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Self-consumption legislation
Published on 05 March 2018
Portugal
Área Metropolitana de Lisboa
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About this good practice
The approval of the legislation regarding the self-consumption process, more specifically the DL nº 153/2014, of October 20th and Ordinance no. 14/2015 and Ordinance no. 15/2015, both of January 23rd, appears as a competitive option for electric supply.
In fact, this diploma seeks to encourage the introduction of new solutions for the production of decentralized energy and technological innovation, creating the figure of producer-consumer or producer in self-consumption. This process also allows the connection to the public electricity distribution network, allowing to cope with the periods when production is insufficient and / or to inject in the network excess production that can be remunerated, although at the moment, at relatively low tariffs.
The Portuguese Government recognizes the potential of the self-consumption production activity as a way of promoting greater knowledge, especially through low-voltage consumers, of consumption profiles, energy efficiency behaviors and also contributing to the optimization of endogenous resources and to the creation of technical benefits for the utility network, namely through the reduction of energy losses.
In addition, this initiative demonstrates the intention to secure final energy sources at relatively competitive prices, strengthen the diversification of primary energy sources and support the development of energy companies, with a focus on renewable energie.
In fact, this diploma seeks to encourage the introduction of new solutions for the production of decentralized energy and technological innovation, creating the figure of producer-consumer or producer in self-consumption. This process also allows the connection to the public electricity distribution network, allowing to cope with the periods when production is insufficient and / or to inject in the network excess production that can be remunerated, although at the moment, at relatively low tariffs.
The Portuguese Government recognizes the potential of the self-consumption production activity as a way of promoting greater knowledge, especially through low-voltage consumers, of consumption profiles, energy efficiency behaviors and also contributing to the optimization of endogenous resources and to the creation of technical benefits for the utility network, namely through the reduction of energy losses.
In addition, this initiative demonstrates the intention to secure final energy sources at relatively competitive prices, strengthen the diversification of primary energy sources and support the development of energy companies, with a focus on renewable energie.
Resources needed
The costs associated with this process are difficult to measure, however, it is necessary to consider the costs with internal employees until the final DL approval, namely associated with the work dynamics between the government bodies, energy services regulator, associations and sector agents.
Evidence of success
This DL allowed consumers to become producers, focused on reducing the energy bill through self-consumption, and not only through the sale of electricity to the network.
According to the data provided by the General Directorate of Energy and Geology, in 2015 about 3500 units of electricity production were installed for self-consumption, during 2016 this number rose to 6067 installations, now approaching 10,000 for the whole of the two years, with a total installed power of 50,393 Kw.
According to the data provided by the General Directorate of Energy and Geology, in 2015 about 3500 units of electricity production were installed for self-consumption, during 2016 this number rose to 6067 installations, now approaching 10,000 for the whole of the two years, with a total installed power of 50,393 Kw.
Potential for learning or transfer
This type of initiative is likely to be successfully transferred to other countries, particularly those with similar climatic conditions to that of Portugal, which is mainly characterized by having many hours of sunshine.
The use of photovoltaic systems has a special and effective impact on the reduction of electricity to be paid in all facilities where there is consumption during the day and it is technically possible to install a system of self-consumption.
In addition, the installation of these systems for self-consumption also allows to change the consumption profile, transferring the operation of some equipment to the hours in which solar energy is available, significantly enhancing the savings that will be associated.
Finally, it is expected that this type of initiative will have positive effects in the development of concepts such as the Smart Grids / Cities, contributing to an affirmation in the most advanced countries in the world in this matter.
The use of photovoltaic systems has a special and effective impact on the reduction of electricity to be paid in all facilities where there is consumption during the day and it is technically possible to install a system of self-consumption.
In addition, the installation of these systems for self-consumption also allows to change the consumption profile, transferring the operation of some equipment to the hours in which solar energy is available, significantly enhancing the savings that will be associated.
Finally, it is expected that this type of initiative will have positive effects in the development of concepts such as the Smart Grids / Cities, contributing to an affirmation in the most advanced countries in the world in this matter.
Further information
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Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
DGEG – Energy and Geology General Direction
Portugal
Área Metropolitana de Lisboa
Contact
Project Manager