Japanese Energy Management in Smart Grid after the Great East Japan Earthquake

SUMMARY The Great East Japan Earthquake drastically changed the energy management scheme in the electric power grid in Japan. Nuclear power plants ceasing operation caused an increase in electricity costs. Demand side energy management schemes such as demand response are now needed to reduce the peaks in electric power demand by using the Home Energy Management System (HEMS) and Building Energy Management System (BEMS). This paper describes the trends in Japan for energy management based on demand response and international standardization of communications protocols, and points out future issues and possibilities.