The CNMC simplifies the procedures for contracting electricity self-consumption in Spain

MADRID, 29 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) has adapted a series of measures that simplify the procedures for contracting electricity self-consumption in Spain, with the aim of promoting the entry of renewable energies, the decarbonisation of the economy and competition in the retail market.

Specifically, the regulator has simplified the administrative procedures related to contracting, billing and claims for low-power and collective self-consumption.

Royal Decree 244/2019, which regulates the administrative, technical and economic conditions of self-consumption of electrical energy, established that, within a period not exceeding three months from its publication, the CNMC had to adapt the communication formats and protocols in force regarding electricity self-consumption.

To comply with this mandate, the body chaired by Cani Fernández worked with the agents of the electricity sector and the autonomous communities, and adapted the current communication formats in a way that allowed the development of the regulations.

The CNMC indicated that, three years later, and once sufficient operating experience is available, "it has been possible to improve the regulation of these processes to try to avoid certain bottlenecks detected".

Thus, the resolution introduces the measures agreed upon in working groups led by the CNMC and made up of distributors, marketers, consumer associations and Public Administrations (AAPP).

Among the agreed measures, the contracting of self-consumption (low voltage) is allowed to be carried out through two alternative contracting channels.

A first route, currently in force for low-voltage generation facilities with installed power of less than 100kW, which begins with the Electrical Installation Certificate (CIE) presented to the autonomous community or city to be processed.

Next, this Administration sends the information to the distributor, and the latter to the marketer. Once the consumer is satisfied with the technical information, the marketer requests the contracting of self-consumption from the distributor, and the latter begins its toll metering and billing process.

A second way, which uses the traditional contracting channels, with direct interaction between marketer and distributor. It is widely used among electrical agents for larger installations.

It begins with the request for contracting self-consumption by the marketer to the distributor, accompanied by the completed CIE, so that the latter begins the process of measuring and invoicing tolls. This route, already in force for other installations, is extended with the CNMC Resolution to all self-consumption installations, large or small.

In these cases, adds the agency, the contracting process for collective self-consumption is improved. It will be allowed to start the process with a few supply points, so that new points can be progressively incorporated. Along these same lines, the resolution facilitates the change from individual to collective self-consumption.

In short, the resolution improves the technical process of communication formats and protocols between distributors and marketers related to contracting, invoicing and claiming self-consumption.

This resolution has been submitted to a mandatory hearing process through the CNMC website and the Electricity Advisory Council. Additionally, it has been submitted to a report from the Secretary of State for Energy.