Community self-consumption
As a solar power producer, you can share your electricity locally with your neighbors or on a larger scale, such as within a neighborhood or municipality. Whether you choose a Local Electricity Community (LEC), a Self-Consumption Group (SCG or Virtual SCG), or a Self-Consumption Community (SCC), pick the model that works best for you.
As a consumer, you have the option to switch to a local electricity supplier. If you are eligible, SEIC can help you make the switch.
Pooling solar power to increase self-consumption
Generating solar power and using it locally is essential to the energy transition.
This is referred to as self-consumption , since the solar power generated by photovoltaic panels is used immediately on-site, without passing through a distribution system operator’s grid—in this case, SEIC’s grid.
When a solar power system generates more electricity than its owner needs, that excess electricity can be shared among multiple homes or buildings.
Of course, when the solar system is not generating enough electricity to meet demand, power is drawn from the SEIC grid.
The different models
To share your produce with other consumers, you can create:
- a self-consumption community (CA)
- a group for own consumption (GOC)
- a virtual self-consumption group (VSCG)
- a local electricity community (LEC).
Which model should I choose?
In a CA or RCP/RCPv, producers sell their solar electricity directly to members, who consume it on-site. As a result, since the solar energy is used directly, consumers do not pay for the use of the SEIC grid because it does not pass through it. They therefore benefit from generally lower electricity costs.
The main difference between a CA and an RCP/RCPv for consumers lies in the flexibility to leave the community or group. Each member of a CA remains an individual customer of SEIC and may decide to leave the community at any time. RCP members, on the other hand, are no longer considered SEIC customers. The RCP representative is the sole point of contact for both SEIC and the group’s members. It is the properties (apartments, buildings, etc.) that are linked to an RCP, whereas CAs are made up of end consumers.
The Virtual Self-Consumption Group (VSCG) allows an energy generation facility to increase its share of self-consumption compared to the standard self-consumption group by making locally generated electricity available to neighboring buildings as well.
Local electricity communities enable the sale of locally generated solar power at the neighborhood or municipal level. Within a local electricity community, solar power flows between producers and consumers via the existing public grid at a more favorable rate. The grid usage fee (transmission charge) is then reduced by 20 to 40 percent.
No matter which model you choose, SEIC can provide you with billing services.
Learn more about the different models
Compare collective self-consumption models
| Model | Revenue | CPR / CPRv | CEL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Scope |
The same connection point or behind connections originating from the same first network node |
The same connection point or behind connections originating from the same first network node |
At most one neighborhood or municipality, depending on the type of network |
|
Customers and Billing |
SEIC continues to bill each member of the community for their share of electricity consumed from the SEIC grid. Members therefore remain SEIC customers for electricity sourced from outside the CA. The CA representative bills members only for the electricity generated and traded locally. Electricity traded locally is exempt from transmission fees and taxes. |
SEIC bills only the RCP/RCPv representative, who then rebills members for the electricity each member has drawn from the SEIC grid (external electricity), as well as the locally generated electricity each member has consumed. RCP/RCPv members receive invoices only from the representative. Electricity traded locally is exempt from transmission fees and taxes. |
SEIC bills CEL members directly for electricity drawn from the SEIC grid (external electricity). CEL members therefore remain SEIC customers for energy sourced from outside the CEL. The CEL representative bills members only for the electricity generated and traded within the CEL. This local electricity uses the SEIC grid but qualifies for a discount on the transmission rate. |
|
Terms and Conditions for Internally Traded Energy Prices |
Pay what you want |
May not exceed the price charged by the DSO for external energy, or 80% of the DSO’s price for self-consumed energy. |
Pay what you want |
|
Meters |
SEIC Smart Meters |
SEIC smart meters and private meters |
SEIC Smart Meters |
|
Production conditions |
None |
At least 10% of the power consumption |
At least 5% of the power consumption |
|
Admission Requirements |
Formal, written acceptance by the end consumer |
Formal, written acceptance by the end consumer |
Formal, written acceptance by the end consumer |
|
Output before input |
Free |
Possible if using a SEIC meter; otherwise, modifications to the internal network are required |
Free |
|
Withdrawal during the term |
Free |
Limited to two scenarios: the provider fails to fulfill its obligation to supply electricity, or the customer has access to the open market and exercises that right |
Subject to CEL terms and conditions |