Mapping of regulatory actors and processes related to cloud-based energy management environments using the Apriori algorithm

Abstract

Energy Cloud (EC) is the future proposal for energy management but the point is that there is no regulatory framework for EC. Therefore, knowing how the energy regulatory environment works and the relationship between actors and processes in this environment will contribute to the proposition of a new, well-structured regulatory system. The objective of this article is to identify the processes and actors which compose the regulation level of energy systems, to establish the basic relationships between these actors and processes, outlining the guidelines for the establishment and/or modification of policies, laws, and regulations related to the transition of energy management systems to the EC. The method used to achieve the objective was a systematic literature review (SLR) and the Apriori algorithm. SLR identified 7 main processes and 21 secondary processes, totaling 28 regulatory processes (outlined and presented through a mental map), being established through Apriori a network of dependencies between these processes with 37 direct links. 23 actors were identified that are structured in a network with 28 direct and dependent connections. The connections between processes and actors can serve as a starting point for creating a roadmap for the development of new regulations considering the implementation of EC.