The process of acquiring the status of an “active consumer” remains quite complex for many participants in the solar market to understand. The changes made to the market rules introduce entirely new mechanisms and opportunities for both consumers and suppliers, as well as distribution system operators.
That’s why on March 7, the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine (SEAU) held an open webinar titled “The Role of an Active Consumer in the Retail Electricity Market”.
During this event, SEAU together with the Public Union “Energy Union,” the Tolk Group, and with the support of the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (hereinafter – the Regulator), discussed how to acquire the status of an active consumer and sell surplus electricity to their supplier to achieve economic benefits.
Ihor Horodyskyi, Director of the Department of Regulation of Relations and Consumer Protection in the Retail Electricity Market at the Regulator, explained options for operating generating facilities, the scheme for selling electricity generated from alternative sources under the self-generation mechanism in the retail electricity market, and government support for the installation of generating facilities for consumers. Olha Tagiyeva, Chairwoman of the Public Union “Energy Union,” informed participants about new legislative initiatives related to active consumers.
Sharing practical experience and the necessary steps to become an active participant in the energy market, Petruk Mykhailo Deputy Director of the Tolk Group, provided insights into working with a new player in the energy market and the necessary action algorithms.
To become an active electricity consumer, it is necessary to:
- Contact a specialized organization to install a generating facility from renewable energy sources.
- Coordinate with the distribution system operator the technical task for installing a metering device at generating facilities.
- Install automated systems for commercial metering and additional metering at the generating facility.
- Sign an acceptance certificate for the automated systems for commercial metering.
- Conclude a contract with the commercial metering service provider.
- Obtain a distribution point passport specifying the generating equipment, its capacity, generation EIC code, and installation location.
- Find a responsible supplier to sell surplus electricity.
- Sign a purchase and sale agreement for electricity under the self-generation mechanism, which is an appendix to the electricity supply agreement for the consumer.
- Verify payment for distribution through the supplier.
During the discussion, experts provided specific examples of the economic benefits that solar power plant owners can derive from acquiring the status of an active consumer. According to Naumyk Oleg Director of Development at the Tolk Group, the maximum efficiency gain from implementing an active consumer status can reach up to 30%. Moreover, the payback period of the installed solar power plant will decrease significantly, which is crucial for every investor.
After the webinar, we sent presentations of our speakers to all registered participants. We hope that these materials will be interesting and useful for the further work of solar energy representatives.
Moving forward, SEAU plans to consolidate the issues raised during the webinar and develop them in the form of round tables and professional discussions. Such an approach will allow for a deeper examination of the current aspects of the solar energy market and facilitate further exchange of experience. Therefore, we encourage you to send your suggestions and join the discussion on relevant topics.
We would like to thank all participants for their activity and valuable feedback!
Your participation in such initiatives is extremely important for the development of solar energy in Ukraine and the implementation of innovative solutions.