Regulation & municipality-led projects, key topics in Latvia
The regulation for energy sharing and energy communities in Latvia is a work in progress and the first public hearings of the bylaw will take place this spring. According to the Ministry of Climate and Energy, the regulation will be both basic and forward-looking, aiming to support growth of the number of active customers and facilitate renewable energy projects that focus on environmental benefits and social inclusion. The main criteria for energy community projects will be the 1 MW limit of the installed capacity and business models centred on self-consumption.
Although customised contracts are an option for cooperation among active customers and retailers, the new legal framework is especially relevant for local governments and other public entities participating in energy community projects. Utility companies and public buildings could offer key assets for larger community projects with significant GHG emissions savings and environmental benefits. However, their participation in future energy communities may be challenged due to public procurement rules and other administrative barriers.
While the legal framework is in the making, it is important to start preparing the digital and physical energy infrastructures for a smooth integration of energy communities in the electricity market. The DSO Sadales tīkls confirmed its readiness to provide data services for energy communities, yet the definition of user roles and access rights in the energy community settings must be further specified in regulation. The energy data will be necessary for all billing solutions and energy management systems.
The second local stakeholders’ meeting took place on 21.02.2024 and brought together almost 50 online and in-person stakeholders representing public authorities, municipalities, NGOs, enterprises, and academic institutions. The first part was dedicated to experience exchange and enabling frameworks presented by Gillian Baker from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Also, representatives from related initiatives used the platform to pitch their projects. The second part was a roundtable discussion. The next stakeholder meeting will take place after the publication of the energy sharing regulation.
