Smart and Open Energy Monitoring and Control: An Initiative for Digitally and Energy-Aware Greener Communities

The SmartEn-UP project addresses the shared challenge of sustainable economic growth, energy efficiency, and competitiveness in mountainous and rural regions along the Slovenian-Austrian border. Households, agricultural enterprises, and SMEs are facing increasing electricity demands—driven by the growing use of electric vehicles, heat pumps, air conditioning systems, and energy-intensive household appliances. At the same time, decentralized generation from renewable sources, particularly small photovoltaic (PV) systems, is causing additional grid fluctuations. The existing infrastructure is often outdated or undersized, and expansion is costly. This results in peak loads, higher operating costs, and declining competitiveness. In Slovenia, a complex and still poorly understood system of dynamic tariffs and grid fees hampers active consumption adjustment. In regions such as Graz and Villach, however, proven approaches to smart grid management and user involvement exist—with potential for cross-border knowledge transfer. Efficiently addressing these challenges is essential for climate targets, the circular economy, and regional resilience.