DE102004044127A1 - Energy cost-routing method for continuous, automatic least-cost routing for piped/wired supplies like current/power, gas, long-distance energy and water forwards evaluatory data to a user - Google Patents

Abstract

Controlled by time, consumers, results, offers and contracts, hardware and software components use automation to bring together information for handling single and mass transactions for piped/wired energy supplies. All relevant data is then forwarded in an automated manner to communications devices in fixed networks, mobile telephone systems, or systems based on power lines or the Internet. An independent claim is also included for a device for carrying out a method for least-cost routing for piped/wired energy supplies like current/power, gas, long-distance energy and water.

Description

background and application area

In The Federal Republic of Germany has been the telecommunications market for about ten years and since 1998 the electricity and gas market has been liberalized. Since then has every customer the free choice of his service provider (telecommunication) or its supplier of electricity or gas. With the omission of the former monopolies created competition in the supply the end customer with information and energy, whereby the network infrastructure practically unchanged Has. The competition developed between a large number, mostly also new, service providers or under national and now also international Generators and gas suppliers. About the previous considerations the telecommunications, electricity and gas market is currently also on the Liberalization of the water market is discussed. Analogous approaches are for the Wired heat supply expected. On the other hand, liberalization is essential for the customers, that these over the offers of the service providers are always sufficiently informed have to, around the for they cheapest Select provider and up for the change of the supplier at all to decide rationally. moreover For every change, the necessary contractual arrangements are new to agree. Only then will those with the competitive opening of the mentioned markets to be combined cost benefits on the customer side actually full exhausted can be.

The solution However, these tasks are shaped like the experiences from the past years, especially in the energy sector (electricity and gas) as relatively expensive. Reason for this are partly the more complex tariff structures given here in comparison to the telecommunications market, in the further a general inexperience and Ignorance in the assessment of energy industry relationships. To a not inconsiderable part contribute to this in comparison to telecommunication as tedious and bureaucratic procedures in the contractual fixing of a new supplier relationship at. The consequence of this is that those that come with market liberalization Opportunities are not taken up and the customers unnecessarily high and have absolutely avoidable purchase costs.

In front In this background, the invention described below is registered, after the line-related receipt of energy and water Basis more permanent Market comparisons permanently economically optimally fixed and contracted is carried out without any special involvement of the respective Customer requires (least-cost routing).

The The invention relates to the method and the device, i. the associated technical Conception, such a least-cost routing in the energy and Water market according to the preamble of the claim.

at the conception of the least-cost routing play beside the direct Comparison to already existing routers (in telecommunication technology) the questions of reading energy or water consumption data, their remote transmission, decision making after data analysis and implementation of the Each decision taken has a central role.

• – Offenlegungsschrift WO 94/28683: Communications Apparatus.
• – Gebrauchsmuster DE 29601887 U1 : Vorrichtung für die Ermittlung der günstigsten Telekommunikations-Verbindung.
• – Gebrauchsmuster DE 29714935 U1 : System zur Auswahl zumindest einer bestimmten Kommunikationsverbindung.
• – Gebrauchsmuster DE 29803342 U1 : Telefonkosten-Optimierungs-System.
• – Offenlegungsschrift DE 19802323 A1 : Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen eines Datensatzes zur Ermittlung der günstigsten Telefonverbindung.
• – Offenlegungsschrift DE 19901610 A1 : Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Routing der günstigsten Telefonverbindung.

Starting point for the analysis of the current state of the art to solve the above problem is the telecommunications, where the routing was taken several years ago. Thus, in this area today - supported by the digitization of information transmission and the associated simpler information processing - the services of the service providers can be very easily claimed by entering a separate area code, ie "call by call", depending on the cheapness of the provider of the requested The selection of the cheapest provider is partly but also automated: a least-cost routing system (as an external box or integrated in a computer-based telephone system) selects depending on the type of service (eg location, region 20, region 50). or long-distance call) and the current offer prices automatically, ie without further intervention by the customer, the area code that leads to the lowest-priced offer corresponding inventive applications are present, for example, compare:

• - Publication WO 94/28683: Communications Apparatus.
• - utility model DE 29601887 U1 : Device for determining the cheapest telecommunications connection.
• - utility model DE 29714935 U1 : System for selecting at least one specific communication connection.
• - utility model DE 29803342 U1 : Telephone Cost Optimization System.
• - Disclosure DE 19802323 A1 Method and device for generating a data record for determining the cheapest telephone connection.
• - Disclosure DE 19901610 A1 : Method and device for routing the cheapest telephone connection.

In summary, it can be stated that the routing idea in telecommunications is already technically established and there, the cor Direct billing of the services of changing providers included, has already proven.

in the Energy sector, and indeed in the electricity supply, that can already ever introduced choice a customer between a time-independent standard rate and a so-called high / low rate system (HT / NT) as the origin of a routing system be considered. If the customer selects him as cheaper for him If the HT / NT system is recognized, the power consumption will be more expensive at the given "HT times" and at the same time remaining "NT time" cheaper. The customer change from high to low tariff and vice versa is provided by the on-site network operator in usually by the known and proven ripple control technology for many decades completed. It will be over the existing 50 Hz supply network to the HT / NT switching times higher frequency Signals are sent to the ripple control receiver located at the customer. These then cause a mechanical conversion of the energy consumption measurement on the HT or on the NT counter (Two counters measurement) in the rest conventional mechanical electricity meter. This is at the same time the exact billing base for both the HT as well as for the NT covers given.

On Basis of this still widespread basic principle are modifications in the application and refinements in the art been developed. For example, the switching does not affect the total consumption a delivery point, but on specially selected consumption groups or also single devices and are in addition to total shutdowns also partial shutdowns certain services to the so-called load shedding of consumers / consumer groups intended. In doing so, customers' electricity purchases are cheaper if and to the extent that they consent to such measures. Of the proven, unidirectional ripple control technology (from supplier to customer) Increasingly, the well-known bidirectional communication techniques (telephone landline, GSM / radio / satellite, internet etc.).

In In this context, the state of the counting and measuring technology is particularly to point. So are methods and facilities for remote reading electronic counter as well as to the transmission and processing the read-out data on consumption units (electricity, Gas, heat and water) are technically mature. The transmission takes place via general known bidirectional communication paths (see above) and e.g. for recording PC's for data output or preparation according to requirements with the help of appropriate software. The Capture and transmission of readings, even in large Number and in real time (online) to a parent headquarters is also Today's standard in supervision and control of large-scale electricity and gas supply networks. Also, considerations are known, according to which a "legally secure" data collection and remote transmission in terms of commercial Billing or online contracts through appropriate caching, encoding and digital signatures guaranteed are.

• – Patentschrift DE 68906894 T2 : Erfassung von Verbrauchswerten.
• – Patentschrift US 5430430 : Method of managing electric power on the basis of tariff schedules, in a network within a dwelling or the like.
• – Patentschrift DE 19720315 C1 : Verfahren zur Erfassung und/oder Berechnung von abrechnungsrelevanten Verbrauchsgrößen.
• – Europäisches Patent EP 0886362 A1 : Power distribution control system.
• – Offenlegungsschrift DE 19953041 A1 : Verfahren und Einrichtung zur Fernauslesung, Übertragung und Verarbeitung von Daten von Verbrauchseinheiten.
• – Offenlegungsschrift DE 19855070 A1 : Verfahren zum Verteilen von Energie in einem Stromversorgungsnetz.

For details of the prior art reference is made to:

• - Patent specification DE 68906894 T2 : Recording of consumption values.
• - Patent specification US 5430430 : Method of managing electric power on the basis of tariff schedules, in a network within a dwelling or the like.
• - Patent specification DE 19720315 C1 : Method for recording and / or calculating billing-relevant consumption variables.
• - European patent EP 0886362 A1 : Power distribution control system.
• - Disclosure DE 19953041 A1 : Method and device for remote reading, transmission and processing of data from consumer units.
• - Disclosure DE 19855070 A1 : Method for distributing energy in a power grid.

• – Offenlegungsschrift WO 01/06612 A1: System and method for energy mangement

zu finden. Gemäß dieser Anmeldung werden z.B. aktuelle Verbrauchsdaten der Klimatisierung (in diesem Fall) eines Hotels in Verbindung mit ebenfalls vorliegenden Wetterdaten dazu benutzt, den Energieverbrauch für die Klimatisierung und damit – in diesem sektoralen Bereich – die Energiebezugskosten zu minimieren. Weiter ist dort beispielhaft die betriebliche Überwachung von Verbrauchseinrichtungen durch permanente Verfolgung und Kontrolle des Stromverbrauchs behandelt, wobei die Verbrauchswerte in eine übergeordnete Zentrale fernübertragen werden.According to their analysis, the data transmitted by remote and processed data serves, for example, the allocation of certain deliveries at certain time windows (HT / NT, summer / winter, working day / weekend etc.) and / or to specific suppliers and forms the basis for load forecasts and any contract negotiations or changes to be initiated existing supply contracts. The idea of a comprehensive and partly also automated data analysis and, in addition, the implementation of the knowledge gained from the telemetered data is in the

• - Publication WO 01/06612 A1: System and method for energy mangement

to find. According to this application, for example, current consumption data of the air conditioning (in this case) of a hotel in conjunction with also available weather data used to minimize the energy consumption for air conditioning and thus - in this sectoral area - the energy procurement costs. Further, there is exemplified the operational monitoring of consumer equipment by permanent tracking and control of power consumption, the consumption values are telemetered to a higher-level control center.

In summary, the current state of the art is fundamentally characterized as follows in terms of acquisition / transmission / reception of the invention Consumption data is always required that these tasks for electricity, gas, heat and water are technically solved even with large amounts of data and in real time (online). Routing under the objective of cost minimization, although at a limited qualitative level (see below) in the field of telecommunications, is not a technical novelty. Also, the question of targeted automatic monitoring or control of systems due to a likewise automatically-automatic data analysis running (consumption data) to be regarded as technically resolved.

disadvantage of the prior art

The Analysis of the current state of the art shows that although in broad areas on the "existing Technology "at the Routing system for the wired supply to be considered here resorted can be, the solution here special requirements have not yet been met is.

So is true for the telecommunications market already has functional and operational routing, but this is for a very simple tariff structure designed: the existing ones Facilities only compare the current ones on the period of use referred to "unit prices" (for the discussion unit, during data transmission as the occupancy price of the connection used), e.g. in ct / min. Not considered Here are the quite usual volume independent Basic prices in the Telefonie (EUR per month) and also found Quantity dependencies - volume discounts - in the price. The offer of a so-called "flat rate" (fixed price service) can not be included. To decide the advantageousness of a Provider from these points of view would be the preliminary analysis of occupancy behavior (e.g., talk time and frequencies) and a derived forecast is required. But this is from the telephone routers realized to date have not been done. The continuous consideration of the energy and water consumption of the customers and subsequent building On the other hand, forecasts are due to the in-line utility industry common Tariff structures indispensable.

feature at the further listed Method for minimizing costs in the electricity supply (HT / NT tariff switching, load shedding) is, on the one hand, that this only on modifications in the supply of only one single, specific energy suppliers. The aspect of choice between different providers can not be taken into account become. On the other hand, these are generally the Reaction of the customer acceptance behavior to firmly predetermined specifications (Switching daily to the fixed tariff change times set by the supplier in the evening and in the morning). They do not include those actively operated by the customer Analysis of its consumption behavior with the subsequent customer-active Implementation for the minimization of the future Procurement costs.

Although this idea in the cited US patent publication (WO 01/06612 A1), the following applies: all considerations in the above Scriptures are merely sketched and do not include the removed ones Concrete technical design of the proposed concept. Furthermore It should be noted that the step of an active, automatic Implementation of findings resulting from the analysis of (televised) Consumption data were obtained, here only for operational optimization Measures - Control measures - outlined is. It is also rightly stated that data processing and data analysis for the negotiation of the purchase contracts to use. The writing goes however over this (well-known) Fact does not go beyond and does not include, not even sketchy, the idea of the automated selection process between different providers and the subsequent also automated Contract. This is an essential core element of the filed invention (see claim). moreover applies that in the aforementioned patent that of the hereby filed Invention considered Bulk business, i.e. millions of automatic to be done contract clearance, is not covered.

Consequently It is true that there is currently no consistent technical concept which gives the tasks in their very high complexity in the mass market and at the same time could cope very quickly and (legally) safely.

Task of invention

According to the invention, the large number of individual steps required for the decision and its execution (contract conclusion), which are necessary for a continuously economically optimal supply of a customer and, if necessary, for the change of his energy supplier, are automated. Using the new competitive situation in line-based supply, the electricity customers are always provided with the optimum purchasing conditions and the corresponding deliveries automatically organized automatically, without the need for further initiation. In addition, the customer will be checked for the correctness of the delivery bills to be prepared accepted.

Solution of task

These The object is achieved by a method and a device having the features according to the generic term of the claim.

Advantages of invention

The relate to advantages associated with the realization of the invention on the one hand every single customer, on the other hand with application the invention achieves economic benefits.

With the continuous optimization of its procurement conditions of electricity, Gas, water and district heating at complete Automated processing saves the customer both money (immediate monetary Advantage from discounted Conditions) as well as the time which he otherwise actively and workload for the possible reference optimization. Of particular importance is that these benefits / savings are not unique. you will be Rather, it is constantly being realized, as every customer always works depends on the supply of energy and water as elements of its "basic supply". The advantages gained from automated reference optimization flow Therefore, in the long run to him continuously.

Furthermore is true that by introducing the Invention in the mass market, the competition among suppliers is accelerated, i.e. achieved a deeper competitive market penetration becomes: the least-cost router is an electronic trading system under online link of supply and demand of very many market participants. This will be the cheaper one Providers (due to the commodity property of energy and water) and the same service higher Sales opportunities offered, the otherwise not so comprehensive to realize would, for example due to the failure to reach customers who demand it. The consequence of this is the avoidable supply of energy or energy Water from a more expensive, less cost-effective supplier. Routing thus becomes the misallocation of existing resources and enable it in its real-time application, the Demand to cover the marginal cost of suppliers.

description based on examples

basic structure

The following statements relate to the example of the power supply. They can be easily transferred to the gas, heat or water supply. The basic structure of least-cost routing, also referred to below as LeaCOR, is in 1 reproduced using the example of electricity.

energy provider offer their energy delivery offers for a future defined delivery period and about for certain customer groups with associated load profile, e.g. Commercial customers. After automated comparison of offers by LeaCOR based on the remote to LeaCOR Past values and a derived forecast of electricity consumption The customer automatically initiates the energy delivery. The for the Handling the change of supplier necessary information automated to the (co-) participating market participants such as. the network operator, the previous and the new energy suppliers forwarded. From a start time until the end of the agreed Delivery period, the delivery after the also takes place automatically (automatically) completed contract. The energy meter data is transmitted by remote meter and the relevant suppliers and, if necessary, network operators communicated. moreover It is intended that LeaCOR will take over the audit becomes. The actions thus described are all done "electronically" using internet and internet Software technologies. Energy providers include energy producers and energy traders also the electricity exchanges that operate on the market.

It should be noted that the filed invention extends to the flexibilization and automation of the settlement and business processes only between the customer and the supplier. All processes which the network operator managing the energy transport (s. 1 ), should - as was usually the case - be regulated between the energy supplier and the withdrawal network operator or among the network operators.

The Load data is transferred to the customer (automated) customer-internal readings of the electronic measuring and counters or over the Internet provided by the network operators online. From them will become the future Needs including of the load profile for possible upcoming contract periods using common forecasting methods (e.g. Neural networks) derived.

The predicted load profile over the future contract period, eg for the coming day, the next week, the next month or every 8760 h of a year forms the basis for future procurement. The load profile can eg be divided into basic, medium and peak load. In addition, another splitting, for example, in the delivery on weekdays and on Sundays and public holidays, among other things, to consider. From this, automated (price) inquiries are created that can be requested from various suppliers / energy traders.

On The basis of the predicted load profile can be used in conjunction with the various delivery and (standard) tariff offers optimizations of the cheapest Delivery combinations are made (e.g., belt deliveries, spot, peak load deliveries or the claim name of stores), which subsequently become a further specification of the delivery request to the energy providers in a recursive process. This portfolio optimization is an independent part and the economic one Core task in the least-cost routing method.

To Selection of the cheapest Bidders will then use the delivery contracts - in electronic form per Internet or paper-based including the automatic generation of all required letters - binding closed.

indispensable Prerequisite here is that customer and supplier authorized are to initiate corresponding inquiries or offers leave. Therefore, must the inquiries are technically tested and the validity be given by customer and provider.

• • Zähler-/Messdatenerfassung, Fernauslesung und Archivierung
• • Prognoseerstellung
• • Portfoliobildung
• • Tarif- und Preisanfrage
• • Angebotsbewertung
• • Bezugsoptimierung
• • Vertragsabschluss
• • Vertragsprüfung
• • Abrechnungsprüfung.

The solutions according to the invention accordingly include the technically-organizational (legally) secure and reliable automated handling of:

• • Counter / measurement data acquisition, remote reading and archiving
• • Forecasting
• • Portfolio formation
• • Tariff and price request
• • Offer evaluation
• • Reference optimization
• • Contract conclusion
• • Contract review
• • Billing check.

Principle of technical implementation

• • geschlossene autonome LeaCOR-Box (vergleichbar einem Router in der Telekommunikation) im Haus des Kunden bestehend aus Schnittstellen- und Prozessor-Hardware (embedded system / embedded World-Wide-Web-Server) mit LeaCOR-Software und Kommunikationsinterface;
• • Hardware- (Interface-Karten: cable-/wireless, z.B. seriell, Bluetooth, LAN, usw.) und LeaCOR-Software-Erweiterung einer bestehenden Rechneranlage des Kunden als LeaCOR-PC;
• • Zentrale World-Wide-Web-Anwendung (LeaCOR-WWW) mit Kundenanbindung über alle Internetfähigen Geräte (z.B. PC mit Internet-Browser, Pocket-PC, Tablet-PC, Handy, usw.) als LeaCOR-Clients. Die Zähler- und Abrechnungsdatenübermittlung an die LeaCOR-Zentrale erfolgt in diesem Fall automatisch aus den Energiedatenmanagement- und Buchhaltungs-/Abrechnungssystemen der jeweiligen Netzbetreiber des Kunden. Die Bedarfs-/Lastprofil-Prognose, Auswahl optimaler Lieferanten, elektronische Dokumenterzeugung sowie alle weiteren LeaCOR-Services werden ebenfalls in der LeaCOR-Zentrale durchgeführt. Alle Kundeninformationen, aufbereitete Daten, Prüfungsergebnisse, usw. werden in Papierform auf dem normalen Postweg, als electronic-Mail oder zur Anzeige und zum Ausdruck an den LeaCOR-Client (z.B. im HTML-, PDF-, WAP, WML, XML-Format) versendet.

The principle of technical implementation of the basic structure 1 is in 2 shown. Analogous to the routers in the telecommunications sector, the following three embodiments can be distinguished, in each case separately or also in combination:

• • closed autonomous LeaCOR box (comparable to a router in telecommunications) in the customer's home consisting of interface and processor hardware (embedded system / embedded world wide web server) with LeaCOR software and communication interface;
• • Hardware (interface cards: cable- / wireless, eg serial, Bluetooth, LAN, etc.) and LeaCOR software extension of an existing computer system of the customer as a LeaCOR PC;
• • Central World Wide Web application (LeaCOR-WWW) with customer connection via all Internet-enabled devices (eg PC with Internet browser, Pocket PC, Tablet PC, mobile phone, etc.) as LeaCOR clients. In this case, the meter and billing data transmission to the LeaCOR center is automatically made from the energy data management and accounting / billing systems of the respective network operator of the customer. Demand / load profile forecasting, selection of optimal suppliers, electronic document generation and all other LeaCOR services are also carried out at LeaCOR headquarters. All customer information, processed data, test results, etc. are sent in paper form by regular mail, as electronic mail or for display and printing to the LeaCOR client (eg in HTML, PDF, WAP, WML, XML format). sent.

• • kundenseitige Funktionalitäten als LeaCOR::router@home,
• • zentral umgesetzte Funktionalitäten als LeaCOR:services@center und
• • der extern über das Internet angebundenen Datenquellen LeaCOR::data@market.

In the following three sections, the modules of LeaCOR are explained, separated according to the proportions:

• • customer functionalities as LeaCOR :: router @ home,
• • centrally implemented functions as LeaCOR: services @ center and
• • Data sources externally connected via the Internet LeaCOR :: data @ market.

Modules and functionalities of the LeaCOR :: router @ home

In its technical concept, the customer-side LeaCOR includes :: router @ home (LeaCOR box, LeaCOR PC, LeaCOR client) 3 the subcomponents and functionalities described below.

data management custom

The for one Customers (LeaCOR box, LeaCOR PC) specific data include the master data all for him relevant market participants in the deregulated market, his counter and counterpart Demand data (time series), billing, cost, contract data, his customer specific features and aspects to be considered and Criteria for the implementation of optimization calculations.

The master data includes, in addition to those of the LeaCOR center itself, the current and potential suppliers of the line-based supply (such as all electricity suppliers that deliver to its postal code area), the network operators as current counterparty and all other relevant market participants such as energy exchanges. This master data includes name and address (legal entity), branches, branches, contact persons, telephone and fax numbers, mail addresses, WWW addresses as Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) for information and service services, public keys, etc.

The for the Include water and energy related relevant time series of the customer current and historical consumption data of district heating, gas, electricity and water as well as also generated forecast data for the LeaCOR optimal choice of water and energy suppliers. Add to that about that In addition, customer and environment specific (demand) data such as e.g. On and off times of lighting, machinery or equipment or Temperature and brightness values. Also include planned extensions and conversions, production expansions or partial plant shutdowns.

Next The time series are all customer-relevant billing, cost and contract data such as Basic, labor and performance prices, Minimum maturity period current contracts, Notice periods, Verlängerungsmodi etc. to save.

data preparation and visualization

In The component Data Preparation and Visualization finds the customer-specific and customization of all data and their visualization instead of. This may vary depending on the features of the LeaCOR box or the LeaCOR PC e.g. in paper over the connected printer. In electronic Form can overflow the output a built-in operating mechanism such as a WWW server in-house done or even from outside as a WWW page about the Internet will be displayed, faxed as an electronic document or shipped or even for portable communication devices prepared be put.

Market participants Management

The Market participant management is for Continuous updating of all customer-relevant market participant data according to the requirements and specifications of LeaCOR and the regulated market responsible. This includes e.g. the addition and the omission from suppliers and other market participants through an update service over the LeaCOR headquarters.

supply and tariff administration

The Offer and tariff management is responsible for the e.g. before an optimized Supplier selection necessary update currently offered Tariffs (e.g., General Tariff, HT / NT, Commercial, Relay, Zone Rates) of custom suppliers. This can be done by both active single query of the registered suppliers, reactive on requested delivery services / delivery quantities / delivery times and current stock market prices have happened or by using a tariff update service from LeaCOR headquarters be implemented.

Order and contract management

In Order and contract management takes place the customer-specific Updating all orders and contract specific data such as. concluded contracts, Contractor, Contract Identification, Contract Periods, Start deliveries, contract periods, basic, labor and performance prices, Calculations of minimum residual maturities, notice periods, extension modes, etc. The data on (electronically) concluded contracts can be used next to the (to be avoided) input by hand from the accounting Systems of suppliers (for example, SAP systems) come and there via Application Programming Interface (API) or WWW interface automated be read from automatically generated and sent electronic Extracts messages or documents or as a contract service be provided to the LeaCOR headquarters. If a supplier refuses one Order (see module contract related document creation), so the order has to be renewed without contract trigger optimized supplier selection.

Plant and plant counter management

In plant and meter data management, all equipment, measuring and counting equipment of the customer such as plant identification or meter point designations are managed according to the standards and specifications of the respective market (eg metering code for electricity). The system and meter data management is responsible for the billing-related (up to the time-continuous) updating of the customer-specific time series according to the respective marginal conditions specified in the respective liberalized market and in particular the tariff and contract conditions. This can range from just once a year updates, such as the meter for water usage, to monthly energy reference readings, to daily readings, 15 minute time slots, or even below, even to online real-time data collection. The data of the electronic meters can be read both via in-house communication links cable-based (eg pulse counting serial, bus, LAN) or wirelessly (eg Bluetooth, DECT, WLAN), as well as external communication links from the technical (energy data management) systems of the network operators themselves (eg GSM, UMTS, WWW / Internet Protocol standard), or via a central counter reading and data processing service of LeaCOR headquarters.

Environmental Data Management

In Environmental Data Management can be customized and environment-specific (demand and consumption) data become. This can e.g. the on and off times of lighting equipment, Machines or devices including in connection with in-house bus and installation systems or in-house production planning systems, temperature curves and values, solar irradiation and brightness data and other in-house sensor / actuator data or external sources such as e.g. Weather data server respectively involve this as a service of LeaCOR headquarters.

Time series forecasting

• • der Entwicklung der Bezugskonditionen der Lieferanten wie z.B. steigender oder fallender Energiepreise im jeweiligen Prognosezeitraum
• • der zu berücksichtigenden Umgebungsdaten
• • der Energie- und Wasserbezüge des Kunden auf Basis historischer Daten/Zeitreihen oder Standard-Zeitreihen unter Einbezug der Umgebungsdatenprognose

erforderlich. Die prognostizierten Werte – z.B. ein generiertes kundenspezifisches Lastprofil für Strom) – werden als Zeitreihen von diesem Modul erstellt und als (jeweils temporäre) Information in der Datenhaltung abgelegt.Preparing for an optimized selection of the customer's suppliers at a time is the prognosis

• • the development of suppliers' purchasing conditions, such as rising or falling energy prices in the respective forecast period
• • the environmental data to be considered
• • Customer's energy and water purchases based on historical data / time series or standard time series, including environmental data forecasting

required. The predicted values - eg a generated customer-specific load profile for electricity) - are created as time series by this module and stored as (in each case temporary) information in the data management system.

optimized supplier selection

• • des prognostizierten Verbrauchs,
• • der aktuell gültigen Lieferverträge mit den – darin enthaltenen und zu berücksichtigenden Fristen, – Konditionen und – Preisen
• • der zu dem jeweiligen Zeitpunkt der Optimierungsberechnung aktuell angebotenen Vertragskonditionen / Preise für den Kunden mit – Lieferbeginn – Vorlaufzeit – Vertragsdauer – Grund- und – Einzelpreise – Sonderkonditionen – Rabatte – Gutscheineinlösungen – Gutschriften, – Bonusprogrammen u.ä.
• • prognostizierter Bezugskonditionen

wird nach Zusammenführung eine kundenindividuell optimale Lösung ermittelt.In this calculation module, algorithms for (cost) optimization and decision-making of supplier selection are used under the selected, given and to be considered criteria and boundary conditions. Based

• • the forecasted consumption,
• • the currently valid delivery contracts with the deadlines, conditions and prices included therein
• • the contract conditions / prices currently offered for the customer at the time of the optimization calculation with - start of delivery - lead time - contract duration - basic and - individual prices - special conditions - discounts - coupon reductions - credits, - bonus programs, etc.
• • predicted purchasing conditions

After the merger, a customized solution is determined.

ever after technical (eg 24 h advance notification of delivery schedules for electricity) and commercial / legally given (temporal) boundary conditions can this Optimization calculation, specifically customized, both in big in time, multiple and mass cycles, as well as needed very short time cycles (e.g., energy exchanges with 15 minute intervals or later also below). This distinguishes the LeaCOR system much of conventional electronic fast-running trading systems such as e.g. XETRA, in which only the sum demand (and not the custom Individual demand) compared to an aggregated offer becomes.

contract-related document creation

To execution The optimization calculation in this module is the decision made the supplier selection document-related implemented. The module manufactures for the Customers in electronic form automatically and legally safe all Required letters and documents to order the delivery as well as other (framework) contract documents.

• • eine kundenseitige (Teil-) Vollmacht für die Bestellung beim Lieferanten vorliegt, oder
• • unter Einhaltung vereinbarter kundenseitiger Bestätigungsfristen und unter Berücksichtigung der Höhe der Bestellwerte eine explizite Bestätigung für jede Einzelbestellung eingeholt wird (bei Papierausdruck und Versendung der Dokumente auf postalischem Weg ist dies explizit klar), oder
• • kundenindividuell vereinbarte, von der Höhe des Bestellwertes und zeitlichen Bestellfristen und Vorlaufzeiten abhängige und angemessene Einspruchsfristen gewahrt bleiben.

In this case, prior to (electronic) document transmission to the supplier and, if appropriate or necessary, all other market participants involved in this process ensure that

• • a customer (partial) power of attorney exists for the order with the supplier, or
• • an explicit confirmation for each individual order is obtained in compliance with agreed customer confirmation periods and taking into account the amount of the order values (this is explicitly clear in the case of paper printing and sending the documents by postal mail), or
• • remain subject to customer-specific agreement, and are subject to appropriate and reasonable notice periods depending on the amount of the order value and time periods and lead times.

• • elektronisch via WWW-Services, elektronischer Mails oder File Transfers (FTP), über Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) realisierte direkte elektronische Systemschnittstellenzugänge in kaufmännische Systeme der Lieferanten, elektronisch generierte Faxe, Handy- oder PDA-Anwendungsprogramme usw. oder
• • auf dem normalen Postweg papiergestützt über an die LeaCOR-Box, den LeaCOR-PC oder LeaCOR-Client angeschlossene Drucker, d.h. mit Kundenunterschrift auf ausgedruckten Dokumenten automatisch generierter Dateien (z.B. im HTML-, PDF, PS- oder XML-Format).

The transmission of the (legally secure digitally signed) documents takes place

• • electronically via WWW services, electronic mail or file transfers (FTP), through application programming interfaces (APIs) implemented direct electronic system interface access to suppliers' merchant systems, electronically generated faxes, cell phone or PDA application programs, etc. or
• • paper-based in the normal way via printers connected to the LeaCOR box, the LeaCOR PC or LeaCOR client, ie with customer's signature on printed documents of automatically generated files (eg in HTML, PDF, PS or XML format).

in the Normally it can be assumed that orders initiated by LeaCOR be accepted by the supplier. In the case of supplier side Reservations will be unacceptable orders in the order module and contract management and there a renewed optimal Supplier selection initiated.

in the Result, therefore, legally compliant, continuous, (perfect) Automated, commercially effective deliveries in the liberalized market at optimal delivery conditions individually for each individual customer.

audit

To successful delivery and invoicing of the supplier an automated audit for the Customers are carried out. For electronic invoicing, e.g. via electronic News, reading from a WWW portal or the accounting / accounting API Billingsystems this is done by the customer or in the LeaCOR headquarters Completely automated. Based on the measurement data stored in the LeaCOR data and counting data as well as in the billing period to be checked valid Tariffs and contracts can a comparison can be made for correctness.

at paper-based Invoices can be either the customer himself or upon receipt of a Copy of the invoice also the LeaCOR headquarters as a service respectively enter current billing data into the system.

contract Review

Analogous For the invoices, an examination is closed in this module Contracts, i.e. in particular, the match becomes contractually fixed deadlines, terms and conditions and prices between received offer or order and closed Contract checked.

interface commercial systems

In As already described above, this module will be used for program engineering Connections to commercial Systems (e.g., billing systems, SAP) with (in electronic form existing) offers and tariffs as well as contracts on the basis of usual market Standards implemented.

interface technical systems

In As already described above, this module also includes the program-technical connections technical systems (e.g., EDM systems) with (in electronic Form existing) counter data based on market standards implemented.

communication internally

This Module is for the in-house communication of the LeaCOR box or the LeaCOR PCs between the measuring and counting devices as well as the in-house, market standard solutions cable-supported or wireless communication systems such as serial or parallel bus, USB interface, DECT, LAN, Bluetooth, WLAN interface, etc. are responsible. It includes both the any hardware Interface connection as well as required software drivers for this. Furthermore can be an (embedded) WWW server including a firewall or an appropriate API (example: Landis Gyr Electric meter with integrated WWW server or Teleservice boxes from Flender AG). About these can in-house the edited and visualized data for the LeaCOR PC myself, for other in-house PCs or browser-based output devices provided being marketable standard solutions therefor considered and supported become.

communication external

The Module for the external communication is used to connect the LeaCOR box or LeaCOR PC to the Internet. This can be both cable-based (e.g. LAN, WAN, fiber optic, analog modem, ISDN, DSL, Powerline) as well as wireless (e.g., GSM, UMTS, WLAN) and also uses standard market solutions for this.

cryptography

The Cryptography module, taking into account permissions and cryptographic standards such as data encryption and (digital) signatures, ensures (secure) legally secure transmission of data, including electronic documents. This also includes the management of the public key of the customer-relevant market part as well as the customer's own public and / or private key as well as its measuring and counting devices and in-house communication devices (if any), as well as the connection to corresponding certification systems.

flow control

• • internen Auslesung der elektronischen Mess- und Zähleinrichtungen sowie der Umgebungsdatenaktorik / -sensorik und -Systeme nach Speichervolumen der eingebauten elektronischen Zähler und der vorgegebenen Zeit- und Tarifschemata, Vertrags- und Tariffristen und -konditionen, sonstigen Kriterien und Optionen sowie den Vorgaben von Prognose- und Optimierungsverfahren
• • externen Auslesung von Zählereinrichtungen sowie Umgebungsdatenaktorik / -sensorik und -Systemen nach vorgegebenen Zeit- und Tarifschemata, Vertrags- und Tariffristen und -konditionen, sonstigen Kriterien und Optionen sowie den Vorgaben von Prognose- und Optimierungsverfahren aus den technischen (z.B. Energiedatenmanagement (EDM) System) und buchhalterischen Systemen (Billing-Systemen) sowie WWW-Portalen der Lieferanten, Netzbetreiber und weiteren Marktteilnehmer
• • Berechnung von Prognosen für den Wasser- und Energieverbrauch einerseits und die (marktentwicklungsbezogenen) Bezugskonditionen andererseits
• • Abfrage von aktuellen Tarifinformationen unter Berücksichtigung von aktuellen Kündigungs- und Wechselbedingungen und -fristen laufender Verträge sowie möglicher Neulieferanten
• • Einholung von gezielten (Einzel-) Angeboten auf Basis von Prognosedaten
• • bezugskonditions- und prognosegesteuerte Optimierungsrechnung mit Entscheidung zur Auswahl von Lieferanten sowie anschließender automatischer Erzeugung und (elektronischer) Übermittlung aller kundenseitig notwendigen Vertragsdokumente und Schreiben
• • kundengesteuerten Aufbereitung und Visualisierung aller LeaCOR-Daten zu Auskunfts-, Informations- und Kontrollzwecken und der Eingabe von Optionen, Kriterien, Parametern, usw. für die Prognose und Auswahl von Lieferanten;
• • Vertrags- und Rechnungsprüfung.

The flow control module is used to initiate, control or coordinate the customer, event, time, tariff and contract-controlled initiation

• • internal reading of the electronic measuring and counting devices as well as the environmental data actuators / sensors and systems according to the storage volume of the built-in electronic meters and the given time and tariff schemes, contract and tariff periods and conditions, other criteria and options as well as the specifications of forecasting and optimization procedures
• • external readout of metering devices as well as environmental data actuators / sensors and systems according to specified time and tariff schemes, contract and tariff periods and conditions, other criteria and options as well as the specifications of forecasting and optimization procedures from the technical (eg energy data management (EDM) system) ) and accounting systems (billing systems) as well as WWW portals of suppliers, network operators and other market participants
• • Calculation of forecasts for water and energy consumption on the one hand and (market development-related) purchasing conditions on the other hand
• • Query of current tariff information under consideration of current notice and change conditions and periods of current contracts as well as possible new suppliers
• • Obtaining targeted (individual) offers based on forecast data
• • Purchase condition and forecast-controlled optimization calculation with decision to select suppliers and subsequent automatic generation and (electronic) transmission of all contract documents and letters required by the customer
• • customer-driven preparation and visualization of all LeaCOR data for information, information and control purposes and the input of options, criteria, parameters, etc. for the forecasting and selection of suppliers;
• • Contract and invoice verification.

Modules and functionalities of the LeaCOR :: seivices @ center

4 gives an overview of the modules and functionalities of the central LeaCOR: aervices @ center.

data management headquarters

• • für jeden Kunden wie bereits oben beim router@home beschrieben alle kundenspezifischen Daten – soweit die LeaCOR-Zentrale Service-Dienstleistungen für den Kunden übernimmt –
• • für jeden Lieferanten Angebots-, Tarif-, Liefer-, Abrechnungs-, Kosten-, Vertragsdaten, mögliche lieferantenspezifische Besonderheiten mit allen zu berücksichtigenden Aspekten und Kriterien, hier insbesondere auch elektronische Zugangsmöglichkeiten zu den buchhalterischen Systemen
• • für jeden Netzbetreiber die Zähler- und Verbrauchsdaten, Abrechnungs-, Kosten-, Vertragsdaten, seine spezifischen Besonderheiten und weitere zu berücksichtigende Aspekte und Kriterien, insbesondere auch elektronische Zugangsmöglichkeiten zu den technischen (Energiedatenmanagement-) Systemen sowie
• • für die weiteren zu berücksichtigenden Markteilnehmer und Beteiligten Zugänge und Daten aus Auktions-, Bonitätsprüfungs-, Kundenbindungs-, Rabatt- und Zertifizierungssystemen, usw..

Centralized data management manages all the data required for the LeaCOR services of the participating market participants as well as other stakeholders. This includes the respective master data and

• • For each customer, as described above at the router @ home, all customer-specific data - as far as the LeaCOR center handles service for the customer -
• • offer, tariff, delivery, billing, cost, contract data, possible supplier-specific features for each supplier with all aspects and criteria to be considered, in particular electronic access to the accounting systems
• • For each network operator, the meter and consumption data, billing, cost, contract data, its specific features and other aspects and criteria to be taken into account, in particular electronic access to the technical (energy data management) systems and
• • Additions and data from auction, credit check, customer loyalty, rebate and certification systems, etc. for the other market participants and participants to be considered.

archiving

in the Archiving module are all functionalities for archiving data storage Central according to the legal laws, storage times, deadlines and provisions summarized.

Account and client management

The Account and Tenant Management is responsible for managing all LeaCOR access permissions through the Internet.

data preparation and visualization

In The data preparation and visualization component contains the LeaCOR client-specific editing all data and their visualization instead. This is about the Internet portal delivered as a service to LeaCOR: services @ center, and suitably prepared for the respective technical device (WWW browser, mobile phone, PDA, ...).

Market participants Management

The Market participant management is for continuous updating of all market participants and stakeholders according to the requirements and specifications of LeaCOR and the market.

supply and tariff administration

The Quotation and tariff management is responsible for a continuous update all currently offered tariffs (for example, General tariffs, HT / NT, Commercial, scale, zone tariffs) of all suppliers participating in LeaCOR the wired supply and the preparation of this data as an update service offer for the LeaCOR :: router @ home. Also included in this module as LeaCOR Offer and tariff services have obtained individual customer quotations and managed.

Order and contract management

In The contract management is managed by all in LeaCOR Services completed contracts. This includes both contracts for supplies of water and energy, as well as framework contracts and market participants Powers for LeaCOR for Automated delivery orders, in particular representative for the customer side. As part of a LeaCOR order service, this includes assignment the customer also already described in the LeaCOR :: router @ home functionalities for each individual customer through the LeaCOR headquarters.

Plant and plant counter management

In of plant and meter data management all equipment, measuring and counting equipment managed by LeaCOR manages including one in particular billing-related (timely to continuous) Updating the (customer-specific) time series according to those in the respective liberalized Market predetermined time constraints. As part of a LeaCOR metering service, this includes the Customer's order as described above for LeaCOR :: router @ home Functionalities.

For customers without electronic counters is a reading of meter data over a LeaCOR counter service offered. That with a camera phone (for example via phone numbers registered on LeaCOR customers) made photo of an analogue counter the customer gets over evaluated an image evaluation and from it a count with a time stamp generated. This semi-automatic capture can be done in the phone itself done and the data e.g. above sent an SMS to the LeaCOR headquarters or the photograph itself is e.g. transmitted as MMS and the image analysis centrally conducted.

Environmental Data Management

The environment data management described in LeaCOR :: router @ home as a LeaCOR environment service on behalf of the customer in this module centrally conducted. This includes, among other things, weather data such as (local) temperatures, air pressure or humidity or (local) water hardness and pH.

Time series forecasting

The for one Customers in LeaCOR :: router @ home described functionality as central LeaCOR forecasting service provided in this module.

Additionally, LeaCOR can be central also bundling several customers Forecasts are created, which are called cumulative forecasts over individual custom Go beyond forecasts.

optimized supplier selection

The The customer-optimized supplier selection described above in the router @ home is also centrally implemented as a LeaCOR reference optimization service.

The central optimization calculation through bundled predicted demand will usually lead to further potential savings. Stands for this Correspondingly large computing capacity is available in the LeaCOR center. alternative the computational burden on each participating LeaCOR clients from the Central assigned or distributed and become the computational results reunited in the LeaCOR center.

contract-related document creation

The already described above in the router @ home customer-specific document-related Implementation of made decision of supplier selection will be here centrally implemented as LeaCOR document service.

Additionally finds In this module, the document - related implementation of the in the course of the optimal selection of suppliers for bundling held by customers. This bundling requires additional contract designs between the bundled Customers among themselves or between these customers and suppliers, Thus, in addition to the order letter, all of them will also be legally binding required Writing and documents also in electronic or paper-based form generated automatically and in consideration of approval or opposition periods (analogous to the description in the router @ home) sent.

The result in the central document service is customer-specific and customer-bundled, legally secure, continuous, (completely) automated, commercially effective deliveries in the liberalized market at optimal delivery conditions.

audit

To Deliveries and invoice deliveries are made by him Module as LeaCOR Audit Service an automated audit carried out. In addition to the customer-specific ones carried out in this module at the head office Auditing, described in the router @ home, this is additionally done for customers bundled by LeaCOR, usually the billing data of the other bundled purchasing partners not available stand.

contract Review

Analogous to the central LeaCOR audit service In this module, a LeaCOR contract review service will be implemented. This includes on the one hand the test customized contracts as described in the router @ home as a central service. On the other hand will be the extra exam in the context of bundling arising contracts with all terms, conditions, conditions and prices between the bundled Partners and their suppliers realized in this module.

portfolio Education

Of the LeaCOR portfolio service distinguishes between portfolio proposals for individual clients Customers, for Suppliers and for LeaCOR itself. Portfolio Proposals for the Customer side, each individually, include (product) shopping suggestions due to calculated Forecast data for the water or energy consumption. Portfolio suggestions for the supplier side include suggestions for energy and water product offers or tariff models due from LeaCOR, for certain customer groups more typical, broadly applicable Consumption structures (water and energy). LeaCOR portfolio proposals include LeaCOR services such as bundling products targeted to customers with particularly suitable matching consumption forecasts and current offers in the market.

interface commercial systems

In This module will be analogous to the description at router @ home auction systems, credit, accounting and customer loyalty systems (including related parts of the Internet portals) tethered.

interface technical systems

In This module is analogous to the description in the router @ home technical Systems (including the data from the Internet portals of market participants such as e.g. Tariff information of the suppliers).

communication external

The Module for External communication is used to connect the LeaCOR center to the Internet. This can be both cable-based (e.g., LAN, WAN, fiber optic, analog modem, ISDN, DSL, Powerline) as well Wireless (for example GSM, UMTS, WLAN) are also provided via standard market solutions.

cryptography

The Module Cryptography ensures consideration of permissions and cryptographic standards such as data encryption and (digital) signatures for one (secured) legally secure transmission including data electronic documents. This includes the management of the public key all for LeaCOR relevant market participants as well as LeaCOR's own public and / or private key as well as the connection to appropriate certification systems.

flow control

• • externen Auslesung von Zählereinrichtungen sowie Umgebungsdatenaktorik / -sensorik und -Systemen nach vorgegebenen Zeit- und Tarifschemata, Vertrags- und Tariffristen und -konditionen, sonstigen Kriterien und Optionen sowie den Vorgaben von Prognose- und Optimierungsverfahren aus den technischen (z.B. Energiedaten management (EDM) System) und buchhalterischen Systemen (Billing-Systemen) sowie WWW-Portalen der Lieferanten, Netzbetreiber und weiteren Marktteilnehmer
• • Abfrage von aktuellen Tarifinformationen unter Berücksichtigung von aktuellen Kündigungs- und Wechselbedingungen und -fristen aller von der LeaCOR-Zentrale betreuten laufenden Verträge sowie möglicher Neulieferanten
• • Berechnung von Prognosen für den Wasser- und Energieverbrauch einerseits und die (marktentwicklungsbezogenen) Bezugskonditionen andererseits
• • Vertrags-, Rechnungsprüfung und Portfoliobildung
• • Einholung von Angeboten für einzelne und gebündelte Kunden
• • an die Prognose anknüpfenden, bezugskonditions- und prognosegesteuerten Optimierungsrechnung einschließlich Entscheidungen zur Bündelung von Kunden und der letztendlichen Auswahl von Lieferanten
• • anschließenden automatischen Erzeugung und (elektronischen) Übermittlung aller marktteilnehmerseitig notwendigen Vertragsdokumente und Schreiben
• • Aufbereitung und Visualisierung der in der LeaCOR-Zentrale vorliegenden Daten zu Auskunfts-, Informations- und Kontrollzwecken sowie der Eingabe von Optionen, Kriterien, Parametern, usw. für die Prognose und Auswahl von Lieferanten.

In the flow control module, the customer, supplier, network operator and other market participants are controlled, event-, time-, tariff- and contract-controlled initiation, control or coordination of the

• • external readout of metering devices as well as environmental data actuators / sensors and systems according to specified time and tariff schemes, contract and tariff periods and conditions, other criteria and options as well as the specifications of forecasting and optimization procedures from the technical (eg energy data management (EDM) System) and accounting systems (billing systems) as well as WWW portals of suppliers, network operators and other market participants
• • Inquiry of current tariff information taking into account current notice and change conditions and deadlines of all current contracts supervised by the LeaCOR center as well as possible new suppliers
• • Calculation of forecasts for water and energy consumption on the one hand and (market development-related) purchasing conditions on the other hand
• • Contract, invoice verification and portfolio formation
• • Obtaining offers for individual and ge bundled customers
• • Procurement based on the forecast, condition-based and forecast-driven optimization calculation, including decisions to bundle customers and the final selection of suppliers
• • subsequent automatic generation and (electronic) transmission of all contract documents and letters required by the market participant
• • Preparation and visualization of LeaCOR headquarters data for information, information and control purposes as well as the input of options, criteria, parameters, etc. for the forecasting and selection of suppliers.

Externally linked data sources LeaCOR :: data @ market The external data sources mentioned in the previously described LeaCOR modules of the LeaCOR :: router @ home and the LeaCOR: services @ center (compare also 2 ) are in 5 summarized.

description the dynamic processes

The LeaCOR system requires a functioning, automated exchange of information between energy suppliers and network operators in the context of energy data management (EDM) (see 2 ). Such EDM systems are currently under the leadership of the utility industry in the introduction. However, a least-cost routing of the cheapest energy providers initiated by the energy customer is not provided for in existing EDM systems. Therefore, according to the invention, the interfaces between the LeaCOR system and the EDM-level systems are defined and developed taking into account existing data formats and standards. The classification of the LeaCOR system into the environment of EDM systems shows 6 ,

LeaCOR - submodels

The described routing system is as "overall model" (see claim) specific. It can be divided into submodels, respectively not all the aforementioned functionalities but, depending on the application requirements, the routing task Solve less comprehensively. this makes possible simplistic modeling. Her explanation below serves otherwise underpinning the understanding of the presented overall routing model.

Energy model by call

Here, the independent routing is omitted. The model is intended for those customers who want to dispense with automatic routing and choose their own supplier. The requirements and functionality of this model are comparable to those known from telecommunications call by call method. The active structure Energy by Call is in 7 shown.

• • alle Informationen zum Energielieferanten (Name der Firma, Standort, etc.),
• • für den Kunden wichtige Informationen, wie Tarife und Angebote der Lieferanten und deren Vorwahlnummern.

It is sometimes possible for the customer, provided that simple tariff structures are adequate for the evaluation of his consumption structure, to determine the optimum energy supplier for himself by means of a tariff table. Such rate charts are currently available on the Internet or in daily newspapers. First and foremost, then, LeaCOR's job is to manage energy suppliers with their tariffs and phone numbers as a provider, to make the data available to the customer on-line, automatically generate all the necessary documents and automate it electronically as a fax or e-mail). For the Energy by Call model, data management consists of storing supplier-related data. The supplier-related data are:

• • all information about the energy supplier (name of the company, location, etc.),
• • Important information for the customer, such as tariffs and offers from suppliers and their area codes.

Im figured Sinn works the model Energy by Call like an extended Stromtarifrechner (im Internet).

7 also shows the schematized load history of a customer who already obtains energy. The customer chooses an area code assigned to the supplier, for example 01051 for the energy supplier A and at time t ₀ gives the order to deliver energy to him from a certain point in time t ₁ . The LeaCOR system acts here only in the form of data and tariff management, ie LeaCOR does not intervene directly in the process of changing supplier.

• • Wiederaufnahme der Belieferung durch den Altlieferanten (Lieferant A),
• • eine Neubelieferung durch einen anderen Lieferanten (B, D, etc.),
• • eine weitere Belieferung durch den Lieferanten C,
• • eine Ersatzbelieferung durch den Verteilungsnetztreiber (wie in den sog. „Verbändevereinbarungen" der Elektrizitätswirtschaft vorgesehen) oder
• • die absolute Beendigung des Lieferverhältnisses durch einen Sonderfall.

The customer then obtains energy from supplier C from time t ₁ to time t _2. After termination of the delivery contract relationship, the following cases exist:

• • resumption of delivery by the old supplier (supplier A),
• • a new delivery by another supplier (B, D, etc.),
• • another supply by the supplier C,
• • a replacement supply by the distribution network driver (as provided for in the so-called "association agreements" of the electricity industry) or
• • the absolute termination of the delivery relationship by a special case.

An example scenario of the supplier change with Energy by Call is in 8th shown. The example scenario is shown by a customer, LeaCOR and a supplier. The data exchange with the network operator and the remote meter reading are not reproduced here.

Energy model by routing

The change of the energy supplier in Energy by Routing is an extension of the Energy by Call model. Here a router is to be used, which is to optimize the energy reference as an automated system, through automated selection and commissioning of the router determined automatically "cheapest" provider 7 around such a router gives the schematic diagram 9 ,

The difference between 7 and 9 is that now the router as an automated system the customer decides to change the energy supplier.

The load curve in 9 shows the energy supply by several suppliers in their time sequence. The router takes over the task of commissioning suppliers on behalf of the customer. On the basis of given consumption data, it decides which tariffs and offers from which supplier and on which delivery period optimizes the energy procurement for the customer.

10 shows an example scenario of the supplier change with Energy by Routing. The example scenario is shown by a customer, LeaCOR and only one supplier.

The further step from here to the least-cost routing described at the outset is the comprehensive portfolio formation, as described in US Pat 11 outlined.

Claims (13)

Method for continuous and automatic automatic least-cost-routing (LeaCOR) for the power supply (electricity, gas, district heating, water) based on a) remote reading, remote transmission, reception, preparation and analysis of consumption and contract data for the supply (electricity, gas, district heating, water) of individual customers and suppliers of energy and water suppliers and other relevant market participants on the one hand and b) the forwarding of the relevant for customers, suppliers and other market participants within the scope of this claim Data including letters and contract documents with electronic signatures to these and their receipt on the other hand, characterized in that all the above information to (a) for the settlement of retail and bulk transactions in the wired supply continuously automated via timed e including, but not limited to, consumption-driven and event-driven, including supply and contract-controlled hardware and software components, and that all relevant data relating to (b) is also continuously automated on landline, mobile, powerline or Internet-based communications technology. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that continuously and automatically-automatically the customer-related selection of each currently under customer-specific given criteria economically optimal and without injury existing contracts permissible Suppliers. Method according to one or more of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that continuously and automatically-automatically contracts up to in real time between the individual customer and the selected supplier including market participants automatic generation of electronic or paper-based writing and Contract documents with corresponding information to customer, supplier and other participating market participants, if necessary. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a continuous and automatically-automatic Contract and billing check of the applicable delivery contract with corresponding information to customer, supplier and other participating market participants - provided required - done. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that this under the objective of always secure supply of all customers and data transmission not exclusively, but preferably in encrypted form he follows. Apparatus for carrying out the LeaCOR method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5 in a technical, computer-aided router system, characterized in that an intelligent device, an intelligent box with software, hereinafter referred to as LeaCOR :: router @ home , exists for customers who have interfaces to customers' metering and metering equipment, as well as in-house and out-of-home communication interfaces, and for customer-superior services with a service center, hereafter referred to net as LeaCOR :: services @ center, and other involved market participants, hereinafter referred to as LeaCOR :: data @ market, communicates. LeaCOR :: router @ home according to claim 6 is characterized that the (consumption) data of the counting and measuring devices at the customers in regular intervals dependent on the size of the counter memory, Contract periods Billing intervals or contract-controlled events such as notice dates, Expiry dates of existing contracts, invoice dates or Forecasts automatically read out, combined, summed, be predicted and stored. LeaCOR :: router @ home after one or more of the claims 6 to 7 is characterized in that the data on offers, Prices and terms of delivery of the local customers Suppliers in regular intervals or automatically read out for contract-controlled events, merged, be predicted and stored. LeaCOR :: router @ home after one or more of the claims 6 to 8 is characterized in that the contract and billing data depends on financial statements, Deadlines, contract periods, Billing intervals, outflows and terminations including billing data automatically read, merged, forecasted and get saved. LeaCOR :: router @ home after one or more of the claims 6 to 9 is characterized in that this is passively e.g. in client-server technology or active automatically e.g. in agent technology between the device LeaCOR :: router @ home and the LeaCOR :: services @ central and LeaCOR :: data @ market systems can. LeaCOR :: router @ home after one or more of the claims 6 to 10 is characterized in that the data exchange between devices and Systems based on market defined, used and customary Standards are not exclusive, but preferably in a markup language like XML is structured and coded. LeaCOR :: router @ home after one or more of the claims 6 to 11 is characterized in that the information exchange between humans and the LeaCOR systems LeaCOR :: router @ home, LeaCOR: services @ central and LeaCOR :: data @ market based on the World Wide Web, used and usual Standards are not exclusive, but preferably in HTML, PDF, SGML, XHTML is structured and coded. LeaCOR :: router @ home after one or more of the claims 6 to 12 is characterized in that the electronic exchange is not exclusively, but preferably with conventional standard data exchange protocols on the Internet / World Wide Web such as http and https is realized.