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The platform that facilitates exchanges between DNOs and LECs
The introduction of Local Electricity Communities (LECs) has resulted in a heavy administrative burden, with most of the complexity being handled by the Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). OWT has the solution to simplify the administration of LECs, automate processes, and facilitate the exchange of information between LECs representatives and DNOs.
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A new digital challenge for creating and managing communities.
The entry into force of the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply Based on Renewable Energy Sources will enable the creation of LECs. This represents a major step towards more sustainable, decentralised energy production and consumption. These are due to be set up in early 2025, paving the way for more participatory and local energy management.
Registration, transfers, verification of constitution criteria and energy allocation calculations are new processes that need to be defined and digitalise. They are specific to LECs and are therefore not integrated into the current solutions for self-consumption communities (CA) or groups for own consumption (RCP). Importantly, they require strong integration with the DNO’s IT system – an area where OWT excels!
Declaration of creation and modification of LECs
- The current processes for CAs and RCPs are mostly based on PDF forms to be downloaded from the DNO portal and communication by email. The constitution process ends with the installation of a smart meter and the modification of IT systems to enable compliant billing. If the LECs are as successful as expected, these processes will not allow requests to be processed efficiently and within the allotted time.
Verification of technical constitution criteria
- In addition to the constitution itself, there is the complexity of verifying technical compliance. The points of connection to the electricity network of the LEC members must meet technical criteria that depend in particular on the topology of the electricity network. The DNO is obliged to cooperate to enable LECs to be set up. An efficient process also implies that LEC members can be guided and autonomous. To enable this, the DNO should publish certain information relating to the topology of its network.
Calculation of energy distribution between LEC members
- The regulations propose a distribution key for billing the energy used within the LEC, but the LEC can also be organised very independently. The DNO must take this complexity into account and allow for all possible scenarios.
Data exchange between the DSO and the LEC for compliant billing
- The DNO is obliged by law to make the data available to the LEC so that it can bill its members if it so wishes. An efficient exchange process requires intelligent coupling with the DNO's IT system.
A single web platform to respond effectively to new legislation
Regulatory and technical compliance, as well as the coordination of internal processes and the communication and transmission of metering data, all require maximum reliability. To meet these needs effectively, you need a platform that is optimised for these functions, and perfectly integrated with the distributor's IT systems.
How we help our clients
Agnostic technology
We integrate easily into your existing IT ecosystem, whatever the metering chain (MDM, EDM), billing tool or geographic information system (GIS).
100% Swiss experience
We uniquely combine our knowledge of the Swiss energy market, our understanding of the challenges faced by DNOs in adapting to regulatory change, and our UX expertise to deliver a platform that is perfectly tailored to local needs and regulations.
Scalable platform
Our solution is designed for LEC representatives and DNOs, primarily to meet their need to comply effectively with new legal obligations. It is also scalable, enabling energy suppliers to offer new services to prosumer members of LECs.
Benefits
Key benefits and functions for the DNO
Management of constitution requests
- Dematerialisation of applications to set up an LEC
- Sharing of network data required to set up a LEC
- Automatic check of compliance with regulatory criteria
- Follow-up of requests
- Management of processing times
LEC administration
- Management of master data exchanges throughout the life cycle of the LEC, from creation to deletion
Calculation of energy distribution
- Import consumption data from the LEC
- Application of the desired distribution model
- Calculation of energy allocations
Calculation of billing drivers
- Calculation and transmission of community billing factors to the DNO’s billing system
Key benefits and functions for LECs representatives
Free, comprehensive, valid throughout Switzerland
The portal is free for LEC administrators. It considerably simplifies their management by serving as a single interface with the electricity distributor, regardless of the canton, municipality or DNO to which the LEC is attached.
Simplified administration of LECs
The management of the LEC is entirely centralised and digitised from start to finish. This includes all stages: initial creation, addition of new members, moves, extensions to photovoltaic production, installation of batteries, dissolution of the LEC, compliance with regulatory deadlines, and changes to internal billing rules.
Your data, at all times, in complete security
LEC data belongs exclusively to its members. With the exception of information to which the DNO must have access, only the LEC representative has the right to access LEC data, whether administrative, consumption or billing data. This data is available securely and at any time via a user-friendly interface.
Get in touch with our expert
Head of Energy Practice