the processing of step S11, and store the information that the participant 2 will not receive the benefit.

[0052] On the other hand, in step S32, if the determination module determines that the comparison result satisfies the baseline (step S32 YES), that is, if the acquired current electricity usage is determined to be lower than the electricity usage in the baseline, the award module awards a reward to participant 2 (step S34). The benefit may be, for example, a discount of a predetermined percentage (5%, 10%, etc.) on the electricity bill for a predetermined period (e.g., one month from the DR implementation date). Note that the benefit may be something other than this, such as a coupon or points that can be used on an EC (electronic commerce) site affiliated with the business that supplies electricity to participant 2, or coupons or points that can be used for products provided by this business, or points that can be converted into electronic money or a points program affiliated with this business. The granting module associates the benefit with the relevant participant 2 among the participants 2 registered in the participant list created by the processing of step S11, and grants the benefit to the participant 2. Note that the method by which the granting module grants the benefit to the participant 2 is not limited to the example described above, and may, for example, directly execute processing related to the discount on the electricity bill in an electricity billing system that is data-linked with the electricity usage-based benefit granting system 1, or may use other methods.

[0053] The notification module notifies the participant 2 of the award of the benefit (step S35). The notification module notifies the participant terminal 3 by push notification or the like of a message indicating that the participant 2's behavioral change is sufficient and that the participant 2 is eligible to receive a benefit. The participant terminal 3 displays this push notification. The participant 2 views this notification and understands that the behavioral change is sufficient and that the participant 2 is eligible to receive a benefit.

[0054] This completes the bonus granting process.

[0055] In the above-described reward granting process, when participants are grouped by predetermined area, the computer 10 may compare the total power consumption of the entire area, rather than that of each individual participant, with the baseline to determine whether the baseline is met. In this case, even if some participants do not meet the baseline, if it is determined that the baseline is met for the entire area, each process is executed assuming that all participants belonging to the area meet the baseline.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described reward granting process, when participants with similar amounts of electricity usage in a predetermined period of time are grouped, the computer 10 may compare the total amount of electricity usage of the entire group with a baseline to determine whether the baseline is satisfied. In this case, even if some participants do not satisfy the baseline, if it is determined that the baseline is satisfied for the entire group, each process is executed assuming that all participants belonging to the area satisfy the baseline.

[0057] Although the above-described processes are described as separate processes, the computer 10 can be configured to execute a combination of some or all of the above-described processes. Also, the computer 10 can be configured to execute each process at a timing other than the timing described. Furthermore, although each of the above-mentioned processes is described as a process executed by the computer 10, it is also possible to configure some or all of the processes to be executed by the participant terminal 3 itself or by a specified application installed on the participant terminal 3.

[0058] The above-described means and functions are realized by a computer (including a CPU, an information processing device, and various terminals) reading and executing a predetermined program. The program may be provided, for example, from a computer via a network (Software as a Service (SaaS)) or as a cloud service. The program may also be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, the computer reads the program from the recording medium, transfers it to an internal or external recording device, records it, and executes it. The program may also be pre-recorded on a recording device (recording medium) and provided to the computer from the recording device via a communication line.

[0059] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] A first aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a system for granting rewards based on electricity usage amounts that encourages behavioral changes among participants, a past status acquisition unit that acquires the past electricity usage and power supply unit price of the participant; a determination unit that determines a baseline for each participant based on the acquired past electricity usage amount and power source unit price; a current status acquisition unit that acquires the current electricity usage of the participant; a comparison unit that compares the acquired current electricity usage amount with the baseline; a determination unit that determines whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline; an awarding unit that awards a reward to the participant when the baseline is satisfied; The present invention provides a system for granting rewards according to the amount of electricity used.

[0061] A second aspect disclosed in this embodiment includes a baseline notification unit that notifies the participants of the determined baseline; The present invention provides a power usage-based reward system according to the first aspect, further comprising:

[0062] A third aspect disclosed in this embodiment includes a message notification unit that, if the baseline is not satisfied, does not grant the benefit to the participant and notifies the participant of a predetermined message; The present invention provides a power usage-based reward system according to the first aspect, further comprising:

[0063] In a fourth aspect disclosed in this embodiment, the determination unit determines that the baseline is satisfied when the electricity usage of the participant exceeds the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is higher than a predetermined range. The present invention provides a system for granting rewards based on electricity usage according to a first aspect.

[0064] In a fifth aspect disclosed in this embodiment, the determination unit determines that the baseline is satisfied when the electricity usage of the participant falls below the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is higher than a predetermined range. The present invention provides a system for granting rewards based on electricity usage according to a first aspect.

[0065] In a sixth aspect disclosed in this embodiment, the determination unit determines that the baseline is satisfied when the amount of electricity usage by the participant exceeds the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is higher than a predetermined range, and when the amount of electricity usage by the participant falls below the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is higher than a predetermined range. The present invention provides a system for granting rewards based on electricity usage according to a first aspect.

[0066] In a seventh aspect disclosed in this embodiment, the determination unit determines that the baseline is satisfied when the electricity consumption of the participant exceeds the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is higher than a predetermined range, or when the electricity consumption of the participant falls below the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is higher than a predetermined range. The present invention provides a system for granting rewards based on electricity usage according to a first aspect.

[0067] An eighth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is such that the determination unit makes a first achievement determination in either a case where the participant's power usage exceeds the baseline when the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that the supply is higher than a predetermined range, or a case where the participant's power usage falls below the baseline when the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that the demand is higher than a predetermined range, and makes a second achievement determination in a case where the participant's power usage exceeds the baseline when the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that the supply is higher than a predetermined range, and also when the participant's power usage falls below the baseline when the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that the demand is higher than a predetermined range. The present invention provides a system for granting rewards based on electricity usage according to a first aspect. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Power consumption reward system 2 participants 3 Participant terminals 4. Smart meters 5 External Computer 10. Computers

Claims

1. A system for awarding rewards based on electricity usage that encourages participants to change their behavior, a past status acquisition unit that acquires the past electricity usage and power supply unit price of the participant; a determination unit that determines a baseline for each participant based on the acquired past electricity usage amount and power source unit price; a current status acquisition unit that acquires the current electricity usage of the participant; a comparison unit that compares the acquired current electricity usage amount with the baseline; a determination unit that determines whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline; an awarding unit that awards a reward to the participant when the baseline is satisfied; A system that awards rewards based on electricity usage.

2. a baseline notification unit that notifies the participants of the determined baseline; The power usage-based reward system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. a message notification unit that, if the baseline is not satisfied, does not grant the benefit to the participant and notifies the participant of a predetermined message; The power usage-based reward system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. the determination unit determines that the baseline is satisfied when the amount of electricity used by the participant exceeds the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that the supply is higher than a predetermined range. The system for providing rewards according to electricity usage amounts according to claim 1 .

5. the determination unit determines that the baseline is satisfied when the amount of electricity used by the participant falls below the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that demand is higher than a predetermined range. The system for providing rewards according to electricity usage amounts according to claim 1 .

6. the determination unit determines that the baseline is satisfied when the amount of electricity usage by the participant exceeds the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that supply is higher than a predetermined range, and when the amount of electricity usage by the participant falls below the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that demand is higher than a predetermined range; The system for providing rewards according to electricity usage amounts according to claim 1 .

7. the determination unit determines that the baseline is satisfied when the amount of electricity used by the participant exceeds the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that supply is higher than a predetermined range, or when the amount of electricity used by the participant falls below the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that demand is higher than a predetermined range. The system for providing rewards according to electricity usage amounts according to claim 1 .

8. the determination unit makes a first achievement determination when the participant's power usage exceeds the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that supply is higher than a predetermined range, or when the participant's power usage falls below the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that demand is higher than a predetermined range, and makes a second achievement determination when the participant's power usage exceeds the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that supply is higher than a predetermined range, and when the participant's power usage falls below the baseline in a situation where the balance of supply and demand of electricity is such that demand is higher than a predetermined range, The system for providing rewards according to electricity usage amounts according to claim 1 .

9. A computer-implemented method for providing rewards according to electricity usage amounts to encourage participants to change their behavior, comprising: acquiring the participant's past electricity usage and power source unit price; determining a baseline for each participant based on the acquired past electricity usage and power source unit price; obtaining the participant's current electricity usage; comparing the acquired current electricity usage with the baseline; determining whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline; if the baseline is met, awarding a reward to the participant; A method for granting rewards according to electricity usage.

10. A computer that encourages participants to change their behavior. acquiring the participant's past electricity usage and power source unit price; determining a baseline for each participant based on the acquired past electricity usage and power source unit price; obtaining the participant's current electricity usage; comparing the acquired current electricity usage with the baseline; determining whether the comparison result satisfies the baseline; if the baseline is met, awarding a reward to the participant; A computer-readable program for executing the program.

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