Information processing apparatus

Abstract

To select an electric utility as a power supply source after a power consumer actually consumes power.SOLUTION: The first acquisition unit 41 acquires the electricity usage amount used in the facility 10 corresponding to one supply position number. The second acquisition unit 43 acquires a contract plan name and a control method in addition to one or more electric utility IDs corresponding to each supply point number. The distribution unit 44 distributes the electricity usage acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 to the plurality of electric utilities identified by the plurality of electric utility IDs acquired by the second acquisition unit 43.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for selecting an electric power supplier that supplies electric power to an electric power consumer. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to the so-called liberalization of the electricity market, the services and fee structures of electricity suppliers have become more diverse, and electricity consumers can now select an electricity supplier that suits them best from among multiple electricity suppliers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that compares the power supply conditions of multiple electricity suppliers with the power consumer's power usage conditions, selects the electricity supplier that is best suited to the electricity consumer, and notifies the electricity consumer and the selected electricity supplier of the selection result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-299248 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The mechanism described in Patent Document 1 selects an electric power supplier based on the power demand estimated before the power is consumed. In contrast, it would be convenient for power consumers if there was a mechanism that selects an electric power supplier after the power consumer has actually consumed the power, based on the amount of power that the consumer has actually consumed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has an object to enable an electric power consumer to select an electric power utility as an electric power supplier after actually consuming electric power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides an information processing device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires the amount of electricity usage used in a facility corresponding to one supply point number; a second acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of pieces of business operator identification information corresponding to the one supply point number from a storage device that stores the business operator identification information of a plurality of electric power companies in association with the one supply point number; and an allocation unit that allocates the amount of electricity usage acquired by the first acquisition unit to a plurality of electric power companies identified by the plurality of business operator identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible for an electric power consumer to select an electric power utility as a power supplier after actually consuming electric power. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the electricity transmission and distribution company server device 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a management server device 40 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a management server device 40 according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a management server device 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a management server device 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a management server device 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server device 40 according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a management server device 40 according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 1 includes a plurality of smart meters 11 installed in facilities 10 such as the homes and offices of users who are electricity consumers, a plurality of electric utility server devices 20 owned by electric utilities that have power generation facilities and engage in electricity retail business, a plurality of electricity transmission and distribution company server devices 30 owned by electric utility companies that transmit and distribute electricity generated by the power generation facilities of the electric utilities to each facility 10 via a power supply network (not shown), and a management server device 40 that functions as an example of the information processing device of the present invention.

[0010] The communication network 2 includes a wireless communication network or a wired communication network that communicatively connects the smart meters 11, the electric utility server devices 20, the power transmission and distribution company server devices 30, and the management server devices 40. Note that the numbers of facilities 10, smart meters 11, electric utility server devices 20, the power transmission and distribution company server devices 30, and the management server devices 40 shown in Fig. 1 are merely examples and are not limited to the numbers shown. Furthermore, each of the electric utility server devices 20, the power transmission and distribution company server devices 30, and the management server device 40 is not limited to being composed of a single computer, but may be composed of multiple computers.

[0011] The electric utility server device 20 manages various information related to the retail business of electricity, and the electricity transmission and distribution company server device 30 manages various information related to the business of transmitting and distributing electricity. In Japan, each facility 10 to which electricity is supplied is called a supply point, and the electric utility server device 20 and the electricity transmission and distribution company server device 30 identify each supply point by identification information called a supply point number.

[0012] The selection or change of the electric utility and the power transmission and distribution utility for each facility 10 is called switching. This switching is realized by a switching support system established by the electric utility and the power transmission and distribution utility.

[0013] One facility 10 is one unit of the entity of an electricity contract, and currently in Japan, it is assumed that only one electric utility is registered for one facility 10. The electric utility corresponding to each such facility 10 is registered by the electricity transmission and distribution business operator server device 30. In other words, in this embodiment, the electricity transmission and distribution business operator server device 30 corresponds to a storage device that stores business operator identification information of multiple electric utilities in association with one supply point number.

[0014] In contrast, in the present embodiment, multiple electric utilities are allowed to be registered for one supply point. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, electric utility IDs (identification information) of one or more electric utilities are registered in the electric utility server device 30 in association with one supply point number representing each facility 10. The electric utility server device 30 may also register the contract plan name, control method, etc. The management server device 40 has a function of instructing the electric utility and the electric utility transmission and distribution company, including the switching support system, to select one of the multiple electric utility companies registered for one supply point.

[0015] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the management server device 40. The management server device 40 is physically configured as a computer including a processor 4001, a memory 4002, a storage 4003, and a bus connecting these. In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the management server device 40 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the diagram, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0016] Each function in the management server device 40 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as a processor 4001 and a memory 4002, causing the processor 4001 to perform calculations, control communication via the communication device 4004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 4002 and the storage 4003.

[0017] The processor 4001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system, and may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc.

[0018] The processor 4001 reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 4003 and the communication device 4004 into the memory 4002, and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described below. The functional blocks of the management server device 40 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 4002 and running on the processor 4001. The various processes may be executed by one processor 4001, or may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 4001. The processor 4001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may be transmitted from the communication network 2 to the management server device 40 via a telecommunications line.

[0019] The memory 4002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured by, for example, at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory 4002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 4002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing the method according to this embodiment.

[0020] Storage 4003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be constituted by at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 4003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device.

[0021] The communication device 4004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for performing communication between computers via the communication network 2, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module.

[0022] Each device, such as the processor 4001 and the memory 4002, is connected by a bus for communicating information. The bus may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0023] Management server device 40 may also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, processor 4001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0024] 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the management server device 40. In the management server device 40, a processor 4001, a memory 4002, a storage 4003, and a communication device 4004 cooperate with each other to realize the functions of a first acquisition unit 41, a storage unit 42, a second acquisition unit 43, and a distribution unit 44.

[0025] The smart meter 11 of each facility 10 records the amount of electricity used by the electrical devices within that facility 10, and periodically transmits the recorded content together with the supply point number of that facility 10 to the management server device 40 or the like via the communication network 2. The first acquisition unit 41 acquires this recorded content. That is, the first acquisition unit 41 acquires the amount of electricity used in the facility 10 corresponding to one supply point number. The supply point number and the amount of electricity used acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 are stored in association with each other, as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0026] 4, the second acquisition unit 43 acquires the contents registered by the electricity transmission and distribution company server device 30, that is, one or more electric utility IDs corresponding to each supply point number, as well as the contract plan name, control method, etc. The contents acquired by the second acquisition unit 43 are stored in association with each other, as shown in FIG.

[0027] 4, the distribution unit 44 distributes the electricity usage amount acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 to multiple electricity utilities identified by one or more electricity utility IDs acquired by the second acquisition unit 43. For example, when one electricity utility is registered for one supply point number, the distribution unit 44 distributes all of the electricity usage amount for that one supply point number to that one electricity utility.

[0028] Furthermore, when multiple electric power suppliers are registered for one supply point number, the distribution unit 44 distributes the electricity usage of that one supply point number to the multiple electric power suppliers. There are multiple methods for this distribution, as described below.

[0029] (1) First, a method can be considered in which the allocation of electricity usage among multiple electric power suppliers is specified by the user each time an electricity bill is calculated. For example, the user specifies how electricity usage should be allocated among multiple electric power suppliers on a website or application program provided by management server device 40 each time an electricity bill is calculated. Allocation unit 44 allocates electricity usage among multiple electric power suppliers according to the specified content. According to this method, electricity usage can be allocated among multiple electric power suppliers in the allocation desired by the user each time.

[0030] (2) The distribution of electricity charges among multiple electric power suppliers may be determined in advance. Regarding the determination of the distribution, for example, a method in which a user specifies in advance how to distribute electricity usage among multiple electric power suppliers on a website or application program provided by management server device 40, or a method in which electricity usage is determined to be distributed equally among multiple electric power suppliers, can be considered.

[0031] For example, if you have contracts with three electricity suppliers, say, Electricity Supplier A, Electricity Supplier B, and Electricity Supplier C, you can allocate 30% of your electricity usage to Electricity Supplier A, 30% to Electricity Supplier B, and 40% to Electricity Supplier C. The ratio of electricity usage allocated to each electricity supplier can be determined arbitrarily. With this method, if you specify the desired allocation, your electricity usage can be allocated to multiple electricity suppliers according to that specification.

[0032] (3) It is also possible to consider a method of allocating electricity based on the fee schedules of a plurality of electric power companies so that the electricity rate corresponding to the amount of electricity usage acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 is the lowest.

[0033] In this case, in order for the distribution unit 44 to calculate the electricity fee according to the amount of electricity used, the storage unit 42 stores the fee structure for each contract plan of each electric utility company, as shown in Fig. 7. In the example of Fig. 7, the fee structure is illustrated as consisting of a basic fee and a metered fee, but this is not limiting. For example, there may be no basic fee, or a flat rate regardless of the amount of electricity used. Furthermore, the metered fee may be set in stages according to the amount of electricity used.

[0034] The distribution unit 44 distributes the electricity usage acquired for one supply point number using various distribution patterns, performs trial calculations for each distribution pattern by applying it to the fee structures of multiple electric power companies registered for that supply point number, and thereby identifies the distribution pattern that will result in the lowest electricity rate. Generally, in electricity contracts, the higher the electricity usage, the higher the electricity rate tends to be. This method takes into account the gradual increase in electricity rates and distributes the electricity usage among multiple electric power companies, making it possible to reduce the user's electricity usage.

[0035] (4) The distribution unit 44 may distribute the electricity to be supplied to the facility 10 according to the weather in the location where the electricity is generated. For example, when the weather is sunny, the situation for generating electricity through solar power is good, so an electric utility that generates electricity through solar power may be selected, and when the weather is not sunny, another electric utility that can generate electricity stably regardless of the weather may be selected.

[0036] To perform this allocation, the storage contents of storage unit 42 shown in Fig. 5 include the power generation method for each contract plan of each electric utility. Allocation unit 44 identifies the area where each electric utility generates power based on the electric utility ID of that electric utility, and obtains information about the weather in that area from a system that stores weather information, such as the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

[0037] If there is a solar-powered electricity utility among the multiple electricity utilities registered for a certain supply point number, the allocation unit 44 preferentially allocates the electricity usage acquired for that supply point number to that electricity utility during a time period when the weather in the area where that electricity utility generates electricity is suitable for solar power generation. On the other hand, if the weather in the area where the solar-powered electricity utility generates electricity is not suitable for solar power generation during a time period, the allocation unit 44 preferentially allocates the electricity usage acquired for that supply point number to electricity utilities that do not use solar power generation. Here, preferentially allocating electricity usage to a certain electricity utility can mean, for example, allocating all electricity usage to that electricity utility or allocating more electricity usage to that electricity utility than to other electricity utilities (the same applies in the following explanation). This allows for allocation of electricity usage in accordance with the user's wishes when a user wishes to use electricity generated using renewable energy.

[0038] (5) The distribution unit 44 may perform distribution according to the time period in which power is generated. For example, during the daytime, when there is a high possibility of power generation by solar power generation, electricity usage may be distributed preferentially to an electric utility that generates electricity by solar power during the daytime, and during the nighttime, electricity usage may be distributed preferentially to another electric utility that can generate electricity stably without relying on solar power.

[0039] To perform this allocation, the storage contents of the storage unit 42 shown in Fig. 5 include the power generation method for each contract plan of each electric utility. If there is an electric utility that uses solar power generation as its power generation method among multiple electric utilities registered for a certain supply point number, the allocation unit 44 preferentially allocates the electricity usage acquired for that supply point number to that electric utility during the daytime. This makes it possible to allocate electricity usage in accordance with the user's wishes when there is a user who wants to use electricity generated using renewable energy.

[0040] The above-mentioned distribution method may be the same for all supply points, or may be different for each supply point.

[0041] Next, we will explain the procedure when a user enters into electricity contracts with multiple electricity suppliers. As an example, we will explain the case where a user who has already signed a contract with electricity supplier A also enters into a contract with electricity supplier B.

[0042] First, the user applies for an electricity contract by notifying electric utility B of the supply point number etc. assigned to his / her facility 10. At this time, the user also notifies electric utility B of the method of allocating electricity usage to each electric utility.

[0043] When electric utility B receives this application, it uses the switching support system to request the transmission and distribution utility to add an electricity contract.

[0044] In response to this request, the electricity transmission and distribution company will inquire with its existing contract partner, electricity company A, about adding to its electricity contract.

[0045] Electricity Utilities A refers to the additional content of the electricity contract and confirms how electricity usage will be allocated to each electricity utility. If the content of the electricity contract between Electricity Utilities A and the user changes as a result of this additional electricity contract, Electricity Utilities A notifies the user of this and obtains their consent, and then notifies the electricity transmission and distribution utility of the additional electricity contract.

[0046] In response to this notification, the electricity transmission and distribution company updates the information stored in its own device (electricity company ID corresponding to the supply point number, contract plan name, control method, etc.).

[0047] The electricity transmission and distribution company then notifies electricity company B that the addition of the electricity contract has been completed. In response to this notification, electricity company B notifies the user that the electricity contract with electricity company B has begun. If user 1 wishes to enter into electricity contracts with three or more electricity companies, the same procedure as above can be repeated.

[0048] Next, the operation of management server device 40 in the case where one user has electricity contracts with multiple electric power companies will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The procedures of each process shown in Fig. 8 are written in a program stored in management server device 40.

[0049] First, the management server device 40 periodically acquires and stores data necessary for allocating electricity usage (step S11). Specifically, a first acquisition unit 41 of the management server device 40 acquires the amount of electricity usage used in the facility 10 from the smart meter 11 of the facility 10 corresponding to each supply point number via the communication network 2, and the storage unit 42 of the management server device 40 stores this (FIG. 5). Furthermore, a second acquisition unit 43 of the management server device 40 acquires one or more electric utility IDs, contract plan names, control methods, etc. corresponding to each supply point number from the electricity transmission and distribution company server device 30 via the communication network 2, and the storage unit 42 of the management server device 40 stores this (FIG. 6).

[0050] Next, management server device 40 determines whether the time has come to allocate the electricity usage (step S12). Specifically, if the current time is the time to calculate the electricity fee, allocating unit 44 of management server device 40 determines that the time has come to allocate the electricity usage, and if the current time is not the time to calculate the electricity fee, it determines that it is not the time to allocate the electricity usage.

[0051] When the management server device 40 determines that the time has come to allocate the electricity usage (step S12; YES), it performs allocation processing for allocating the electricity usage (step S13). Specifically, the allocation unit 44 allocates the electricity usage corresponding to one supply point number to one or more electricity utilities corresponding to that supply point number according to the allocation method described above. The allocation unit 44 notifies the electricity utility server device 20 and the electricity transmission and distribution company server device 30 of the allocated electricity usage together with the supply point number. The electricity utility server device 20 and the electricity transmission and distribution company server device 30 each calculates an electricity fee based on the notified allocation and performs predetermined processing to bill the user.

[0052] According to the embodiment described above, after a user actually consumes power, the user can select an electric utility company as a power supplier in accordance with various conditions.

[0053] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The above-described embodiment may be modified as follows. Furthermore, two or more of the following modifications may be combined and implemented.

[0054] [Variation 1] In the information processing system 1 according to the above embodiment, the management server device 40 is a computer device separate from the electric utility server device 20 and the electricity transmission and distribution company server device 30. However, the system configuration is not limited to this example, and the management server device 40 may be a computer device included in the electric utility server device 20 or the electricity transmission and distribution company server device 30. In this case, the electric utility server device 20 or the electricity transmission and distribution company server device 30, which includes the management server device 40, has a storage device that stores the company identification information of multiple electric utilities in association with one supply point number.

[0055] [Variation 2] It is conceivable that electricity usage can be allocated in units of, for example, 30 minutes or 60 minutes. Here, among the above-mentioned allocation methods (1) to (5), for example, in (3) allocation that minimizes electricity charges or (4) allocation based on weather, when allocating electricity usage in units of, for example, 3 hours, it is considered that allocating electricity usage in units of 30 minutes, which is a shorter period, requires a higher cost for calculations for allocation.

[0056] Therefore, one possible method is for the user to bear at least a portion of the cost required for allocating electricity usage according to the length of each unit of time for which that allocation is performed. To calculate such costs, data such as that shown in Fig. 9 is stored in the storage unit 42. In the example of Fig. 9, cost index values ​​of 10, 9, 8, 7, and 6 are stored in association with the lengths of each unit of time for which electricity usage is allocated: 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, and 12 hours. The cost index values ​​shown in Fig. 9 are values ​​that express the magnitude of the cost relatively, with larger values ​​indicating higher costs.

[0057] The length of one unit of time for allocating electricity usage can be arbitrarily determined by each user, and a fee according to the cost index value corresponding to one unit of time determined by the user is collected from the user along with the electricity bill. The fee collected according to the cost index value is then distributed to multiple electricity suppliers with which the user has an electricity contract (i.e., multiple electricity suppliers corresponding to the user's supply point number).

[0058] The following methods of distributing the fees collected according to the cost index values ​​are possible. For example, the fees collected according to the cost index values ​​may be distributed equally among multiple electric power utilities. Alternatively, the fees collected according to the cost index values ​​may be distributed according to the amount of electricity usage allocated to each electric power utility. For example, the greater the amount of electricity usage allocated to an electric power utility, the greater the fee distributed to that electric power utility. Alternatively, the fee distributed to an electric power utility whose power supply amount decreased before and after the allocation may be increased, or the fee distributed to an electric power utility whose power supply amount increased before and after the allocation may be increased. Alternatively, the fee may be distributed based on the allocation of electricity usage to an entity (for example, the administrator of management server device 40 or the electricity transmission and distribution utility) that performs the calculation related to the distribution of the fees. In other words, the method of distributing the fees can be determined arbitrarily.

[0059] As described above, the allocation unit 44 allocates electricity usage using a unit of time determined for each supply point number, and calculates the fee to be charged to the user corresponding to the supply point number according to the length of that unit. At this time, the allocation unit 44 calculates the fee as compensation to one of the multiple electric power companies or as compensation for the allocation. This makes it possible to allocate the fees collected from users to cover the costs required for allocating electricity usage.

[0060] [Variation 3] Demand response (DR) is a well-known method for matching the amount of electricity demand with the amount of electricity supply. This demand response can be divided into two types: downward DR, in which an electric utility requests electricity consumers to conserve electricity, and upward DR, in which an electric utility requests electricity consumers to use more electricity. However, since the relationship between electricity supply and demand differs depending on the power generation method used by each electric utility, there are electric utilities that issue demand response at the same time and electric utilities that do not issue demand response.

[0061] The distribution unit 44 may distribute the amount of electricity usage in accordance with a demand response, which is a request for saving or using electricity from each of a plurality of electric power utilities. Specifically, the distribution unit 44 preferentially distributes the amount of electricity usage to an electric power utility that has issued an upward DR, and does not preferentially distribute the amount of electricity usage to an electric power utility that has issued a downward DR. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of electricity usage to be distributed to each electric power utility in accordance with the electric power utility's request for saving or using electricity.

[0062] [Variation 4] When allocating electricity usage in accordance with the demand response, when concluding an electricity contract with a certain electric utility, the contract may be made to lower the electricity rate compared to a normal electricity contract, on the condition that electricity usage is allocated preferentially during demand response, and preferential allocation may be made in accordance with the contract. For example, if a user enters into an electricity contract with a certain electric utility that lowers the electricity rate on the condition that electricity usage is allocated preferentially during demand response, electricity usage will be allocated preferentially during periods when the electric utility issues an upward DR, and electricity usage will not be allocated preferentially during periods when the electric utility issues a downward DR, and the electricity rate structure will be lower than the normal rate structure.

[0063] As described above, the electricity rate system according to the amount of electricity usage when allocating the amount of electricity usage in accordance with requests for saving or using power may be a rate system that makes the electricity rate cheaper than the electricity rate system according to the amount of electricity usage when allocating the amount of electricity usage in accordance with requests for saving or using power. This reduces the electricity rate borne by users in accordance with the benefit to the electric utility that allocates the amount of electricity usage in accordance with requests for saving or using power.

[0064] [Variation 5] During the period when an upward DR is issued, electricity rates may be discounted, and the discount rate varies depending on the electricity supplier. Therefore, when requests for electricity use are made by multiple electricity suppliers at the same time, and electricity rates are discounted according to the electricity usage in response to the requests, the distribution unit 44 may distribute the electricity rates so that the discounted electricity rates are the lowest.

[0065] That is, as explained in the allocation method (3) in the embodiment, the storage unit 42 stores the fee structures for each contract plan of each electric utility company as shown in Fig. 7, and the allocation unit 44 allocates the discounted electricity usage amount for one supply point number using various allocation patterns, performs trial calculations for each allocation pattern by applying it to each fee structure of multiple electric utility companies registered for that supply point number, and thereby identifies the allocation pattern that will result in the lowest electricity rate. This further reduces the electricity rate borne by the user, in accordance with the benefit to the electric utility company that allocates electricity usage amount according to requests for power saving or use.

[0066] [Variation 6] In the electricity market, where electricity is traded, electric utilities purchase electricity in advance through futures contracts, and then purchase electricity to adjust demand based on demand forecasts in the day-ahead market (spot market) and the intraday market (hour-ahead market). However, the amount of trading done in the intraday market is small, and trading is limited to one hour before the electricity is used, so predicted and actual electricity demand rarely match perfectly. Furthermore, whether there is a surplus or shortage of contracted electricity, a penalty fee (imbalance fee) is incurred for the difference between the predicted and actual values.

[0067] In this modification, in addition to the above embodiment, and taking into account the above background, a period called a "post-adjustment period" is provided in which electricity usage can be allocated ex post based on actual power usage. During this period, the electric utility can request users to allocate their electricity usage among multiple electric utility companies, even after electricity has been used, in order to reduce the difference between the predicted and actual power demand. Furthermore, some kind of incentive is given to users who allocate their electricity usage in response to the request. This incentive may be, for example, a discount on electricity bills, or a special benefit such as points or coupons.

[0068] Assuming the above-mentioned system, it is conceivable that among multiple electric power utilities, there may be an electric power utility that does not want to implement ex-post allocation of electricity usage. For example, in a time period when the electric power that the electric power utility can supply is insufficient and a user is using electricity supplied by another electric power utility, ex-post allocation of electricity usage may result in a large difference between the predicted and actual power demand of the electric power utility, which may increase the penalty fee. Therefore, an electric power utility in such a situation may consider offering a discount on the electricity bill borne by the user for not implementing ex-post allocation of electricity usage.

[0069] In this way, when there is an electric utility that discounts electricity charges by not allocating electricity charges to other electric utility companies, the allocation unit 44 may allocate the amount of electricity usage so that the electricity charge after the discount is the lowest. That is, as explained in allocation method (3) in the embodiment, the storage unit 42 stores the fee structures for each contract plan of each electric utility company as shown in Fig. 7, and the allocation unit 44 allocates the amount of electricity usage after the discount for one supply point number using various allocation patterns, performs trial calculations for each allocation pattern by applying it to each fee structure of multiple electric utility companies registered for that supply point number, and thereby identifies the allocation pattern that will result in the lowest electricity charge.

[0070] Furthermore, the amount of such electricity charge discount may vary during the ex-post adjustment period in accordance with instructions from the electric utility. For example, if the difference between the predicted and actual power demand falls below a certain threshold, i.e., becomes sufficiently small, at a certain point during the ex-post adjustment period, the difference may increase if electricity usage is allocated thereafter. Therefore, the amount of discount may be reduced based on instructions from the electric utility. On the other hand, if the difference between the predicted and actual power demand exceeds the threshold, i.e., becomes sufficiently large, even though there is only a short time left in the ex-post adjustment period, it may be possible to reduce the difference even slightly by allocating electricity usage thereafter. Therefore, in this case, the amount of discount may be increased based on instructions from the electric utility. According to this modification, a discount on a user's electricity charge can be provided in accordance with the benefits to an electric utility that does not wish to allocate electricity usage.

[0071] [Other variations] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are connected directly or indirectly (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining the single device or the multiple devices with software.

[0072] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, assessment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, election, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0073] For example, the management server device 40 in an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the processing of the present disclosure.

[0074] Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be applied to at least one of systems using LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (New Radio), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other appropriate systems, and next-generation systems extended based on these. Furthermore, a combination of multiple systems (e.g., a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G, etc.) may also be applied.

[0075] Furthermore, the order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0076] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be sent to another device.

[0077] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0078] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0079] Software, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise, shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc. Additionally, software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then such wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of a transmission medium.

[0080] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof. In addition, terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0081] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

[0082] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0083] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0084] The "unit" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "means," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0085] When used in this disclosure, the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0086] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0087] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different." [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1: Information processing system, 2: Communication network, 10: Facility, 11: Smart meter, 20: Electric utility server device, 30: Power transmission and distribution utility management server device, 40: Management server device, 41: First acquisition unit, 42: Memory unit, 43: Second acquisition unit, 44: Distribution unit, 4001: Processor, 4002: Memory, 4003: Storage, 4004: Communication device.

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires an amount of electricity used in a facility corresponding to the first supply point number; a second acquisition unit that acquires, from a storage device that stores business operator identification information of a plurality of electric power companies in association with the one supply point number, the plurality of business operator identification information corresponding to the one supply point number; an allocating unit that allocates the electricity usage amount acquired by the first acquiring unit to a plurality of electric power companies identified by the plurality of pieces of company identification information acquired by the second acquiring unit; An information processing device comprising:

2. The distribution unit performs the distribution depending on the weather at a location where the power to be supplied to the facility is generated.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The allocating unit performs the allocating operation based on the fee schedules of the plurality of electric power companies so as to minimize the electricity rate according to the amount of electricity usage acquired by the first acquiring unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

4. the distribution unit performs the distribution with a time determined for each supply point number as one unit, Calculate the cost to be charged to the user corresponding to the supply point number according to the length of the one unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The allocating unit calculates the cost as a consideration for one of the plurality of electric power companies or as a consideration for the calculation.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The distribution unit performs the distribution in response to a request for saving or using power from each of the plurality of electric power suppliers.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. When the amount of electricity usage is allocated in accordance with the request for saving or using power, the electricity rate system according to the amount of electricity usage acquired by the first acquisition unit is a rate system in which the electricity rate is lower than the electricity rate system according to the amount of electricity usage acquired by the first acquisition unit in a case in which the amount of electricity usage is not allocated in accordance with the request for saving or using power.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,

8. When requests for the use of electricity from the plurality of electric power suppliers are made at the same time, the electricity rate is discounted according to the use of electricity in response to the requests, The distribution unit performs the distribution so that the electricity fee after the discount is the lowest.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,

9. When there is an electric utility that offers discounts on electricity charges by not allocating electricity charges to other electric utilities, The distribution unit performs the distribution so that the electricity fee after the discount is the lowest.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

10. The amount of the discount will vary depending on the instructions of the electric utility company.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9,

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