Plan providing apparatus, plan providing method, and plan providing program

Abstract

To provide a flat rate charge plan suitable for each user.SOLUTION: A plan providing device for providing an electricity rate plan includes a specification part for specifying a flat rate on the basis of an electricity rate or power consumption in a past predetermined period of a user, and a provision part for providing an electricity rate plan including the specified flat rate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a plan providing device, a plan providing method, and a plan providing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric power companies offer a variety of electricity rate plans to users, and each user selects an appropriate plan based on their own judgment. Among these plans, flat-rate plans are plans in which a fixed rate is charged up to a certain amount of electricity usage, and when the amount of electricity usage exceeds the fixed amount, the user is charged on a pay-as-you-go basis.

[0003] With such a flat-rate plan, even if there are fluctuations in electricity usage from month to month, unless there is a significant increase, the electricity fee paid by the user will be fixed each month, which has the advantage of making it easier for users to plan their income and expenditures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-102655 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the flat-rate plans offered by each power company are not custom-made for each user, and therefore the flat-rate plans offered may not be appropriate for each user.

[0006] One aspect is to provide flat-rate plans that suit each user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect is a plan providing device that provides an electricity rate plan, an identification unit that identifies a flat rate based on the user's electricity charges or electricity usage over a predetermined period in the past; and a provider that provides an electricity rate plan that includes the specified flat rate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide flat-rate plans suited to each user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of an application scene of a plan providing device. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of a simulation before purchasing a plan. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of a simulation before purchasing a plan. [Figure 2C] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing an example of a simulation before purchasing a plan. [Figure 2D] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing an example of a simulation before purchasing a plan. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of verification of a flat rate. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of an application scene of the plan providing device. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of calculation of actual electricity charges after purchasing a plan. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of calculation of actual electricity charges after purchasing a plan. [Figure 5C] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing an example of calculation of actual electricity charges after purchasing a plan. [Figure 5D] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing an example of calculation of actual electricity charges after purchasing a plan. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of verification of a flat rate. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing an example of an application scene of the plan providing device. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing an example of a simulation after purchasing a plan. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of a simulation after purchasing a plan. [Figure 8C] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing an example of a simulation after purchasing a plan. [Figure 8D] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing an example of a simulation after purchasing a plan. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing an example of verification of a flat rate. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a plan providing device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a plan providing device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a comparison graph. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a plan providing process by the plan providing device. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an actual electricity rate calculation process performed by the plan providing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] [First embodiment] <Plan provision device application scene 1> First, an application scene 1 of the plan providing device according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of an application scene of the plan providing device, illustrating the situation before a user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan provided by a plan providing device 140.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, before purchasing an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140, the user 111 receives an electricity supply service from the electric power company 120. At this time, the electricity supplied from the electric power company 120 to the company 110 to which the user 111 belongs is assumed to be electricity derived from non-renewable energy. Electricity derived from non-renewable energy refers to electricity derived from energy fueled by buried resources such as fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, etc.) and uranium.

[0013] Under these circumstances, an electric power company operator 130 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy acquires information indicating the current electricity usage status from a user 111 and inputs it into a plan providing device 140. Electricity derived from renewable energy refers to electricity derived from solar, geophysical, and biological sources, and derived from energy that is replenished by nature at a rate faster than it can be used.

[0014] Furthermore, information indicating the current state of power usage includes, for example, the electricity charges paid by user 111 for each month over the past year, the amount of power usage by business operator 110 for each month over the past year, etc. However, the electricity charges and power usage amounts acquired by business operator 130 from user 111 do not need to be for all months over the past year, but may be the electricity charges and power usage amounts for some months (that is, the electricity charges and power usage amounts for some months over a predetermined period in the past). When the electricity charges and power usage amounts for some months are acquired, the electricity charges and power usage amounts for the remaining months that could not be acquired are supplemented from the acquired electricity charges and power usage amounts for some months using a coefficient predetermined for each month.

[0015] This allows the business operator 130 to obtain the electricity charges or power usage amounts for each month for the past year. When the business operator 130 obtains the electricity charges for each month for the past year, the business operator 130 converts them into power usage amounts and inputs them together with the electricity charges into the plan providing device 140. When the business operator 130 obtains the power usage amounts for each month for the past year, the business operator 130 converts them into electricity charges and inputs them together with the power usage amounts into the plan providing device 140.

[0016] The plan providing device 140 provides electricity rate plans for electricity derived from renewable energy based on the electricity charges and electricity usage amounts for each month of the past year input by the business operator 130. The electricity rate plans provided by the plan providing device 140 according to the first embodiment are as follows: A flat rate adjusted based on your monthly electricity usage for the past year. The electricity usage amount for the same month of the previous year is set as the upper limit, and if the user 111 uses electricity derived from renewable energy sources in excess of the upper limit of electricity usage, the user 111 will be charged on a pay-as-you-go basis. The user 111 purchases a solar power generation facility and a power storage facility for storing the solar power generated but not consumed by the business operator 110. This is an electricity rate plan that assumes the following.

[0017] When providing an electricity rate plan, the plan providing device 140 performs a simulation in advance based on the electricity usage amount for each month of the past year input by the sales agent 130, and verifies the appropriateness of the flat rate amount to be included in the electricity rate plan. Note that when performing the simulation, it may be assumed that the electricity usage amount will be the same as the electricity usage amount for each month of the past year, or that the electricity usage amount will be different from the electricity usage amount for each month of the past year.

[0018] If it is verified that the flat rate amount is valid, the plan providing device 140 generates an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy, including the verified flat rate amount, and outputs it to the terminal 131 of the salesperson 130. This allows the salesperson 130 to present the electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy to the user 111. Furthermore, the salesperson 130 can recommend switching from the power company 120 that supplies electricity derived from non-renewable energy to an electricity company that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0019] <Simulation example> Next, a specific example of a simulation that the plan providing device 140 executes before an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy is purchased by the user 111 will be described. Figures 2A to 2D are first to fourth diagrams showing examples of a simulation before purchasing a plan.

[0020] (1) Simulation example 1 before purchasing a plan Of these, FIG. 2A is a simulation example for January, which is a simulation example assuming the same amount of power consumption as in the same month of the previous year.

[0021] 2A, simulation example 210 includes, as information items, "month," "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year," "power usage limit," "predicted power usage (simulation)," "flat rate," and "power amount for flat rate." Simulation example 210 also includes, as information items, "predicted power usage from renewable energy," "predicted power usage from solar power and storage," "predicted excess power usage," "predicted metered rate," and "predicted monthly fee."

[0022] The month to be simulated is entered in "Month." The example in Figure 2A shows how "January" has been entered.

[0023] The "actual power usage amount for the same month of the previous year" is input with the amount of power usage of non-renewable energy used by the business operator 110 in the same month of the previous year that is the subject of the simulation. The value input to the "actual power usage amount for the same month of the previous year" is a value obtained by the business operator 130 from the user 111, or a value calculated based on a value obtained by the business operator 130 from the user 111, and the example in Figure 2A shows that "x1" has been input.

[0024] The "power usage limit" is entered with the power usage amount that is the boundary between whether or not the power usage will be subject to pay-as-you-go billing. As mentioned above, the value entered in the "actual power usage amount for the same month last year" is entered as is in the "power usage limit". The example in Figure 2A shows how "x1" is entered.

[0025] A simulated value of power usage for "January" of this year is input to "Predicted Power Usage (Simulation)". The example in FIG. 2A shows how "Y1" is input. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that "x1" = "Y1".

[0026] The flat rate amount to be included in the electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy is input in "Flat Rate." During the simulation, the amount input in "Flat Rate" is adjusted through verification, which will be described later, to identify a flat rate appropriate for user 111. The example in FIG. 2A shows how "FP0" is input.

[0027] The amount of electricity corresponding to the amount entered in "Flat rate" is entered in "Electricity amount for flat rate." The amount of electricity corresponding to the amount entered in "Flat rate" is calculated, for example, by dividing the amount entered in "Flat rate" by the unit price of the electricity rate. The example in Figure 2A shows how "W0" is entered.

[0028] The "predicted power usage of renewable energy" is input with the simulated value of the power usage of electricity derived from renewable energy, out of the simulation values ​​input with the "predicted power usage (simulation)". The power usage of electricity derived from renewable energy is calculated, for example, by subtracting the simulation value input with the "predicted power usage of solar power + storage," which will be described later, from the simulation value input with the "predicted power usage (simulation)". The example in Figure 2A shows how "W1" is input.

[0029] The "projected power usage from solar power and power storage" field is input with a simulated power usage value for the power that the business operator 110 will use in "January" of this year, out of the power that will be supplied by the solar power self-generation equipment and power storage equipment purchased by the user 111. The simulated value is input with an upper limit based on, for example, the specifications of the solar power self-generation equipment and power storage equipment to be installed at the business operator 110, the area where the equipment will be installed (business area of ​​the business operator 110), and the month of use. The example in FIG. 2A shows how "w1" has been input. Note that there is a relationship of Y1=W1+w1.

[0030] The "Predicted Excess Power Usage" field is the simulated value entered in the "Predicted Renewable Energy Power Usage" field that exceeds the power usage entered in the "Power Usage Limit." The example in Figure 2A shows the input of "E1." Note that the relationship is E1 = W1 - x1 (however, if the calculation result is zero or less, all values ​​become zero).

[0031] The "Predicted Pay-As-You-Go Charge" field is populated with the amount calculated by multiplying the amount of power usage entered in the "Predicted Excess Power Usage" field by the unit price of power usage when billed on a pay-as-you-go basis. The example in Figure 2A shows how "P1" has been entered.

[0032] The "Predicted Monthly Fee" is entered as the sum of the amount entered in the "Flat Rate" and the amount entered in the "Predicted Pay-As-You-Go" field. The example in Figure 2A shows how "D1" has been entered.

[0033] 2A, reference numeral 211 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "January" is "x1", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "January" is "x1".

[0034] Furthermore, since the "predicted power usage (simulation)" for "January" is "Y1" and "Y1" = "x1", the height of the graph for "Y1" and the height of the graph for "x1" are equal in reference number 211.

[0035] Also, as mentioned above, since the relationship Y1=W1+w1 holds, in reference numeral 211, when the graph of "W1" and the graph of "w1" are arranged vertically, the height is equal to the height of the graph of "Y1".

[0036] Here, when focusing on the relationship between "W0" input in "electricity amount for fixed charge" and "W1" input in "projected electricity usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 211 shows that there is a relationship of "W0" > "W1". This means that the business operator 110 will not use up the amount of electricity for the fixed charge (the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy). Therefore, the amount of money corresponding to the amount of electricity "W0" - "W1" (see reference numeral 211_1) shown in reference numeral 211 will be in the black for the electric power business operator 410 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0037] Also, in FIG. 2A, reference numeral 212 illustrates the fee to be paid by user 111. As described above, the "predicted renewable energy power usage" for "January" is "W1," which does not exceed the power usage upper limit "x1." Therefore, "E1," the "predicted excess power usage," is zero, and "P1," the "predicted metered fee," is also zero. Therefore, "D1," the "predicted monthly fee," is equal to "FP0," the "flat rate." In other words, as shown by reference numeral 212, the height of the graph for "P1" is zero, and the height of the graph for "FP0" is equal to the height of the graph for "D1."

[0038] (2) Simulation example 2 before purchasing a plan FIG. 2B is an example of a simulation for February, which is based on the assumption that the amount of power consumption is higher than that of the same month of the previous year.

[0039] The information items in simulation example 220 in Fig. 2B are the same as the information items in simulation example 210 in Fig. 2A, and therefore will not be described here. However, the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 220 in Fig. 2B are different from the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 210 in Fig. 2A, and therefore the values ​​entered into each information item will be described below.

[0040] The example in Figure 2B shows a state in which "February" is entered in "Month", "x2" is entered in "Actual power usage amount for the same month last year", "x2" is entered in "Upper power usage limit", and "Y2" is entered in "Predicted power usage amount (simulation)". Note that in the first embodiment, it is assumed that "x2"<"Y2".

[0041] The example in Figure 2B shows that "FP0" is entered in "Flat rate", "W0" is entered in "Amount of power for flat rate", "W2" is entered in "Predicted power usage from renewable energy", and "w2" is entered in "Predicted power usage from solar power + storage". Note that the relationship is Y2 = W2 + w2.

[0042] The example in Figure 2B shows that "E2" has been entered in the "Predicted Excess Power Usage" field. Note that the relationship is E2 = W2 - x2 (however, if the calculation result is zero or less, all values ​​will be set to zero).

[0043] The example in FIG. 2B also shows that "P2" has been entered in "Predicted metered charge" and "D2" has been entered in "Predicted monthly charge."

[0044] 2B, reference numeral 221 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "February" is "x2", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "February" is "x2".

[0045] Furthermore, since the "Predicted power usage (simulation)" for "February" is "Y2" and "Y2" > "x2", the height of the graph for "Y2" in reference number 221 is higher than the height of the graph for "x2".

[0046] Also, as mentioned above, since the relationship Y2=W2+w2 holds, in reference numeral 221, when the graphs of "W2" and "w2" are arranged vertically, the height is equal to the height of the graph of "Y2".

[0047] Here, when attention is paid to the relationship between "W0" input in "amount of power for fixed charge" and "W2" input in "predicted power usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 221 indicates that there is a relationship of "W0" > "W2". This means that the business operator 110 will not use up the amount of power for the fixed charge (the amount of power derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 221, the amount corresponding to the amount of power "W0" - "W2" (see reference numeral 221_1) is a surplus for the power business operator 410 that supplies power derived from renewable energy.

[0048] Also, in FIG. 2B, reference numeral 222 illustrates the fee to be paid by user 111. As described above, the "predicted renewable energy power usage" for "February" is "W2," which does not exceed the power usage upper limit "x2," so "E2," the "predicted excess power usage," is zero, and "P2," the "predicted metered fee," is also zero. Therefore, "D2," the "predicted monthly fee," is equal to "FP0," the "flat rate." In other words, as shown by reference numeral 222, the height of the graph for "P2" is zero, and the height of the graph for "FP0" and the height of the graph for "D2" are equal.

[0049] (3) Simulation example 3 before purchasing a plan Figure 2C is an example of a simulation for March, which assumes electricity consumption that is significantly higher than that of the same month of the previous year.

[0050] The information items in simulation example 230 in Fig. 2C are the same as the information items in simulation example 210 in Fig. 2A, and therefore will not be described here. However, the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 230 in Fig. 2C are different from the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 210 in Fig. 2A, and therefore the values ​​entered into each information item will be described below.

[0051] The example in Fig. 2C shows a state in which "March" is entered in "Month", "x3" is entered in "Actual power usage amount in the same month of the previous year", "x3" is entered in "Upper power usage limit", and "Y3" is entered in "Predicted power usage amount (simulation)". Note that in the first embodiment, it is assumed that "x3" << "Y3".

[0052] The example in Figure 2C shows that "FP0" is entered in "Flat rate", "W0" is entered in "Amount of power for flat rate", "W3" is entered in "Predicted renewable energy power usage", and "w3" is entered in "Predicted solar + storage power usage". Note that the relationship is Y3 = W3 + w3.

[0053] 2C shows an example in which "E3" has been entered in the "predicted excess power usage amount." Note that the relationship is E3=W3-x3.

[0054] The example in FIG. 2C also shows that "P3" has been entered in the "predicted pay-as-you-go fee" and "D3" has been entered in the "predicted monthly fee."

[0055] 2C, reference numeral 231 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "March" is "x3", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "March" is "x3".

[0056] Furthermore, since the "Predicted Power Usage (Simulation)" for "March" is set to "Y3" and "Y3" >> "x3", the height of the graph for "Y3" in reference number 231 is significantly higher than the height of the graph for "x3".

[0057] Also, as mentioned above, since Y3=W3+w3, in the case of reference numeral 231, when the graph of "W3" and the graph of "w3" are arranged vertically, the height is equal to the height of the graph of "Y3".

[0058] Here, when we focus on the relationship between "W0" entered in "electricity amount for fixed charge" and "W3" entered in "projected electricity usage of renewable energy," the example of reference numeral 231 indicates that there is a relationship of "W0" < "W3." This means that the business operator 110 uses an amount of electricity that is greater than the amount of electricity for the fixed charge (the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 231, the amount of electricity that falls below the upper limit of electricity usage (see reference numeral 231_1) of the amount of electricity "W3" - "W0" results in a deficit for the electric power business operator 410 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0059] Furthermore, when attention is paid to the relationship between "x3" input in "Upper limit of power usage" and "W3" input in "Predicted power usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 231 indicates that there is a relationship of "x3" < "W3". As described above, there is a relationship of E3 = W3 - x3, and when "x3" < "W3", then "E3" > 0 (see reference numeral 231_2). This means that the user 111 will be charged on a pay-as-you-go basis.

[0060] Also, in FIG. 2C, reference numeral 232 illustrates the fee to be paid by user 111. As described above, the "predicted renewable energy power usage" for "March" is "W3," which exceeds the power usage upper limit "x3." Therefore, "E3," the "predicted excess power usage," is greater than zero, and "P3," the "predicted metered fee," is also greater than zero. Therefore, "D3," the "predicted monthly fee," is greater than "FP0," the "flat rate." Specifically, as shown by reference numeral 232, the height of the graph for "P3" is greater than zero, and the height obtained by adding the height of the graph for "FP0" and the height of the graph for "P3" is the height of the graph for "D3."

[0061] (4) Simulation example 4 before purchasing a plan FIG. 2D shows an example of a simulation for April, which is based on the same power consumption as in the same month of the previous year.

[0062] The information items in simulation example 240 in Fig. 2D are the same as the information items in simulation example 210 in Fig. 2A, and therefore will not be described here. However, the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 240 in Fig. 2D are different from the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 210 in Fig. 2A, and therefore the values ​​entered into each information item will be described below.

[0063] The example in Fig. 2D shows a state in which "April" is entered in "Month", "x4" is entered in "Actual power usage in the same month of the previous year", "x4" is entered in "Upper power usage limit", and "Y4" is entered in "Predicted power usage (simulation)". Note that in the first embodiment, it is assumed that "x4" = "Y4".

[0064] The example in Figure 2D shows that "FP0" is entered in "Flat rate", "W0" is entered in "Amount of power for flat rate", "W4" is entered in "Predicted renewable energy power usage", and "w4" is entered in "Predicted solar + storage power usage". Note that the relationship is Y4 = W4 + w4.

[0065] The example in Figure 2D shows that "E4" has been entered in the "Predicted Excess Power Usage" field. Note that the relationship is E4 = W4 - x4 (however, if the calculation result is zero or less, all values ​​will be set to zero).

[0066] The example in FIG. 2D also shows that "P4" has been entered in "Predicted metered charge" and "D4" has been entered in "Predicted monthly charge."

[0067] 2D, reference numeral 241 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "April" is "x4", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "April" is "x4".

[0068] Furthermore, since the "predicted power usage (simulation)" for "April" is "Y4" and "Y4" = "x4", the height of the graph for "Y4" in reference number 241 is equal to the height of the graph for "x4".

[0069] Also, as mentioned above, since Y4=W4+w4, in the case of reference numeral 241, when the graphs of "W4" and "w4" are arranged vertically, the height is equal to the height of the graph of "Y4".

[0070] Here, when we focus on the relationship between "W0" entered in "electricity amount for fixed charge" and "W4" entered in "projected electricity usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 241 shows that there is a relationship of "W0" < "W4". This means that the business operator 110 uses an amount of electricity that is greater than the amount of electricity for the fixed charge (the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 241, the amount corresponding to the amount of electricity "W4" - "W0" (see reference numeral 241_1) is a deficit for the electric power business operator 410 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0071] Also, in FIG. 2D, reference numeral 242 illustrates the fee to be paid by user 111. As described above, the "predicted renewable energy power usage" for "April" is "W4," which does not exceed the power usage upper limit of "x4," so "E4," the "predicted excess power usage," is zero, and "P4," the "predicted metered fee," is also zero. Therefore, "D4," the "predicted monthly fee," is equal to "FP0," the "flat rate." In other words, as shown by reference numeral 242, the height of the graph for "P4" is zero, and the height of the graph for "FP0" and the height of the graph for "P4" are equal.

[0072] <Example of verification of predicted electricity charges and flat-rate charges> Next, a verification example of a flat rate that was verified based on a simulation by the plan providing device 140 before the electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy was provided to the user 111 will be described.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a first diagram showing a verification example of a flat rate. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 310 indicates a graph of the "actual power usage amount in the same month of the previous year" for the past year. As described above, "x1" to "x 12 " is a value that the salesperson 130 obtains from the user, or a value that the salesperson 130 calculates based on the value that the salesperson 130 obtains from the user.

[0074] Furthermore, reference numeral 320 is a graph of the electricity charges that the user 111 actually paid to the electric power company 120 over the past year. As described above, the electricity charges that the user 111 actually paid to the electric power company 120 over the past year are values ​​that the sales agent 130 obtained from the user, or values ​​calculated based on values ​​that the sales agent 130 obtained from the user. If the user 111 paid the electric power company 120 an electricity charge based on the amount of electricity used, rather than a flat rate, the electricity charge shown by reference numeral 320 would be an amount based on the average value (dotted line) of the user 111's electricity usage over the past year.

[0075] On the other hand, reference numeral 330 indicates the predicted electricity charge of the user 111 calculated based on the simulation by the plan providing device 140. As shown by reference numeral 330, the predicted electricity charge is calculated by ("FP0" which is a "flat rate") x 12 months + ("P1" to "P" which are "predicted metered charges") x 12 months. 12 ")

[0076] In this way, the plan providing device 140 -Power consumption of business 110 for the past year, The electricity bill that the user 111 actually paid to the power company 120 in the past year; A simulated forecast of electricity bills based on user 111's electricity usage over the past year; The electricity rate plan visualized by comparing the two is provided to the user 111.

[0077] Also, in FIG. 3, reference numeral 340 is a graph showing the difference in the amount of electricity between the "amount of electricity for the fixed fee" and the "predicted amount of electricity usage from renewable energy" over 12 months, calculated during the simulation.

[0078] 3, reference numeral 350 indicates the sum of the difference in the amount of electricity between the "amount of electricity for the flat rate charge" and the "predicted amount of electricity usage from renewable energy" over 12 months. If the sum > 0, the power company 410 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy will have a surplus for the year, and therefore the sum indicated by reference numeral 350 can be said to be a verification result that verifies that the flat rate charge adjusted during the simulation is an appropriate amount.

[0079] The example in Figure 3 shows that the flat rate adjusted during the simulation was a reasonable rate because the sum > 0. Note that the predicted electricity rate shown by reference numeral 330 is an amount calculated based on a custom-made flat rate adjusted for each user so that the sum > 0 during the simulation.

[0080] That is, according to the plan providing device 140, A custom-made electricity rate that is lower than the electricity rate that the user 111 actually paid to the electric power company 120 in the past year can be shown to the user 111 as a predicted electricity rate. -It can show the predicted electricity tariffs that will result in an annual surplus for power companies supplying electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0081] <Application scene 2 of the plan providing device> Next, an application scene 2 of the plan providing device 140 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a second diagram showing an example of an application scene of the plan providing device, and shows the situation after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140.

[0082] 4, after purchasing an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140, the user 111 receives an electricity supply service from the electric power company 410. The electricity supplied from the electric power company 410 to the business operator 110 is electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0083] Here, the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140 after the business operator 110 has installed a solar-powered private power generation facility and a power storage facility for storing the privately generated electricity not consumed by the business operator 110. In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, at the time the user 111 purchases the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140, the business operator 110 has already installed a solar-powered private power generation facility and a power storage facility for storing the electricity not consumed by the business operator 110.

[0084] 4, the power company 410 transmits the "actual power usage amount of renewable energy" to the plan providing device 140. The plan providing device 140 calculates the actual electricity fee based on the "actual power usage amount of renewable energy" and charges the user 111.

[0085] <Actual electricity charge calculation example> Next, a description will be given of an example of calculation of an actual electricity charge by the plan providing device 140 after an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy is purchased by the user 111. Figures 5A to 5D are first to fourth diagrams showing an example of calculation of an actual electricity charge after purchasing a plan.

[0086] (1) Example 1 of calculation of actual electricity charges after purchasing a plan Of these, FIG. 5A is an example of calculating the actual electricity charge for January, which is an example of calculating the actual electricity charge when the amount of electricity used is the same as that of the same month of the previous year.

[0087] 5A, actual electricity charge calculation example 510 includes, as information items, "month," "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year," "power usage limit," "estimated power usage," "flat rate," and "power amount for flat rate." Also, actual electricity charge calculation example 510 includes, as information items, "actual power usage of renewable energy," "estimated power usage of solar power + storage," "actual excess power usage," "actual metered rate," and "actual monthly rate."

[0088] The month for which the billing is to be made is entered in "Month." The example in Figure 5A shows how "January" has been entered.

[0089] The "actual power usage amount for the same month of the previous year" is entered as the amount of power usage of non-renewable energy used by the business operator 110 in the same month of the previous year for which the bill is being billed. The value entered in the "actual power usage amount for the same month of the previous year" is a value obtained by the business operator 130 from the user 111, or a value calculated based on a value obtained by the business operator 130 from the user 111, and the example in Figure 5 shows the state in which "x1" has been entered.

[0090] The "power usage limit" is entered with the power usage amount that is the boundary between whether or not the power usage will be subject to pay-as-you-go billing. As mentioned above, the value entered in the "actual power usage amount for the same month last year" is entered as is in the "power usage limit". The example in Figure 5A shows how "x1" has been entered.

[0091] The estimated power usage for "January" of this year is input in "Estimated power usage." The example in FIG. 5A shows how "Y'1" is input. The estimated power usage is the sum of the "actual power usage of renewable energy" and the "estimated power usage of solar power + storage." In the first embodiment, it is assumed that "x1" = "Y'1."

[0092] The flat rate amount included in the electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy is entered in "Flat Rate." The example in Figure 5A shows how "FP0" has been entered.

[0093] The amount of electricity corresponding to the amount entered in "Flat rate" is entered in "Electricity amount for flat rate." The amount of electricity corresponding to the amount entered in "Flat rate" is calculated, for example, by dividing the amount entered in "Flat rate" by the unit price of the electricity rate. The example in Figure 5A shows how "W0" is entered.

[0094] The actual value of the amount of power usage of electricity derived from renewable energy is input to the "actual amount of power usage of renewable energy." The example in Fig. 5A shows how "W'1" is input.

[0095] The "estimated power usage from solar power and storage" field is input with an estimated power usage amount for the power used by the business operator 110 in "January" of this year, out of the power provided by the solar power private power generation equipment and power storage equipment purchased by the user 111. The estimated value is estimated, for example, with an upper limit based on the specifications of the solar power private power generation equipment and power storage equipment installed at the business operator 110, the area where the equipment is installed (business area of ​​the business operator 110), and the month of use. The example in FIG. 5A shows how "w'1" has been input. As mentioned above, there is a relationship Y'1 = W'1 + w'1.

[0096] The "actual excess power usage" field is the actual value entered in the "actual renewable energy power usage" that exceeds the power usage entered in the "power usage limit." The example in Figure 5A shows how "E'1" has been entered. Note that the relationship is E'1 = W'1 - x1 (however, if the calculation result is zero or less, all values ​​become zero).

[0097] The "Actual Pay-As-You-Go Charge" is entered with the amount calculated by multiplying the amount of power usage entered in the "Actual Excess Power Usage" by the unit price of power usage that would be charged on a pay-as-you-go basis. The example in Figure 5A shows how "P'1" has been entered.

[0098] The "Actual Monthly Fee" is entered as the sum of the amount entered in the "Flat Rate" and the amount entered in the "Actual Pay-As-You-Go" field. The example in Figure 5A shows that "D'1" has been entered.

[0099] 5A, reference numeral 511 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "January" is "x1", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "January" is "x1".

[0100] Furthermore, the "estimated power usage" for "January" is "Y'1", and since "Y'1" = "x1", in reference numeral 511, the height of the graph for "Y'1" is equal to the height of the graph for "x1".

[0101] Also, as mentioned above, since Y'1 = W'1 + w'1, when the graph of "W'1" and the graph of "w'1" are arranged vertically in symbol 511, the height is equal to the height of the graph of "Y'1".

[0102] Here, when attention is paid to the relationship between "W0" input in "amount of power for fixed charge" and "W'1" input in "predicted power usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 511 shows that there is a relationship of "W0" > "W'1". This means that the business operator 110 did not use up the amount of power for the fixed charge (the amount of power derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 511, the amount corresponding to the amount of power "W0" - "W'1" (see reference numeral 511_1) is a surplus for the power business operator 410 that supplies power derived from renewable energy.

[0103] Also, in FIG. 5A, reference numeral 512 illustrates the fee paid by user 111. As described above, the "actual power usage of renewable energy" for "January" is "W'1", which does not exceed the power usage upper limit "x1", so "E'1", the "actual excess power usage", is zero, and "P'1", the "actual metered fee", is also zero. Therefore, "D'1", the "actual monthly fee", is equal to "FP0", the "flat rate". In other words, as shown by reference numeral 512, the height of the graph for "P'1" is zero, and the height of the graph for "FP0" and the height of the graph for "D'1" are equal.

[0104] (2) Example 2 of calculation of actual electricity charges after purchasing a plan FIG. 5B is an example of calculating the actual electricity charge for February, in which the amount of electricity used was higher than in the same month of the previous year.

[0105] The information items in actual electricity charge calculation example 520 in Fig. 5B are the same as the information items in actual electricity charge calculation example 510 in Fig. 5A, and therefore will not be described here. However, the values ​​entered into each information item in actual electricity charge calculation example 520 in Fig. 5B are different from the values ​​entered into each information item in actual electricity charge calculation example 510 in Fig. 5A, and therefore the values ​​entered into each information item will be described below.

[0106] The example in Figure 5B shows a state in which "February" is entered in "Month", "x2" is entered in "Actual power usage amount for the same month last year", "x2" is entered in "Upper power usage amount", and "Y'2" is entered in "Estimated power usage amount". Note that in the first embodiment, it is assumed that "x2"<"Y'2".

[0107] 5B shows an example in which "FP0" is entered in "Flat rate", "W0" is entered in "Amount of power for flat rate", "W'2" is entered in "Actual power usage of renewable energy", and "w'2" is entered in "Estimated power usage of solar power + storage". Note that the relationship is Y'2 = W'2 + w'2.

[0108] 5B shows that "E'2" has been entered in the "actual excess power usage" field. Note that the relationship is E'2 = W'2 - x2 (however, if the calculation result is zero or less, it will all be set to zero).

[0109] The example of FIG. 5B also shows that "P'2" is entered in the "measured pay-per-use fee" and "D'2" is entered in the "measured monthly fee."

[0110] 5B, reference numeral 521 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "February" is "x2", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "February" is "x2".

[0111] Furthermore, since the "estimated power usage" for "February" is "Y'2" and "Y'2" > "x2", the height of the graph for "Y'2" in reference number 521 is higher than the height of the graph for "x2".

[0112] Also, as mentioned above, since Y'2 = W'2 + w'2, when the graph of "W'2" and the graph of "w'2" are arranged vertically in reference number 521, the height is equal to the height of the graph of "Y'2".

[0113] Here, when attention is paid to the relationship between "W0" entered in "amount of power for fixed charge" and "W'2" entered in "actual power usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 521 indicates that there is a relationship of "W0" > "W'2". This means that the business operator 110 did not use up the amount of power for the fixed charge (the amount of power derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 521, the amount corresponding to the amount of power "W0" - "W'2" (see reference numeral 521_1) is a surplus for the power business operator 410 that supplies power derived from renewable energy.

[0114] Also, in FIG. 5B, reference numeral 522 illustrates the fee paid by user 111. As described above, the "actual power usage of renewable energy" for "February" is "W'2", which does not exceed the power usage upper limit "x2", so "E'2", the "actual excess power usage", is zero, and "P'2", the "actual metered fee", is also zero. Therefore, "D'2", the "actual monthly fee", is equal to "FP0", the "flat rate". In other words, as shown by reference numeral 522, the height of the graph for "P'2" is zero, and the height of the graph for "FP0" and the height of the graph for "D'2" are equal.

[0115] (3) Example 3 of calculation of actual electricity charges after purchasing a plan FIG. 5C is an example of calculating the actual electricity charge for March, in which the amount of electricity used has increased significantly compared to the same month of the previous year.

[0116] The information items in actual electricity charge calculation example 530 in Fig. 5C are the same as the information items in actual electricity charge calculation example 510 in Fig. 5A, and therefore will not be described here. However, the values ​​entered into each information item in actual electricity charge calculation example 530 in Fig. 5C are different from the values ​​entered into each information item in actual electricity charge calculation example 510 in Fig. 5A, and therefore the values ​​entered into each information item will be described below.

[0117] The example in Figure 5C shows a state in which "March" is entered in "Month", "x3" is entered in "Actual power usage amount in the same month of the previous year", "x3" is entered in "Upper power usage amount", and "Y'3" is entered in "Estimated power usage amount". Note that in the first embodiment, it is assumed that "x3" << "Y'3".

[0118] 5C shows an example in which "FP0" is entered in "Flat rate", "W0" is entered in "Amount of power for flat rate", "W'3" is entered in "Actual power usage of renewable energy", and "w'3" is entered in "Estimated power usage of solar power + storage". Note that the relationship is Y'3 = W'3 + w'3.

[0119] 5C shows that "E'3" has been entered in the "actual excess power usage amount." Note that the relationship is E'3=W'3-x3.

[0120] The example of FIG. 5C shows that "P'3" is entered in the "measured pay-per-use fee" and "D'3" is entered in the "measured monthly fee."

[0121] 5C, reference numeral 531 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "March" is "x3", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "March" is "x3".

[0122] Furthermore, since the "estimated power usage" for "March" was "Y'3" and "Y'3" >> "x3", the height of the graph for "Y'3" in reference number 531 is significantly higher than the height of the graph for "x3".

[0123] Also, as mentioned above, since Y'3 = W'3 + w'3, when the graph of "W'3" and the graph of "w'3" are arranged vertically in reference number 531, the height is equal to the height of the graph of "Y'3".

[0124] Here, when attention is paid to the relationship between "W0" entered in "electricity amount for fixed charge" and "W'3" entered in "actual power usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 531 indicates that the relationship is "W0" < "W'3". This means that the business operator 110 has used an amount of electricity that is greater than the amount of electricity for the fixed charge (the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 531, the amount of electricity that falls below the upper limit of electricity usage (see reference numeral 531_1) out of the amount of electricity "W'3" - "W0" results in a deficit for the electric power business operator 410 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0125] Furthermore, when attention is paid to the relationship between "x3" input in "Upper limit of power usage" and "W'3" input in "Actual power usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 531 indicates that the relationship is "x3" < "W'3". As described above, the relationship is E'3 = W'3 - x3, and when "x3" < "W'3", "E'3" > 0 (see reference numeral 531_2). This means that a pay-as-you-go charge has been incurred for user 111.

[0126] Also, in FIG. 5C, reference numeral 532 illustrates the fee paid by user 111. As described above, the "actual power usage of renewable energy" in "March" is "W'3", which exceeds the power usage upper limit of "x3". Therefore, "E'3", the "actual excess power usage", is greater than zero, and "P'3", the "actual metered rate charge", is also greater than zero. Therefore, "D'3", the "actual monthly charge", is greater than "FP0", the "flat rate charge". Specifically, as shown by reference numeral 532, the height of the graph for "P'3" is greater than zero, and the height obtained by adding the height of the graph for "FP0" and the height of the graph for "P'3" is the height of the graph for "D'3".

[0127] (4) Example 4 of calculation of actual electricity charges after purchasing a plan FIG. 5D is an example of calculating the actual electricity charge for April, in which the amount of electricity used is the same as that of the same month of the previous year.

[0128] The information items in actual electricity charge calculation example 540 in Fig. 5D are the same as the information items in actual electricity charge calculation example 510 in Fig. 5A, and therefore will not be described here. On the other hand, the values ​​entered into each information item in actual electricity charge calculation example 540 in Fig. 5D are different from the values ​​entered into each information item in actual electricity charge calculation example 510 in Fig. 5A, and therefore the values ​​entered into each information item will be described below.

[0129] The example in Fig. 5D shows a state in which "April" is entered in "Month", "x4" is entered in "Actual power usage in the same month of the previous year", "x4" is entered in "Upper power usage limit", and "Y'4" is entered in "Estimated power usage". Note that in the first embodiment, it is assumed that "x4" = "Y'4".

[0130] 5D shows an example in which "FP0" is entered in "Flat rate", "W0" is entered in "Amount of power for flat rate", "W'4" is entered in "Actual power usage of renewable energy", and "w'4" is entered in "Estimated power usage of solar power + storage". Note that the relationship is Y'4 = W'4 + w'4.

[0131] 5D shows that "E'4" has been entered in the "actual excess power usage" field. Note that the relationship is E'4 = W'4 - x4 (however, if the calculation result is zero or less, all values ​​will be zero).

[0132] The example in FIG. 5D shows that "P'4" has been entered in the "measured pay-per-use fee" and "D'4" has been entered in the "measured monthly fee."

[0133] 5D, reference numeral 541 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "April" is "x4", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "April" is "x4".

[0134] Furthermore, the "estimated power usage" for "April" is "Y'4", and since "Y'4" = "x4", in reference numeral 541, the height of the graph for "Y'4" is equal to the height of the graph for "x4".

[0135] Also, as mentioned above, since Y'4 = W'4 + w'4, when the graph of "W'4" and the graph of "w'4" are arranged vertically in symbol 541, the height will be equal to the height of the graph of "Y'4".

[0136] Here, when attention is paid to the relationship between "W0" entered in "electricity amount for fixed charge" and "W'4" entered in "actual electricity usage amount of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 541 indicates that the relationship is "W0" < "W'4". This means that the business operator 110 has used an amount of electricity greater than the amount of electricity for the fixed charge (the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 541, the amount corresponding to the amount of electricity "W'4" - "W0" (see reference numeral 541_1) represents a deficit for the electric power business operator 410 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0137] Also, in FIG. 5D, reference numeral 542 illustrates the fee paid by user 111. As described above, the "actual power usage of renewable energy" for "April" is "W'4", ​​which does not exceed the power usage upper limit of "x4", so "E'4", the "actual excess power usage", is zero, and "P'4", the "actual metered fee", is also zero. Therefore, "D'4", the "actual monthly fee", is equal to "FP0", the "flat rate". In other words, as shown by reference numeral 542, the height of the graph for "P'4" is zero, and the height of the graph for "FP0" and the height of the graph for "P'4" are equal.

[0138] <Example of verification of actual electricity charges and flat-rate charges> Next, an example of flat rate verification will be described, in which the verification is performed by the business operator 110 based on the amount of electricity used after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0139] FIG. 6 is a second diagram showing a verification example of a flat rate. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 610 is a graph of the "estimated power consumption" for one year after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy. As described above, "Y'1" to "Y' 12 " is the amount of power actually used by the business operator 110 (the amount of power usage calculated by adding up the "actual amount of power from renewable energy" and the "estimated amount of power usage from solar power and storage").

[0140] Also, reference numeral 630 is a graph of the electricity charges that the user 111 actually paid to the electric power company 410 in the year after purchasing the electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy. As described above, the electricity charges that the user 111 actually paid to the electric power company 410 in the year after purchasing the electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy include: ("FP0" which is a "flat rate") x 12 months, ("Actual pay-as-you-go" rates: "P'1" to "P' 12 ")and, The sum of the above values ​​is included.

[0141] In this way, according to the plan providing device 140, The electricity usage of the business 110 for one year after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy; The electricity bill actually paid to the electric power company 120 during the one year period after the user 111 purchased an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy; It is possible to visualize the following.

[0142] Also, in Figure 6, reference numeral 640 is a graph showing the difference in electricity consumption over 12 months between the "electricity consumption for the fixed rate" and the "actual electricity consumption of renewable energy," calculated when electricity consumption is obtained from the electric power company 120.

[0143] 6, reference numeral 650 indicates the sum of the difference between the "electric energy amount for the flat rate charge" and the "actual power consumption amount of renewable energy" over 12 months. In the example of reference numeral 650, the sum is greater than 0, indicating that the electric power company 410, which supplies electric power derived from renewable energy, has achieved a surplus for the year. In other words, the example of reference numeral 650 indicates that it has been verified that the flat rate charge in the electricity rate plan provided to the user 111 was a reasonable amount.

[0144] <Plan provision device application scene 3> Next, a third application scenario of the plan providing device 140 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a third diagram showing an example of an application scenario of the plan providing device, illustrating a situation in which the amount of the flat rate included in the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140 is reviewed based on the "actual amount of electricity usage of renewable energy."

[0145] 7, the plan providing device 140 acquires the "actual power usage amount of renewable energy" transmitted from the power company 410. Furthermore, the plan providing device 140 executes a simulation of what would happen if the flat rate were changed (for example, reduced) based on the acquired "actual power usage amount of renewable energy" and verifies whether the amount of the flat rate can be changed.

[0146] If it is verified that the flat rate amount can be changed, the plan providing device 140 generates an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy that includes the changed flat rate, and provides it to the terminal 131 of the business operator 130. This allows the business operator 130 to present the new electricity rate plan to the user 111.

[0147] <Simulation example> Next, a specific example of a simulation after purchasing a plan to verify whether or not the flat rate can be reduced will be described. Figures 8A to 8D are first to fourth diagrams showing an example of a simulation after purchasing a plan.

[0148] (1) Simulation example 1 after purchasing the plan Of these, FIG. 8A is a simulation example for January, which is based on the same amount of power consumption as in the same month of the previous year.

[0149] 8A, simulation example 810 includes, as information items, "month," "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year," "power usage limit," "predicted power usage (simulation)," "flat rate," and "power amount for flat rate." Simulation example 810 also includes, as information items, "predicted power usage of renewable energy," "predicted power usage of solar power + storage," "predicted excess power usage," "predicted metered rate," and "predicted monthly fee."

[0150] The month to be simulated is entered in "Month." The example in Figure 5A shows that "January" has been entered.

[0151] The amount of power used by the business operator 110 in the same month of the previous year that is the subject of the simulation is input into "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year." The value input into "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" is the "estimated power usage" for the same month of the previous year, and the example in Figure 5 shows that "Y'1" has been input.

[0152] The "power usage limit" is entered with the power usage amount that is the boundary between whether or not the power usage will be subject to pay-as-you-go billing. As mentioned above, the value entered in the "actual power usage amount for the same month last year" is entered as is in the "power usage limit". The example in Figure 8A shows how "Y'1" is entered.

[0153] A simulated value of power usage for "January" of next year is input to "Predicted power usage (simulation)". The example in FIG. 8A shows how "Y"1" is input. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that "Y'1" = "Y"1".

[0154] The amount of the discounted flat rate is entered in "Flat Rate." The example in Figure 8A shows that "FP'0" has been entered.

[0155] The amount of electricity corresponding to the amount entered in "Flat rate" is entered in "Electricity amount for flat rate." The amount of electricity corresponding to the amount entered in "Flat rate" is calculated, for example, by dividing the amount entered in "Flat rate" by the unit price of the electricity rate. The example in Figure 8A shows how "W'0" is entered.

[0156] The "predicted power usage of renewable energy" is input with the simulated value of the power usage of electricity derived from renewable energy, out of the simulation values ​​input with "predicted power usage (simulation)". The power usage of electricity derived from renewable energy is calculated, for example, by subtracting the simulation value input with "predicted power usage of solar power + storage," which will be described later, from the simulation value input with "predicted power usage (simulation)". The example in Figure 8A shows how "W"1" is input.

[0157] The "projected power usage from solar power and power storage" field is input with a simulated power usage value for the power that the business operator 110 will use in "January" of the next year, out of the power that is supplied by the solar power private power generation equipment and power storage equipment purchased by the user 111. The simulated value is input with an upper limit based on, for example, the specifications of the solar power private power generation equipment and power storage equipment installed at the business operator 110, the region where the equipment is installed (the region of the business operator 110), and the month of use. The example in FIG. 8A shows a state in which "w"1" has been input. Note that there is a relationship Y"1 = W"1 + w"1.

[0158] The "predicted excess power usage" is entered as the amount of power usage that exceeds the power usage entered in the "power usage limit" among the simulation values ​​entered in the "predicted renewable energy power usage." The example in FIG. 8A shows that "E"1" has been entered. Note that the relationship is E"1 = W"1 - Y'1 (however, if the calculation result is zero or less, all values ​​become zero).

[0159] The "Predicted Pay-As-You-Go Charge" field is populated with the amount calculated by multiplying the amount of power usage entered in the "Predicted Excess Power Usage" field by the unit price of power usage when billed on a pay-as-you-go basis. The example in Figure 8A shows the input of "P"1".

[0160] The "Predicted Monthly Fee" field is entered as the sum of the amount entered in the "Flat Rate" field and the amount entered in the "Predicted Pay-As-You-Go" field. The example in Figure 8A shows that "D"1" has been entered.

[0161] 8A, reference numeral 811 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "January" is "Y'1", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "January" is "Y'1".

[0162] Furthermore, since the "Predicted power usage (simulation)" for "January" is set to "Y"1" and "Y'1" = "Y"1", the height of the graph for "Y"1" and the height of the graph for "Y'1" are equal in reference number 811.

[0163] Also, as mentioned above, since the relationship Y"1 = W"1 + w"1 exists, in reference numeral 811, when the graph of "W"1" and the graph of "w"1" are arranged vertically, the height will be equal to the height of the graph of "Y"1".

[0164] Here, when attention is paid to the relationship between "W'0" entered in "amount of power for fixed charge" and "W"1" entered in "predicted power usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 811 shows that there is a relationship of "W'0" > "W"1". This means that the business operator 110 will not use up the amount of power for the fixed charge (the amount of power derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 811, the amount corresponding to the amount of power "W'0" - "W"1" (see reference numeral 811_1) is a surplus for the power business operator 410 that supplies power derived from renewable energy.

[0165] Also, in FIG. 8A, reference numeral 812 illustrates the fee to be paid by user 111. As described above, the "predicted renewable energy power usage" for "January" is "W"1", which does not exceed the power usage upper limit "Y'1", so "E"1", the "predicted excess power usage", is zero, and "P"1", the "predicted metered fee", is also zero. Therefore, "D"1", the "predicted monthly fee", is equal to "FP'0", the "flat rate". In other words, as shown by reference numeral 812, the height of the graph for "P"1" is zero, and the height of the graph for "FP'0" and the height of the graph for "D"1" are equal.

[0166] (2) Simulation example 2 after purchasing the plan FIG. 8B is a simulation example for February, which is based on the same power consumption as in the same month of the previous year.

[0167] The information items in simulation example 820 in Fig. 8B are the same as the information items in simulation example 810 in Fig. 8A, and therefore will not be described here. However, the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 820 in Fig. 8B are different from the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 810 in Fig. 8A, and therefore the values ​​entered into each information item will be described below.

[0168] The example in FIG. 8B shows a state in which "February" is entered in "Month", "Y'2" is entered in "Actual power usage in the same month last year", "Y'2" is entered in "Power usage upper limit", and "Y"2" is entered in "Predicted power usage (simulation)". Note that in the first embodiment, it is assumed that "Y'2" = "Y"2".

[0169] The example in Figure 8B shows that "FP'0" is entered into "Flat rate", "W'0" is entered into "Amount of power for flat rate", "W"2" is entered into "Predicted power usage from renewable energy", and "w"2" is entered into "Predicted power usage from solar power + storage". Note that the relationship is Y"2 = W"2 + w"2.

[0170] The example in FIG. 8B also shows that "E"2" has been entered in the "predicted excess power usage." Note that the relationship is E"2=W"2-Y'2 (however, if the calculation result is zero or less, all values ​​become zero).

[0171] The example in FIG. 8B also shows that "P"2" has been entered in "Predicted metered charge" and "D"2" has been entered in "Predicted monthly charge."

[0172] 8B, reference numeral 821 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "February" is "Y'2", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "February" is "Y'2".

[0173] Furthermore, since the "Predicted power usage (simulation)" for "February" is set to "Y"2" and "Y'2" = "Y"2", the height of the graph for "Y"2" in reference number 821 is equal to the height of the graph for "Y'2".

[0174] Also, as mentioned above, since the relationship Y"2 = W"2 + w"2 holds, in reference numeral 821, when the graph of "W"2" and the graph of "w"2" are arranged vertically, the height will be equal to the height of the graph of "Y"2".

[0175] Here, when we focus on the relationship between "W'0" entered in "amount of electricity for fixed charge" and "W"2" entered in "predicted electricity usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 821 shows that there is a relationship of "W'0" = "W"2". This means that the business operator 110 will use up the amount of electricity for the fixed charge (the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 821, the amount corresponding to the amount of electricity "W'0" - "W"2" is ±0 for the electric power business operator 410 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0176] Also, in FIG. 8B, reference numeral 822 illustrates the fee to be paid by user 111. As described above, the "predicted renewable energy power usage" for "February" is "W"2", which does not exceed the power usage upper limit "Y'2", so "predicted excess power usage" "E"2" is zero, and "predicted metered fee" "P"2" is also zero. Therefore, "predicted monthly fee" "D"2" is equal to "flat rate fee" "FP'0". In other words, as shown by reference numeral 822, the height of the graph for "P"2" is zero, and the height of the graph for "FP'0" and the height of the graph for "D"2" are equal.

[0177] (3) Simulation example 3 after purchasing the plan FIG. 8C is a simulation example for March, which is based on the same power consumption as in the same month of the previous year.

[0178] The information items in simulation example 830 in Fig. 8C are the same as the information items in simulation example 810 in Fig. 8A, and therefore will not be described here. However, the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 830 in Fig. 8C are different from the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 810 in Fig. 8A, and therefore the values ​​entered into each information item will be described below.

[0179] The example in FIG. 8C shows a state in which "March" is entered in "Month", "Y'3" is entered in "Actual power usage in the same month of the previous year", "Y'3" is entered in "Upper power usage limit", and "Y"3" is entered in "Predicted power usage (simulation)". In the first embodiment, it is assumed that "Y'3" = "Y"3".

[0180] The example in Figure 8C shows that "FP'0" is entered into "Flat rate", "W'0" is entered into "Amount of power for flat rate", "W"3" is entered into "Predicted power usage from renewable energy", and "w"3" is entered into "Predicted power usage from solar power + storage". Note that the relationship is Y"3 = W"3 + w"3.

[0181] The example in FIG. 8C also shows that "E"3" has been entered in the "predicted excess power usage." Note that the relationship is E"3 = W"3 - Y'3 (however, if the calculation result is zero or less, all values ​​will be set to zero).

[0182] The example of FIG. 8C also shows that "P"3" has been entered in "Predicted metered charge" and "D"3" has been entered in "Predicted monthly charge."

[0183] 8C, reference numeral 831 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "March" is "Y'3", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "March" is "Y'3".

[0184] Furthermore, since the "Predicted power usage (simulation)" for "March" is set to "Y"3" and "Y'3" = "Y"3", the height of the graph for "Y"3" in reference number 831 is equal to the height of the graph for "Y'3".

[0185] Also, as mentioned above, since the relationship Y"3 = W"3 + w"3 holds, in reference numeral 831, when the graph of "W"3" and the graph of "w"3" are arranged vertically, the height will be equal to the height of the graph of "Y"3".

[0186] Here, when attention is paid to the relationship between "W'0" entered in "electricity amount for fixed charge" and "W"3" entered in "projected electricity usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 831 indicates that the relationship is "W'0" < "W"3". This means that the business operator 110 uses an amount of electricity that is greater than the amount of electricity for the fixed charge (the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 831, the amount corresponding to the amount of electricity "W"3" - "W'0" (see reference numeral 831_1) represents a deficit for the electric power business operator 410 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0187] Also, in FIG. 8C, reference numeral 832 illustrates the fee to be paid by user 111. As described above, the "predicted renewable energy power usage" for "March" is "W"3", which does not exceed the power usage upper limit "Y'3", so the "predicted excess power usage" "E"3" is zero, and the "predicted metered fee" "P"3" is also zero. Therefore, the "predicted monthly fee" "D"3" is equal to the "flat rate fee" "FP'0". In other words, as shown by reference numeral 832, the height of the graph for "P"3" is zero, and the height of the graph for "FP'0" and the height of the graph for "D"3" are equal.

[0188] (4) Simulation example 4 after purchasing the plan FIG. 8D is an example of a simulation for April, which is based on the same amount of power consumption as in the same month of the previous year.

[0189] The information items in simulation example 840 in Fig. 8D are the same as the information items in simulation example 810 in Fig. 8A, and therefore will not be described here. However, the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 840 in Fig. 8D are different from the values ​​entered into each information item in simulation example 810 in Fig. 8A, and therefore the values ​​entered into each information item will be described below.

[0190] The example in FIG. 8D shows a state in which "April" is entered in "Month", "Y'4" is entered in "Actual power usage in the same month of the previous year", "Y'4" is entered in "Power usage upper limit", and "Y"4" is entered in "Predicted power usage (simulation)". Note that in the first embodiment, it is assumed that "Y'4" = "Y"4".

[0191] The example in FIG. 8D shows that "FP'0" is entered into "Flat rate", "W'0" is entered into "Amount of power for flat rate", "W"4" is entered into "Predicted power usage from renewable energy", and "w"4" is entered into "Predicted power usage from solar power + storage". Note that the relationship is Y"4 = W"4 + w"4.

[0192] The example in FIG. 8D shows that "E"4" has been entered in the "predicted excess power usage." Note that the relationship is E"4 = W"4 - Y'4 (however, if the calculation result is zero or less, all values ​​will be zero).

[0193] The example in FIG. 8D also shows that "P"4" has been entered in "Predicted metered charge" and "D"4" has been entered in "Predicted monthly charge."

[0194] 8D, reference numeral 841 indicates the relationship of power usage. As described above, the "actual power usage in the same month of the previous year" for "April" is "Y'4", and therefore the "power usage upper limit" for "April" is "Y'4".

[0195] Furthermore, since the "Predicted power usage (simulation)" for "April" is set to "Y"4" and "Y'4" = "Y"4", the height of the graph for "Y"4" in reference number 841 is equal to the height of the graph for "Y'4".

[0196] Also, as mentioned above, since the relationship Y"4 = W"4 + w"4 exists, in the case of symbol 841, when the graph of "W"4" and the graph of "w"4" are arranged vertically, the height will be equal to the height of the graph of "Y"4".

[0197] Here, if we focus on the relationship between "W'0" entered in "electricity amount for fixed charge" and "W"4" entered in "projected electricity usage of renewable energy", the example of reference numeral 841 shows that there is a relationship of "W'0" < "W"4". This means that the business operator 110 uses an amount of electricity that is greater than the amount of electricity for the fixed charge (the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy). Therefore, in reference numeral 841, the amount corresponding to the amount of electricity "W"4" - "W'0" (see reference numeral 841_1) is a deficit for the electric power business operator 410 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0198] Also, in FIG. 8D, reference numeral 842 illustrates the fee to be paid by user 111. As described above, the "predicted renewable energy power usage" for "April" is "W"4", which does not exceed the power usage upper limit "Y'4", so the "predicted excess power usage" "E"4" is zero, and the "predicted metered fee" "P"4" is also zero. Therefore, the "predicted monthly fee" "D"4" is equal to the "flat rate fee" "FP'0". In other words, as shown by reference numeral 842, the height of the graph for "P"4" is zero, and the height of the graph for "FP'0" and the height of the graph for "D"4" are equal.

[0199] <Example of verification of predicted electricity charges and flat-rate charges> Next, a verification example of a flat rate, which was verified based on a simulation in which the flat rate was reduced, will be described.

[0200] FIG. 9 is a third diagram showing a verification example of a flat rate. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 910 is a graph of the "predicted power usage" for the second year after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy. As described above, "Y"1" to "Y" 12 " is the "estimated power consumption" of "Y'1" to "Y'" in the first year after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy. 12 " is the same as "

[0201] Also, reference numeral 930 is a graph of the electricity charges paid to the electric power company 410 in the second year after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy. As described above, the electricity charges paid to the electric power company 410 in the second year after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy include: · (The "flat rate" after the price reduction is "FP'0") x 12 months, ("Predicted Pay-As-You-Go" "P"1" to "P" 12 ")and, The sum of the above values ​​is included.

[0202] In this way, according to the plan providing device 140, The business operator's 110 forecasted electricity usage for the second year after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan for electricity derived from renewable energy sources; The predicted electricity bill that the user 111 will pay to the electricity provider 120 for the second year after purchasing the electricity rate plan for renewable energy-derived electricity; It is possible to visualize the following.

[0203] Also, in FIG. 9, reference numeral 940 is a graph of the difference in the amount of electricity between the "amount of electricity for the fixed fee" and the "predicted amount of electricity usage from renewable energy" calculated during the simulation for 12 months.

[0204] 9, reference numeral 950 indicates the sum of the difference in the amount of electricity between the "amount of electricity for the fixed fee" and the "predicted amount of electricity usage from renewable energy" over 12 months. In the example of reference numeral 950, the sum is less than 0, which indicates that the electricity supplier 410 that supplies electricity derived from renewable energy will have a deficit for the year. In other words, the example of reference numeral 950 indicates that it has been verified that the amount of the fixed fee after the price reduction is not reasonable.

[0205] <Hardware configuration of the plan providing device> Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the plan providing device 140. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the plan providing device.

[0206] 10, the plan providing device 140 has a processor 1001, a memory 1002, an auxiliary storage device 1003, a connection device 1004, a communication device 1005, and a drive device 1006. The processor 1001, the memory 1002, the auxiliary storage device 1003, the connection device 1004, the communication device 1005, and the drive device 1006 of the plan providing device 140 are connected to each other via a bus 1007.

[0207] The processor 1001 has various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processor 1001 reads various programs (for example, a plan providing program, etc.) into the memory 1002 and executes them.

[0208] The memory 1002 has a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 1001 and the memory 1002 form a so-called computer, and the computer realizes various functions by the processor 1001 executing various programs read onto the memory 1002.

[0209] The auxiliary storage device 1003 stores various programs and various information used when the processor 1001 executes the programs.

[0210] The connection device 1004 is a connection device for connecting an operation device 1011 and a display device 1012, which are examples of external devices, with the plan providing device 140.

[0211] The communication device 1005 is a communication device for communicating with various devices via a network.

[0212] The drive device 1006 is a device for setting the recording medium 1013. The recording medium 1013 here includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc. The recording medium 1013 may also include semiconductor memories that record information electrically, such as ROMs, flash memories, etc.

[0213] The various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 1003 are installed, for example, by setting the distributed recording medium 1013 in the drive device 1006 and reading out the various programs recorded on the recording medium 1013. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 1003 may be installed by being downloaded from a network via the communication device 1005.

[0214] <Functional configuration of the plan providing device> Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the plan providing device 140. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the plan providing device. As described above, a plan providing program is installed in the plan providing device 140, and by executing this program, the plan providing device 140 realizes various functions.

[0215] Specifically, the plan providing device 140 functions as a previous year's actual electricity charge acquisition unit 1101, a flat rate determination unit 1102, an energy amount calculation unit 1103, a verification unit 1104, a predicted energy usage acquisition unit 1105, an excess energy usage calculation unit 1106, and an actual energy usage acquisition unit 1107. The plan providing device 140 also functions as a previous year's actual energy usage acquisition unit 1108, an energy usage upper limit setting unit 1109, a metered rate calculation unit 1110, an energy rate calculation unit 1111, a comparison graph generation unit 1112, and a plan providing unit 1113.

[0216] The previous year's actual electricity rate acquisition unit 1101 acquires past actual electricity rates that the salesperson 130 acquires from the user 111 before the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140. When the previous year's actual electricity rate acquisition unit 1101 acquires actual electricity rates for the past year, it notifies the flat rate determination unit 1102 and the comparison graph generation unit 1112 of the actual electricity rates for the past year. When the previous year's actual electricity rate acquisition unit 1101 acquires only a portion of the actual electricity rates for the past year, it generates actual electricity rates for the past year by supplementing the remainder. In this case, the previous year's actual electricity rate acquisition unit 1101 notifies the flat rate determination unit 1102 and the comparison graph generation unit 1112 of the generated actual electricity rates for the past year.

[0217] The flat rate determination unit 1102 determines the flat rate amount to be included in an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140 before the user 111 purchases the electricity rate plan. The flat rate determination unit 1102 determines the default flat rate amount based on the actual electricity rates for the past year notified by the previous year's actual electricity rate acquisition unit 1101. The default flat rate amount is determined, for example, by calculating the actual electricity rates for the past year x 0.95 / 12. As a result, an amount lower than the previous year's actual electricity rate is determined as the default flat rate amount.

[0218] The flat rate determination unit 1102 notifies the power consumption calculation unit 1103 of the determined default flat rate amount, thereby obtaining a verification result from the verification unit 1104. If it determines that the default flat rate amount is not appropriate based on the obtained verification result, it adjusts the flat rate amount and notifies the power consumption calculation unit 1103 of the adjusted flat rate amount. The flat rate determination unit 1102 adjusts the flat rate amount based on the obtained verification result until it determines that the flat rate amount is appropriate. Meanwhile, the flat rate determination unit 1102 notifies the electricity charge calculation unit 1111 of the flat rate amount when it is determined that the flat rate amount is appropriate.

[0219] The power amount calculation unit 1103 calculates the amount of power for the notified flat rate each time the flat rate amount is notified by the flat rate determination unit 1102. The power amount calculation unit 1103 calculates the amount of power for the notified flat rate, for example, by dividing the notified flat rate amount by the power rate unit price. The power amount calculation unit 1103 notifies the verification unit 1104 of the calculated amount of power for the flat rate.

[0220] The verification unit 1104 verifies the validity of the flat rate amount adjusted by the flat rate determination unit 1102. Furthermore, the verification unit 1104 notifies the flat rate determination unit 1102 of the verification result. The verification unit 1104 verifies the validity of the flat rate amount based on the predicted power usage for electricity derived from renewable energy, among the predicted power usage notified by the predicted power usage acquisition unit 1105, and the amount of power for the flat rate notified by the power amount calculation unit 1103. Alternatively, the verification unit 1104 verifies the validity of the flat rate amount based on the actual power usage for electricity derived from renewable energy notified by the actual power usage acquisition unit 1107 and the amount of power for the flat rate notified by the power amount calculation unit 1103. Furthermore, the verification unit 1104 notifies the flat rate determination unit 1102 of the verification result.

[0221] However, if the predicted power usage amount for electricity derived from renewable energy exceeds the upper limit of power usage, or if the actual power usage amount for electricity derived from renewable energy exceeds the upper limit of power usage, the verification unit 1104 also takes the upper limit of power usage into account when verifying.

[0222] The predicted power consumption acquisition unit 1105 acquires the predicted power consumption input during the simulation and the predicted power consumption covered by the solar private power generation facility and the power storage facility input during the simulation.

[0223] The predicted power consumption acquisition unit 1105 calculates the predicted power consumption of electricity derived from renewable energy based on the difference between the predicted power consumption and the predicted power consumption covered by the solar private power generation facility and the power storage facility.

[0224] The predicted power usage acquisition unit 1105 performs a simulation before the user 111 purchases the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140. Notifying the verification unit 1104 and the excess power usage calculation unit 1106 of the calculated predicted power usage amount for the power derived from renewable energy; The comparison graph generation unit 1112 is notified of the monthly total of the predicted power usage, the monthly total of the predicted power usage for electricity derived from renewable energy, and the monthly total of the predicted power usage to be covered by the solar power generation facility and the power storage facility.

[0225] During a simulation after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140, the predicted power usage acquisition unit 1105 The verification unit 1104 is notified of the predicted amount of electricity usage derived from renewable energy. The excess power consumption calculation unit 1106 is notified of the predicted power consumption amount for power derived from renewable energy.

[0226] The actual power usage acquisition unit 1107 acquires the actual power usage derived from renewable energy from the power company 410, and also receives input from the business operator 130 about the estimated power usage covered by the solar private power generation facility and the power storage facility. The actual power usage acquisition unit 1107 notifies the excess power usage calculation unit 1106 of the actual power usage for electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0227] The actual power usage acquisition unit 1107 calculates the estimated power usage by adding the actual power usage of electricity derived from renewable energy and the estimated power usage covered by the solar private power generation facility and the power storage facility. The actual power usage acquisition unit 1107 notifies the power usage upper limit setting unit 1109 of the calculated estimated power usage.

[0228] During the simulation, the excess power usage calculation unit 1106 calculates the following: The predicted power consumption amount of the power derived from renewable energy notified by the predicted power consumption amount acquisition unit 1105, and The upper limit of power consumption notified by the power consumption upper limit setting unit 1109, By comparing the predicted excess power usage amount with the predicted excess power usage amount, the unit 1110 notifies the unit 1110 of the predicted excess power usage amount.

[0229] Furthermore, the excess power usage calculation unit 1106 calculates the actual electricity charge by: The actual power consumption amount of the power derived from renewable energy notified by the actual power consumption amount acquisition unit 1107, and The upper limit of power consumption notified by the power consumption upper limit setting unit 1109, By comparing the actual excess power usage amount with the actual excess power usage amount, the actual excess power usage amount is calculated and notified to the metered charge calculation unit 1110.

[0230] The previous year's actual power usage acquisition unit 1108 receives input of past actual power usage acquired from the user 111 by the salesperson 130 before the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140. When the previous year's actual power usage acquisition unit 1108 receives input of actual power usage for the past year, it notifies the power usage upper limit setting unit 1109 and the comparison graph generation unit 1112 of the actual power usage for the past year. When the previous year's actual power usage acquisition unit 1108 receives input of only a portion of the actual power usage for the past year, it generates the actual power usage for the past year by interpolating the remainder. The previous year's actual power usage acquisition unit 1108 notifies the power usage upper limit setting unit 1109 and the comparison graph generation unit 1112 of the generated actual power usage for the past year.

[0231] The power usage upper limit setting unit 1109 When the user 111 simulates the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140 before purchasing it, or When calculating the electricity bill for the first year after the user 111 purchases the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140, sets an upper limit on the amount of power consumption based on the actual amount of power consumption for the past year notified by the previous year's actual power consumption acquisition unit 1108.

[0232] Furthermore, the power usage upper limit setting unit 1109 During a simulation after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140, When calculating the electricity rate from the second year onward after the user 111 purchases the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140, sets an upper limit on the amount of power consumption based on the estimated amount of power consumption notified by the actual power consumption obtaining unit 1107 .

[0233] When the excess power usage calculation unit 1106 notifies the pay-as-you-go charge calculation unit 1110 of the predicted excess power usage, the pay-as-you-go charge calculation unit 1110 calculates the predicted excess power usage by multiplying the predicted excess power usage by the power rate unit price and notifies the electricity charge calculation unit 1111.

[0234] When the excess power usage calculation unit 1106 notifies the pay-as-you-go charge calculation unit 1110 of the actual excess power usage, the pay-as-you-go charge calculation unit 1110 calculates the actual excess power usage by multiplying the actual excess power usage by the power rate unit price and notifies the electricity charge calculation unit 1111 of the actual excess power usage.

[0235] The electricity charge calculation unit 1111 is an example of a first calculation unit and a second calculation unit. The electricity charge calculation unit 1111 calculates a predicted electricity charge by adding the amount of the flat rate specified by the flat rate specification unit 1102 and the predicted metered rate notified by the metered rate calculation unit 1110. The electricity charge calculation unit 1111 outputs the calculated predicted electricity charge during a simulation before the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140, and notifies the comparison graph generation unit 1112. The electricity charge calculation unit 1111 outputs the calculated predicted electricity charge during a simulation after the user 111 purchases an electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140.

[0236] Furthermore, the electricity charge calculation unit 1111 calculates the actual electricity charge by adding the flat rate amount determined by the flat rate determination unit 1102 and the actual metered rate notified by the metered rate calculation unit 1110. The electricity charge calculation unit 1111 outputs the calculated actual electricity charge.

[0237] The comparison graph generating unit 1112 generates a comparison graph of the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140 when the user 111 simulates the plan before purchasing it. The actual electricity charges for the past year notified from the previous year's actual electricity charges acquisition unit 1101, The predicted electricity price notified from the electricity price calculation unit 1111, Based on this, a comparison graph (electricity charges) is generated.

[0238] Furthermore, the comparison graph generating unit 1112 performs a simulation before the user 111 purchases the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140. The actual power consumption for the past year notified from the previous year's actual power consumption acquisition unit 1108, and The monthly total of the predicted power usage notified from the predicted power usage acquisition unit 1105, the monthly total of the predicted power usage of electricity derived from renewable energy, and the monthly total of the predicted power usage covered by the solar power generation facility and the power storage facility, Based on this, a comparison graph (power consumption) is generated.

[0239] The plan providing unit 1113 generates an electricity rate plan including the comparison graph (electricity rates, power usage) generated by the comparison graph generating unit 1112 and provides it to the terminal 131.

[0240] <Example of a comparison graph> Next, a comparison graph generated by the comparison graph generating unit 1112 will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison graph.

[0241] As shown in FIG. 12, the comparison graph 1200 includes: The electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140 is simulated before the user 111 purchases the electricity rate plan, and the actual electricity rate 1201 for the past year is notified from the previous year's actual electricity rate acquisition unit 1101. The actual power consumption 1202 of non-renewable energy for the past year notified by the previous year actual power consumption acquisition unit 1108 at the time of a simulation before the user 111 purchases the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140, and The total 1203 of the predicted electricity charges for each month notified from the electricity charge calculation unit 1111, A monthly total 1204 of the predicted power consumption to be covered by the solar power generation facility and the power storage facility, which is notified from the predicted power consumption acquisition unit 1105; A monthly total 1205 of predicted power consumption of power derived from renewable energy, notified by the predicted power consumption acquisition unit 1105; Includes:

[0242] The comparison graph 1200 visualizes that electricity charges can be reduced from actual electricity charges 1201 for the past year to a monthly total of predicted electricity charges 1203. The comparison graph 1200 also visualizes that actual power consumption can be reduced from actual power consumption 1202 for non-renewable energy for the past year to a monthly total of predicted power consumption for electricity derived from renewable energy sources 1205.

[0243] <Plan provision process flow> Next, a description will be given of the flow of plan providing processing by the plan providing device 140. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of plan providing processing by the plan providing device.

[0244] In step S1301, the plan providing device 140 acquires the actual power usage amount for the past year and the actual electricity charges for the past year.

[0245] In step S1302, the plan providing device 140 identifies a default flat rate amount based on the actual electricity charges for the past year.

[0246] In step S1303, the plan providing device 140 sets an upper limit on the amount of power usage based on the actual amount of power usage over the past year.

[0247] In step S1304, the plan providing device 140 acquires the predicted amount of power consumption.

[0248] In step S1305, the plan providing device 140 calculates the predicted excess power usage based on the predicted power usage amount for power derived from renewable energy, out of the predicted power usage amount, and the upper limit of power usage amount.

[0249] In step S1306, the plan providing device 140 calculates a predicted metered rate based on the calculated predicted excess power usage.

[0250] In step S1307, the plan providing device 140 calculates a predicted electricity fee based on the flat rate and the predicted metered rate.

[0251] In step S1308, the plan providing device 140 verifies the validity of the flat rate amount based on the amount of power for the flat rate and the predicted amount of power usage for power derived from renewable energy.

[0252] In step S1309, if the plan providing device 140 determines that the flat rate is not appropriate (NO in step S1309), the process returns to step S1302 and adjusts the flat rate.

[0253] On the other hand, in step S1309, if the plan providing device 140 determines that the flat rate is appropriate (YES in step S1309), the process proceeds to step S1310.

[0254] In step S1310, the plan providing device 140 generates a comparison graph based on the flat rate determined to be appropriate.

[0255] In step S1311, the plan providing device 140 displays the electricity rate plan including the comparison graph on the terminal 131.

[0256] <Actual electricity charge calculation process flow> Next, a description will be given of the flow of the actual electricity charge calculation process (here, the flow of the actual electricity charge calculation process for the first year after purchasing the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140) performed by the plan providing device 140. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the actual electricity charge calculation process performed by the plan providing device.

[0257] In step S1401, the plan providing device 140 acquires the actual amount of power usage for the past year.

[0258] In step S1402, the plan providing device 140 sets an upper limit on the amount of power usage based on the acquired actual amount of power usage for the past year.

[0259] In step S1403, the plan providing device 140 acquires from the power company 410 the actual amount of power usage for power derived from renewable energy.

[0260] In step S1404, the plan providing device 140 calculates the actual excess power usage amount based on the actual power usage amount of power derived from renewable energy and the upper limit of power usage amount.

[0261] In step S1405, the plan providing device 140 calculates an actual metered rate based on the calculated actual excess power usage.

[0262] In step S1406, the plan providing device 140 calculates the actual electricity rate based on the flat rate and the actual metered rate.

[0263] In step S1407, the plan providing device 140 charges the calculated actual electricity fee to the user 111.

[0264] <Summary> As is clear from the above description, the plan providing device 140 according to the first embodiment: Identifying a flat rate based on the user's electricity bill or usage over a given period of time (e.g., a year's worth) in the past. · Offer electricity rate plans that include a specified flat rate.

[0265] As a result, the plan providing device 140 according to the first embodiment can provide a flat rate plan suited to each user.

[0266] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, during the simulation (FIG. 8A, etc.) after the user 111 purchases the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140, Details such as "Y"1 to be entered in "Predicted power usage (simulation)", Details such as "W"1" to be entered in "Forecasted electricity consumption from renewable energy", Details such as "w"1" to be entered in "Forecasted power usage for solar power + storage," However, actual values ​​or estimated values ​​from the previous year (e.g., Figure 5A) may be entered in these items. - "Y'1" entered in "Estimated power consumption", etc. - "W'1" entered in "Actual electricity consumption of renewable energy", etc. "w'1" entered in "Estimated power consumption from solar power + storage," etc. may be input.

[0267] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, no details were mentioned about the default amount to be input into the "flat rate" during the simulation (e.g., FIG. 8A) after the user 111 purchases the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140. However, the default amount to be input into the "flat rate" may be determined based on, for example, the "actual amount of electricity usage from renewable energy" of the previous year.

[0268] In addition, in the first embodiment, the energy rate unit price used to calculate the "amount of energy equivalent to the flat rate" is described as being fixed, but the energy rate unit price may be changed annually. Note that if the energy rate unit price is changed, the verification results at the time of simulation will also change, and therefore, depending on the verification results, it may be necessary to adjust the flat rate. In this case, the adjusted flat rate will be charged to the user 111.

[0269] In the first embodiment, the verification performed during the simulation after the user purchases the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140 is performed on a per-user basis. However, the verification method is not limited to this, and verification may be performed on a per-region basis (i.e., per multiple users basis).

[0270] In the first embodiment, the verification of the electricity rate plan provided by the plan providing device 140 during the simulation after the user purchases the plan is described as being performed on a yearly basis. However, the verification method is not limited to this, and verification may be performed on a multi-year basis.

[0271] In the first embodiment, the business operator 110 uses all of the power supplied by the solar private power generation facility and the power storage facility. However, surplus power from the solar private power generation facility and the power storage facility may be sold (or purchased by the power business operator 410).

[0272] In the first embodiment, an example of a comparison graph is shown in Fig. 12, but the configuration of the comparison graph is not limited to that shown in Fig. 12. The electricity rate plan may also include information other than the comparison graph. For example, the electricity rate plan may include an upper limit on electricity usage for each month, which is set based on the actual electricity usage for each month over the past year.

[0273] [Other embodiments] In each of the above embodiments, the plan providing device 140 has been described as being realized by a single device, but it may be realized by multiple devices. For example, the functional units realized by the plan providing device 140 may be distributed and realized in multiple devices.

[0274] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the plan providing device 140 has been described as being configured as a separate entity from the system of the electric power company 410. However, the plan providing device 140 may be configured as an integrated entity with the system of the electric power company 410.

[0275] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments, but may be combined with other elements, etc. These aspects can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined depending on the application form. [Explanation of symbols]

[0276] 110: Business operator 131: Terminal 140: Plan providing device 410:Electric power company 1101: Previous year's electricity bill acquisition department 1102: Fixed-rate specific section 1103: Electric energy calculation section 1104: Verification Department 1105: predicted power consumption acquisition unit 1106: Excess power usage calculation unit 1107: Actual power consumption acquisition unit 1108: Previous year's actual power consumption acquisition section 1109: Power usage upper limit setting section 1110: Pay-per-use charge calculation unit 1111: Electricity charge calculation section 1112: Comparison graph generation unit 1113: Plan Provider 1200: Comparison graph

Claims

1. A plan providing device that provides an electricity rate plan, an identification unit that identifies a flat rate based on the user's electricity charges or electricity usage over a predetermined period in the past; a provider that provides an electricity rate plan including a specified flat rate; A plan providing device having the above.

2. a setting unit that sets an upper limit of the amount of power usage for the same month, which is a boundary as to whether or not the amount of power usage for the same month is subject to a pay-as-you-go system, based on the amount of power usage for the same month in the past of the user; The electricity rate plan further includes an upper limit on the amount of electricity used. The plan providing device according to claim 1 .

3. a first calculation unit that calculates a predicted electricity charge for the user based on a predicted metered charge based on a predicted power usage amount for each month of the user excluding a predicted power usage amount that will be covered by the user's private power generation and a set upper limit of the power usage amount for each month, and the specified flat rate; The plan providing device according to claim 2 .

4. The predicted monthly electricity usage of the user is determined based on the electricity bill or electricity usage of the user in a predetermined period in the past. The plan providing device according to claim 3 .

5. The amount of the flat rate included in the electricity rate plan is: The verification is based on the amount of electricity for the fixed fee and the predicted electricity usage of the user for each month, excluding the predicted electricity usage that will be covered by the user's private power generation. The plan providing device according to claim 3 .

6. a second calculation unit that calculates the electricity charge for each month of the user based on an actual amount of electricity usage of the user for each month derived from renewable energy, an actual metered charge based on a set upper limit of the amount of electricity usage for each month, and the specified flat rate; The plan providing device according to claim 3 , further comprising:

7. The identification unit changing the amount of the flat rate based on the amount of electricity for which the flat rate is charged and the actual amount of electricity used by the user each month from renewable energy sources; The plan providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The electricity rate plan includes a graph comparing the user's past annual electricity charges with the user's predicted annual electricity charges. The plan providing device according to claim 3 .

9. A computer of a plan providing device that provides an electricity rate plan, determining a flat rate based on the user's electricity bill or electricity usage over a predetermined period of time; offering an electricity rate plan including the specified flat rate; How to provide a plan to execute this.

10. A computer of a plan providing device that provides an electricity rate plan, determining a flat rate based on the user's electricity bill or electricity usage over a predetermined period of time; offering an electricity rate plan including the specified flat rate; A program that provides plans to help you achieve this.

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