Observing the rapid increase in requests, it is understandable that many are worried about the changes in the law that come into effect after May 1, 2024, which determine the end date of the electricity net metering system. To get to this date, solar panels were the concern of many households. In this article, we have decided to explain, are there grounds for concern?

Innovations provided for in the amendments to the law

The amendments to the law provide that households that are already using the net metering system and those that are still planning to do so will be able to join it until April 30, 2024. Joining the net metering system is automatic, but it can be used until February 28, 2029. This means that the net metering system will end in any case and it will happen after five years, regardless of when   the solar panels were installed.

As the Ministry of Climate and Energy informs, the new regulations provide that the electricity produced and not immediately consumed can be stored in a “virtual wallet”, which the active user can use to cover the costs of the electricity bill and system services, if requested. The changes envisage that it will be possible to consume the surplus electricity produced in one facility of the user of the net settlement system in another facility of the same user.

The law explains what an active user and self-consumption are

The new regulatory acts also define such concepts as active user and self-consumption, which until now were not clear at the level of the law. The Ministry explains that in case of sale of surplus electricity, the price of electricity is determined by the active user and the trader by mutual agreement. The price for the sold unit of electricity is stipulated in the contract. The sale of electricity is the performance of an economic activity with the aim of making a profit.

On the other hand, in case of transfer of surplus electricity, the electricity trader accumulates the electricity produced by the active user and not immediately consumed in the “virtual wallet” of the active user, which the active user will be able to use for the electricity bill, i.e. see for covering the costs of system services, if the active user has requested it. Also in case of transfer of excess electricity, the excess electricity will be transferred to the electricity trader in the “virtual wallet” at the price specified in the contract. The transfer of electricity is not the performance of an economic activity”.

Summary

Basically, the amendments that entered into force significantly organize the electricity production market, where there are clear opportunities to earn for entrepreneurs who want to be participants in the electricity market, during this period households have clearly defined opportunities to store the produced surplus in the distribution network and use this capacity in any other place that belongs to for the household.