The project evaluates the reasonableness of electricity supply concepts for regional energy utilisation (incl. activation of private and municipal demand side management potentials) as well as islanding operation (autarky by a mix of existing and new renewable generators) in the rural area of the model region Murau. Corresponding benefits analyses for the whole system will derive upper cost limits of future demonstration projects, which offer the possibility to achieve a regional implementation plan. Thus, realistic business model approaches for utilisation of renewables in the important rural resource areas can be derived by the fist time by combining scientific economic evaluations with regional policy needs.