On January 1, 2025, the Mantelerlass decree will come into force, enabling the formation of local energy communities in Switzerland. This innovation brings numerous advantages and opportunities for energy suppliers and distribution network operators (DNOs). In this blog post, we will explain in detail what local energy communities are, what opportunities they offer, and what steps are necessary to be ready by the end of 2024. We will also show how the VGT platform supports this process and fully covers the requirements.

What are local energy communities ?

Local energy communities are associations of consumers, producers, and storage facilities that share and manage locally generated energy. The goal is to optimize energy consumption and distribution within the community and increase the share of renewable energies. By forming an local energy community, members can benefit from lower electricity rates and more efficient use of energy sources.

Advantages for energy suppliers and distribution network operators

Energy suppliers and distribution network operators can enjoy various advantages by forming local energy communities:

• Efficient management: Decentralized management of energy flows minimizes grid losses and improves grid stability.
• Increased share of renewable energies: Local energy communities promote the use of local renewable energies such as solar or wind energy.
• Customer satisfaction and loyalty: By providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions, energy suppliers can retain their customers in the long term.

Opportunities for energy suppliers and VNBs

There are two main ways in which energy suppliers and VNBs can benefit from local energy communities:

• Option 1 – Offer local energy communities: Offer local energy communities in your supply area. Become a local energy community manager.
• Option 2 – Third-party local energy communities in your area: Offer services for local energy community managers and automate all processes.

What needs to be done?

The following steps are necessary to successfully operate a local energy community:

• Calculate distribution keys: Calculating the distribution key is crucial for efficient energy distribution within the local energy community. There are various models, including the standard model, in which the distribution key is proportional to individual consumption, and advanced models that integrate mini exchanges and prioritization of systems.
• Data management and exchange: Efficient data exchange between the local energy community manager and the DSO is essential. The relevant data points must be easily connected and integrated to enable smooth management and analysis of energy data.
• Contract management: All contracts within the local energy community must be clearly managed. This includes processes for onboarding and offboarding new participants, as well as managing change of address notifications and updating master data.
• Billing: Energy consumption must be billed at 15-minute intervals. These calculations create incentives to adjust consumption to the production of the PV system, which is in line with the objectives of the Mantelerlass.
• Verification of requirements: It must be verified that all requirements for establishing a local energy community are met. This includes that all reference points are located at the same grid levels (5 or 7), with a discount of 15% or 30% depending on the grid level (15% for grid level 5 and 30% for other grid levels). It is important that the reference points do not have to be in the same transformer circuit so that the electricity can flow through higher grid levels (5).
• Confirmation of participation: All participants in a local energy community must confirm that they are participating in the community. This can be done directly via the platform.

How the VGT platform supports this

Our VGT platform offers a comprehensive solution for the management and billing of local electricity communities. Here are the main features and benefits in detail:

Automated calculations

The platform offers automated calculation of energy flows and consumption. This includes both standard distribution keys and complex models such as mini exchanges. This increases the accuracy of calculations and reduces administrative effort.

Efficient data exchange

The platform enables simple and smooth data exchange between the local energy community manager and the DSO. The integration and connection of the relevant data points greatly facilitate the management and analysis of energy data.

Contract management

The platform offers management of the entire contract lifecycle. This includes the efficient onboarding and offboarding of participants as well as the management and updating of change of address notifications and other master data.

Mapping and billing

All mapping and billing processes are integrated within the platform. This enables precise and automated calculation of energy flows and consumption.

Data visualization

The required data points can be easily mapped through visualization, enabling management without additional tools. Correct description and linking of local energy community data: The platform supports the correct description and linking of local energy community data, as well as the creation of substitute values and other necessary processes.

The introduction of local energy communities from January 1, 2025, offers an excellent opportunity to drive forward the energy transition and develop sustainable solutions for the future. The VGT platform offers a comprehensive solution for mastering the challenges of managing and billing local energy communities. With its support, energy suppliers and distribution network operators can fully exploit the advantages of local energy communities and make energy use efficient and sustainable.

We implement local energy community projects with our partners, including: Youtility, Voltenic, Ecoenergy.