Community Energy Groups: Can They Shield Consumers from the Risks of Using Blockchain for Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading?

Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading is emerging as a new mechanism for settling the exchange of between renewable generators and consumers. P2P provides local balancing when it facilitated through distributed ledgers (‘blockchains’). Energy communities across Europe have uncovered potential this technology are currently running pilots to test its applicability in trading. The aim paper assess, using legal literature legislation, whether forms available United Kingdom (UK) can help resolve some uncertainties around individual use blockchain This includes recognition ‘prosumers’, protection their personal data, well validity ‘smart contracts’ programmed trade on network. analysis has shown that entities, such Limited Liability Partnerships Co-operative Societies, play crucial role providing necessary framework protect consumers engaging these transactions. particularly case co-operatives, given they hold members liable not respecting rules set out (compulsory) governing document. These findings relevant other European countries, where co-operative model also used.