Active distribution grids and active customers require a rethinking of ICT tools and architectures in order to connect systems, platforms and actors previously unable to exchange information across domains of the energy business. This paper presents results from an R&D project focusing on developing a reference architecture for an open smart grid middleware, able to cope with the wide range of services necessary to integrate both DSOs, retailers and consumers as well as new actors (such as aggregators and prosumers) to a common framework. Such a framework is necessary to develop, scale and design future energy-related services to customers and other relevant stakeholders in the energy system operation
