Executive Summary : | The integration of distributed energy resources requires coordinated operation of power distribution supply chain components, including DSOs, local market operators, energy suppliers, prosumers, and consumers. Local energy sharing supports localized energy balancing, reducing variability in the upper-level supply chain. Prosumers with rooftop PV can trade their energy surplus on a peer-to-peer P2P basis, reducing network losses and overall energy costs. End customers can manage their energy deficit/surplus from local energy markets and retail utility power, while controlling and operating flexible loads. The distribution grid supply chain can be divided into three segments: upper P2P layer for community agents/aggregators, lower P2P layer for direct energy trading among residential prosumers, and home energy management systems (HEMS) within smart homes for end-users. Blockchain networks enable secure, immutable, tamper-proof, and transparent energy transactions in local energy markets. |