Net-metering until June for residential roof-mounted PVs

The energy ministry will phase out net-metering applications for different categories of consumers over various stages as part of a procedure replacing these with net billing, an accordance with new European Commission policy on the matter.

Remuneration programs concerning net-metering systems will be abolished upon their expiry dates, top-ranked energy ministry officials have informed.

New subsidy programs not yet launched will premier exclusively based on the net-billing model, the sources added. These include a subsidy support program for residential roof-mounted PVs, currently in progress with applications facing a June 30 deadline.

Both net-metering and net-billing compensate solar-system owners for transferring electricity to the grid when their panels overproduce, but the ways the two systems compensate differs.

Net metering credits equal the retail electricity rate paid by customers for electricity. On the contrary, net billing credits equal the wholesale rate electricity companies pay for electricity.

 

 

Net-billing seen replacing net-metering following EC reaction

The energy ministry is believed to be considering to abolish net-metering for self-production and replace it with a net-billing formula following objections raised by the European Commission, promoting the latter approach as most appropriate for self-consumption.

Greece’s ongoing PV support program subsidizes further penetration of net-metering systems in the domestic sector.

The energy ministry, currently examining market details in order to decide on how to react to the Commission’s criticism of the country’s support plan, is likely to abolish net-metering imminently and instead extend net-billing to domestic self-consumption systems with a production capacity of up to 10 KW, as well as commercial and agricultural PVs with capacities of up to 100 KW.

Should this direction be taken, the ongoing PV Stegi support program for roof-mounted PVs will soon be discontinued, March 31 believed to be a date under consideration. It would be followed by the announcement of a corresponding support program based on a net-billing formula.

Both net-metering and net-billing compensate solar-system owners for transferring electricity to the grid when their panels overproduce, but the ways the two systems compensate differs.

Net metering credits equal the retail electricity rate paid by customers for electricity. On the contrary, net billing credits equal the wholesale rate electricity companies pay for electricity.

Brussels has taken the side of protesting suppliers, including in Greece, as, under the net-metering formula, energy offsetting is essentially being conducted at their expense given that excess generation is injected into the grid at nighttime hours of low wholesale prices, well below higher energy prices in the evening hours, when customers meet most their energy needs.

Distribution network capacity for net metering over 3 GW

The energy ministry is preparing a legislative revision to increase electrical grid space for self-consumption by households, businesses and farmers.

The revision promises to add to an initiative already undertaken by the ministry that commits 10 MW to each substation of the distribution network for net-metering needs.

It resulted in the reservation of approximately 2.5 GW for self-consumption needs throughout the country’s grid, but the ministry’s upcoming revision is expected to increase this capacity to over 3 GW.

The capacity boost will facilitate the installation of new net-metering and virtual net-metering systems as well as roof-mounted PVs.

New energy self-consumption framework within 1Q of ‘24

The country’s updated regulatory framework covering energy self-consumption has been included in REPowerEU revisions made by the energy ministry and will be activated by the issuance of a related ministerial decision expected within the first quarter of 2024.

The energy ministry will seek to have the ministerial decision issued before March, energypress sources informed.

The series of energy self-consumption revisions include a 100-KW net metering limit, from 3 MW, for large-scale enterprises.

In the lead-up, distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO stopped accepting grid connection applications for net-metering PVs with capacities of over 100 KW.

As a result, companies needing to install higher-capacity RES systems must wait for the launch of net-billing as a solution. It promises real-time self-generation along with the sale of surplus energy.

The new self-production framework will also enable companies not possessing free space for PV installations to utilize solar energy through virtual net-billing solutions, or offsite PVs situated in other regions.

 

Revised framework covering self-consumption next month

A revised institutional framework covering RES self-consumption is set to be implemented in September, once a related ministerial decision is signed as a necessary step in order to activate ratified law covering the matter.

Changes will include a significant net-metering cap increase for businesses, to be adjusted to 100 kilowatts from 3 megawatts. A 100-KW net-metering cap will also be applied to the farming category.

A 10-KW net-metering cap for residential self-consumption will remain unchanged under the revised framework. Also, virtual net-metering will remain available through the establishment of energy communities.

Central to the forthcoming modifications will be the promotion of net-billing for larger commercial systems.

Net billing operates by effectively utilizing the grid as a virtual battery, instantly offsetting the value of the generated and consumed energy. In contrast, net metering involves the balancing of grid injection and consumption quantities.

Companies finding a 100-KW net-metering cap to be insufficient will be offered net-billing as as a solution. No upper capacity limit will apply for net billing.

 

 

Municipal PVs to offer low-cost power to households in need

A 120 million-euro support program to fully subsidize municipalities for PV installations intended to supply low-cost electricity to low-income households now appears set to be carried out, two years after first being announced.

The initiative, legislated a year ago, is expected to offer low-cost, even zero-cost electricity to approximately 30,000 low-income households.

According to sources, the energy ministry is now preparing the support program’s terms and conditions.

Municipalities will need to have either established energy communities or be members of energy communities, which will assume net-metering activities for low-income households.

In addition, municipalities will be permitted to install PVs at vacant spaces within their boundaries, or roof-mounted PV systems at buildings under their control, including public buildings and schools.

A tender for this subsidy program could be announced in early autumn, while Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis may announce further details during his speech at the upcoming annual Thessaloniki International Fair, scheduled to take place September 9 to 17 this year.

Energy minister Theodoros Skylakakis recently announced a government decision to offer energy-cost support to low-income households. The support program for municipalities could be incorporated into this government initiative.

Record-level solar panel installations in 2022 reach 1,362 MW

Solar panel installations in 2022 reached an all-time high of 1,362 MW, exceeding the previous record capacity of 838 MW tallied in the previous year, preliminary data provided by SEF, the Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies (HELAPCO), has shown.

Last year’s surge in solar panel connections to the grid took the country’s portfolio of installed PVs to 5,488 MW.

The number of solar panel systems that were connected to the grid also rose sharply last year, reaching 341 MW.

Net-metering installations also rose considerably in 2022, reaching a total capacity of 110 MW, approximately triple the capacity amassed in 2021, when the installed net-metering capacity totaled 38 MW, the preliminary SEF figures showed.

The net-metering boost in 2022 was almost exclusively linked to system installations made for commercial purposes.

A forthcoming subsidy program for roof-mounted solar panel installations is expected to lift solar panel installations to a new record figure in 2023.

Net metering applications for roof-mounted PVs restarted

Distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO’s information system accepting net-metering applications for solar panels with capacities of up to 10 KW was relaunched last week following a three-week break for revisions and, according to energypress sources, has so far attracted over 650 grid connection applications through a greatly simplified procedure.

Roughly one third of these applications concern small-scale photovoltaics with batteries. These 200 or so applications have presumably been submitted by consumers planning to be subsidized for their project plans as a new support program for roof-mounted solar panels only subsidizes projects incorporating energy storage systems.

The subsidy program concerning roof-mounted photovoltaics installed for net-metering purposes is expected to be launched in March, energy minister Kostas Skrekas told Greek Parliament’s Standing Committee on Production and Trade yesterday, during its examination of a multi-bill covering a wide range of energy-sector issues.

A launch of the subsidies program before March 25 is possible as its guidelines have been completed and are ready for publication, energypress sources noted.

The subsidy program for roof-mounted photovoltaics will also be open to projects that secured grid connections prior to its upcoming launch but are still not operating.

The energy minister, during yesterday’s parliamentary committee session, reiterated a total of 300,000 consumers – households, farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises – stand to receive subsidies for their roof-mounted photovoltaic projects through the support program.

A capacity upper limit on roof-mounted photovoltaics for households included in the subsidy program appears set to be revised upwards to 10 KW from 7 KW.

Energy ministry multi-bill at parliamentary committee

Greek Parliament’s Standing Committee on Production and Trade begins is set to begin discussions today on a multi-bill covering a wide range of energy-sector issues. The committee’s talks are expected to continue during the week, but a date has yet to be set for the multi-bill’s tabling in Parliament for ratification.

Energy-sector issues included in the multi-bill include a formula for filtering out stagnant RES projects as a means of freeing up required grid capacity.

Non-auction tariff levels in 2023 for small-scale wind and solar energy projects of up to 6 MW is another matter included in the energy ministry’s multi-bill, as are power purchase agreement (PPA) rights for RES projects, instead of fixed tariffs, which were trimmed as part of the new deal.

Also included is an article concerning a compensation amount for gas company DEPA Commercial following the cost of its recent decision to cancel LNG orders, not required as a result of lower energy demand this winter.

It also includes revisions exempting businesses and farmers from public service compensation surcharges, included in electricity bills, worth 63 million euros.

In another section, the multi-bill includes terms increasing upper capacity limits to 100 kW on solar energy panels installed for net-metering purposes by churches, charities, NGOs and schools.

Moreover, the revisions include an EU formula to be adopted for the development of offshore wind farms as a pilot project off Alexandroupoli, northeastern Greece.

 

Small-scale PV net-metering applications platform reopening

An online platform upgrade by distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO for net metering applications concerning solar energy panels with capacities of up to 10 KW has been activated by a ministerial decision published yesterday, but the operator still needs a few more days to make minor IT adjustments before applications can be accepted.

According to energypress sources, the net-metering platform will be ready to fully operate on February 28, a few days beyond the original date planned.

The operator’s platform was temporarily shut down on February 7 for its upgrade and scheduled to reopen on February 22.

The platform upgrade is planned to simplify the net-metering application procedure and also cover a forthcoming subsidy program for roof-mounted photovoltaics.

Net metering only via energy communities for smaller industries

An energy ministry proposal, in ongoing consultation, calling for a drastic reduction of a net-metering upper limit to 100kW from 3 MW, was made with the grid’s capacity limits in mind after power grid operator IPTO and distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO informed the ministry that the network would not be able to cope should RES self-producers simultaneously inject generation into the system during times of heightened production, a move most probable from smaller producers not equipped with energy storage units.

Energy ministry proposals included in a draft bill now undergoing consultation essentially aim to virtually eliminate small and medium-sized industries from net metering through the plan to reduce its upper limit to 100kW from 3 MW.

The prospect has sparked a reaction from industries, viewing net metering as an import tool for energy-cost reduction, especially for medium-sized industries as bigger industrial enterprises consume far greater energy quantities and seek other solutions offering more effective cost-reduction potential, such as long-term supply deals.

However, the proposed 100kW upper limit for net metering could be overcome if at least fifteen enterprises join forces to establish an energy community, according to the energy ministry proposal.

Grid capacity for net metering, energy community projects

Investor application rights for new solar energy projects will continue to remain suspended for an indefinite period, but existing distribution network capacity will be made available to investors submitting applications for net metering and energy community-related projects, highly ranked energy ministry officials have informed energypress.

The ministry is determined to offer as much grid capacity as possible for projects aiming to reduce the cost of energy for a wide range of consumers, the energy ministry officials noted.

Grid capacity totaling 2.5 GW has been reserved for roof-mounted photovoltaics concerning net metering projects. This reservation is expected to enable the installation of approximately 250,000 solar energy systems of up to 10 KW in the household, small business and farming categories.

Less red tape for net-metering PV installations

The energy ministry has set as a priority to simplify the bureaucratic procedure households and businesses must go through to install solar panels for net metering purposes, before it launches a subsidy program for over 250,000 such installations, as it has announced.

Officials at the energy ministry and distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO are currently finalizing legal revisions needed to simplify the procedure for net-metering solar panel installations.

The country’s political leadership has asked officials working on the matter to abolish the need for any unnecessary supporting documents and make the procedure as simple as possible for applicants.

The objective is to simplify the procedure down to a level requiring just a few steps, all online.

The distribution network operator has made available 10 MW at each of its sub-stations to facilitate grid entry for the forthcoming subsidy program’s solar power systems to be installed for net metering purposes.

The government is expected to publish guidelines for the subsidy program early in 2023.

 

Subsidies guideline for PV net-metering units in early January

The energy ministry plans to deliver, early in 2023, guidelines concerning a prospective subsidy program offering support to at least 250,000 small-scale solar panel installations by households, farmers and businesses for net metering purposes.

A starting date for applications by interested parties, once the guidelines have been released, has yet to be set. Prospective applicants are expected to be given sufficient time to study the subsidy program’s details before the starting date for applications.

The subsidy program, budgeted at 700 million euros, is expected to offer support for at least 100,000 solar panel installations by households as well as 75,000 installations by small businesses and that many more by farmers.

According to energypress sources, the precise subsidy amounts to be distributed to each of the three categories has yet to be determined.

Government officials have indicated they are planning to offer top-tier subsidies of as much as 60 percent for solar energy project installations combining energy storage systems. Minimum subsidy levels are likely to be as low as 15 percent.

Distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO has made available capacity for these net-metering PV projects by freeing up 10-MW capacities at each of its sub-stations.

 

 

 

Net-metering PV installation subsidy details by month’s end

The details of a subsidy program concerning small-scale PVs installations for net-metering purposes by households, farmers and businesses will be finalized within the next few days, Alexandra Sdoukou, the energy ministry’s secretary-general, has told the 5th Athens Investment Forum.

Prenotification of the plan, expected to subsidize no less than 250,000 PV installations, will be delivered by the end of November to inform interested parties and also enable improvements if constructive proposals are made.

PV installations for at least 100,000 households, 75,000 small-scale businesses and 75,000 farmers are expected to be subsidized through the forthcoming program.

Distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO has freed up capacities of 10 MW at each of its substations to facilitate new grid connections to result from the subsidy program’s PV installations.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the subsidy program concerning small-scale PVs installations for net-metering purposes at the Thessaloniki International Fair last September.

 

 

 

Subsidy program for PV net metering systems in January

The energy ministry is working towards launching, in January, a subsidy program for small-scale solar energy systems to be installed by households, farmers and small-sized enterprises for net-metering purposes as a means of reducing their energy costs.

This subsidy program was announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at September’s annual Thessaloniki International Fair.

It is expected to offer subsidies for solar energy panel installations to at least 100,000 households, 75,000 small enterprises and 75,000 farmers.

The subsidy funds to be provided for households and farmers are expected to stem from the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) and the REPowerEU program, introduced by the European Commission to reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian energy sources. The government is expected to provide subsidies for small businesses through the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

The initiative is seen subsidizing up to 60 percent of solar energy system installations combining energy storage. Subsidies for simpler systems are expected to cover at least 30 percent of their cost.

Net metering expanded to high-voltage category

The energy ministry is taking initiatives to soon also make net metering available for high-voltage consumers as a means of helping reduce the energy costs of Greek industrial enterprises, currently facing soaring energy costs.

Net-metering capacity upper limits for high-voltage consumers have yet to be determined, but it is believed they will be over 3 MW, the level also set for medium-voltage consumers.

Exorbitant energy costs faced by Greek industrial enterprises are impacting their competitiveness and ability to establish sales strategies.

The overwhelming majority of industrial consumers are expected to swiftly adopt net-metering solutions, given their potential energy-cost savings.

Subsidies to cover 40-60% cost of net-metering solar panels

The government plans to offer a subsidy package covering between 40 and 60 percent of investment costs for approximately 250,000 roof-mounted solar panels installed for net metering purposes by households, farmers and small businesses.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the government’s plan over the weekend at the ongoing Thessaloniki International Fair.

The overall capacity of small-scale solar energy panels to be installed through this support program will reach 2.5 GW, while a 10-KW limit will be set for each installation, energypress sources have informed.

Some beneficiaries with less energy needs will undoubtedly opt for smaller solar panels, meaning the number of parties eligible for subsidy support will rise.

The program’s funds for households and farmers will stem from the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) as well as the REPower EU action plan, designed to rapidly reduce European dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition.

Small businesses will be included in this subsidy support program with corresponding amounts from the development fund.

 

Freeze on new RES connection terms throughout Greece

An energy ministry draft bill for a second round of RES licensing simplification measures will freeze, throughout Greece, RES grid connection applications accepted as well as connection terms that would otherwise be offered by distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO for pending new RES projects until RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, has approved the operator’s plan for a grid capacity increase.

However, even when this grid capacity boost is approved by RAE, very few RES projects will be able to make progress as a minimal number of existing substations currently have minimum capacities of 10 MW, a draft bill prerequisite for distribution of capacity percentages concerning grid connections of small and medium-sized projects.

RAE does not face any time limits for its approval of the grid capacity boost. Officials fear the delay could last months. Until RAE’s approval, DEDDIE/HEDNO will only accept RES project applications and offer connection terms for net-metering systems, virtual net-metering as well as roof-mounted solar panels.

Net metering solution for homes, businesses promoted

The energy ministry is working on a plan to promote net metering for households and businesses by resolving a current lack of distribution network capacity for this give-and-take electricity solution, the objective being to protect consumers from high electricity prices.

The ministry’s plan will entail reserving a proportion of distribution network capacity around the country for net metering, exclusively, to be made available for households and businesses.

This network capacity reservation solution for net metering will also be valid for areas where net metering applications are low or presently non-existent.

As part of the effort, the energy ministry has asked the distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO to prepare an online platform specifically for net metering applications.

The network capacity shortage for net metering has been more acute for businesses, many of which have had applications rejected by the operator as a result of this lack of space.

An increasing number of enterprises are turning to net-metering solutions as a means of reducing their energy costs in the long term.

 

Roof-mounted PV generation promises savings amid the energy crisis

Investing in a household solar panel system, based on two alternatives offered by the state, the solar panels on roofs program and net metering, promises to offer consumers energy cost savings of between 5,800 and 10,000 euros.

Electricity generated by solar panels and injected entirely into the grid through the solar panels on roofs program is sold at a rate of 87 euros per MWh over a twenty-year period.

In the case of net metering, the network is essentially utilized like an energy storage system for energy not consumed the moment it is generated. Photovoltaic production injected into the grid is offset with electricity the system’s holder consumes from the network.

The solar panels on roofs program is a better option for households with small and occasional consumption patters, such as holiday homes.

 

 

 

Net metering upper limit set to be increased to 3 MW

A net metering capacity upper limit of 1 MW will be increased to 3 MW through a ministerial decision expected to be delivered this week.

In addition, through this same decision, a number of revisions will be made to simplify net metering procedures, especially for projects with capacities below 50 KW.

The net-metering capacity increase will enable energy cost reductions for many enterprises, PV company officials have noted.

Logistics centers, airports, hotels, supermarkets and small-scale industries all stand to benefit as such enterprises typically possess abundant spare space that could be utilized for solar energy system installations. They consume considerable amounts of electricity that could be offset through net metering.

The PV company officials informed that many customers who had installed net-metering facilities for up to 1 MW are already expressing interest to invest in capacity boosts, highlighting the market need being satisfied by the upcoming related ministerial decision.

 

PPC to offer energy efficiency services following rival moves

The board at power utility PPC, which has lined up a shareholders’ meeting for June 4, will propose company statute revisions including one to facilitate the company’s entry into energy efficiency services, following dynamic moves into this sector by rival suppliers.

The board will propose to shareholders a corporate statute addition concerning the purpose of its operation and activity, covering: “Trade, supply, sale, various related products and equipment, as well as the provision of products and services for the design, implementation, installation, management and financing of energy production, heating, cooling and energy efficiency systems in buildings and facilities “.

According to sources, PPC has already begun planning its move into energy efficiency services, through which consumers will be able to install roof-mounted solar panels at homes combined with net metering. PPC also plans to provide specialized, digital solutions for enterprises and facilities to limit their energy consumption levels.

In other company developments, PPC has decided to maintain two board posts, on its eleven-member board, for worker representatives.

Net metering framework to be revised, EC wants tougher rules

The implementation of a new EU directive for the RES sector promises to bring about many changes to the net metering framework, which, amongst other things, will offer incentives for maximum concurrence, or direct consumption of the greatest possible quantities of RES-generated electricity.

Overall, the directive, which needs to be incorporated into Greek law by June, 2021, will introduce tougher regulations, require the sale of excess energy quantities and offer reduced offsetting time periods.

As net metering represents a form of energy storage, beyond the power meter, the new framework’s preparations have been handed to a committee formed by the energy ministry to put together a legal and regulatory framework for energy storage units.

The new net metering formula will remunerate RES energy that is injected into the grid network for not being instantly consumed. This remuneration amount will need to reflect production value. As a result, officials are considering to base these remuneration calculations on the day-ahead market price.

The resulting net-metering balance will be based on the value of production and consumption, a completely different approach to the current system, for which offsetting is based on the quantities of electricity that have been produced and consumed.

Solar energy association wants net metering rule revisions for boost

The Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies (SEF/HELAPCO) has called for a series of net metering rule revisions by the government to stimulate growth for the sector.

Proposals forwarded by the association include making possible the amortization of net metering investment costs directly through electricity bills.

At present, electricity suppliers offer net metering system installations through bank financing packages that cover between 70 and 80 percent of the net metering investment cost, ranging between 5,000 and 12,000 euros.

As a result, consumers are responsible for paying initial sums of between 1,000 and 1,500 euros for net metering system installations concerning small homes and between 2,400 and 3,600 euros for larger-scale projects.

Under current conditions, amortization requires eight years. This effectively means consumers opting to install net metering systems stand to benefit from reduced electricity bill costs for a period of 17 years as net metering agreements are offered for 25-year periods.

Authorities anticipate the gradual rise of the electromobility sector will boost demand for net metering as increased domestic consumption will make installations for self-production more attractive.

Priority rights for increasing energy community bids to be abolished

The energy ministry is seriously considering to abolish a priority given by distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO to the examination of grid connection applications made by energy communities.

The number of energy community applications has snowballed as a result of this prioritization, leaving unattended thousands of applications submitted by investors pursuing individual renewable energy projects.

A ministerial decision on the matter could be issued next week, energypress sources informed.

Priority rights are expected to be maintained for certain cases, including energy community projects involving local government organizations and net metering plans.

A temporary solution severely curbing priority rights for energy communities is expected to be implemented until an official decision is reached.

Energy communities enable electricity consumers to also become producers through renewable energy output, while also permitting municipalities and regional authorities to establish localized energy policies.

Major changes to RES licensing procedure sought by ministry

Ambitious renewable energy targets included in Greece’s new National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) have energy ministry officials looking to overhaul current RES licensing procedures for a swifter, simplified process, currently far too slow and detrimental for investors.

A big number of RES project installations will need to be made over the next decade if the lofty NECP targets are to be achieved.

The installed RES capacity will need to be more than doubled, meaning emphasis will need to be placed on simplifying current licensing procedures, slowed down by bureaucracy and excessive laws, the energy ministry’s secretary-general Alexandra Sdoukou noted during yesterday’s presentation of the new National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).

The energy ministry is looking for radical solutions that stretch beyond just cutting back on the excessive number of documents and procedures now needed, or digitizing procedures.

On the contrary, the ministry believes the entire RES licensing process needs to be reexamined and revamped. Some sub-permits that are currently needed amid the overall procedure, taking years to cover, may be scrapped if their elimination would not cause any dangers.

Any revisions deemed extremely urgent could be rushed into an energy ministry draft bill on the environment, now being prepared for parliament in January.

Other ministry priorities include developing legal framework for energy storage; a pricing framework for hybrid stations on the islands; further support for RES installations at buildings through net metering; as well as the establishment of legal framework for alternative RES systems, such as offshore wind farms, Sdoukou told the NECP event.

Ministry to make net metering revisions for greater appeal

Increased RES self-production and net metering appears to be a leading priority for the energy ministry, committed to an increase of the country’s renewable energy capacity, which, besides the development of major facilities, also depends on the installation of RES systems at as many domestic and business units as possible.

As part of the overall effort, the energy ministry has decided to make drastic changes to the existing net metering support mechanism, the objective being to make it more appealing for consumers as potential RES producers, energypress sources have informed.

One of the ideas being considered by officials at this stage is to enable prosumers (producer-consumer) to sell excess electricity production to the grid at a price level equivalent to the System Marginal Price (SMP), the wholesale price.

Another thought is to replace the current net metering billing period, covering three years, with a system offering instantaneous calculations.

Such revisions, compatible with EU directives, are already being adopted by other EU member states. Their implementation in Greece is expected to offer household and business electricity consumers further incentive to install RES systems, primarily solar panels, on roofs and rooftops.

Irrespective of the prospective support mechanism changes, net metering has already become a more attractive prospect for consumers as a result of power utility PPC’s recent electricity tariff hikes, which have considerably shortened the recouping period for net metering installation costs.

Excessive net metering delays at DEDDIE, investors protest

DEDDIE/HEDNO, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator, has begun accepting net metering applications submitted by renewable energy self-producers and energy communities following a capacity increase to 1 MW from the previous limit of 500 KW, but investors who had submitted applications under the previous terms find themselves still waiting for their bids to be approved.

The operator is taking far too long to offer connection terms, requiring as many as five months instead of a one-month waiting time limit promised by a related law, interested investors have informed energypress.

DEDDIE officials have been busy processing a wave of solar energy park applications in the 500 MW category. The work overload has forced the operator to only accept applications concerning solar energy parks and avoid taking in bids that include storage systems.

Net metering enables electricity consumers who generate their own power from an eligible on-site facility and deliver it to local distribution facilities to offset the electric energy provided by the utility during an applicable billing period.

Ministry net metering revisions aiming to improve poor data

The energy ministry has introduced a series of net metering revisions but it remains to be seen of these can improve the poor net metering statistics registered to date.

The revisions, effective as of March 5, include a net metering capacity increase from 500 kW to 1,000 kW as well as higher net metering capacities for some of the bigger islands, namely Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Lesvos, Chios and Samos.

In addition, net metering eligibility has been broadened to cover all RES technologies, including solar, small-scale wind turbines and hydropower stations, biomass, biogas and geothermal.

Also, net metering associating low and mid-voltage production and consumption, as well as combined RES technologies, has been permitted.

Net metering enables electricity consumers who generate their own power from an eligible on-site facility and deliver it to local distribution facilities to offset the electric energy provided by the utility during an applicable billing period.

Strong incentives are needed if the disappointing net metering data, especially for domestic systems, is to improve, Stelios Psomas, Policy Advisor at SEF/HELAPCO (Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies), has stressed.

SEF has proposed eliminating public service compensation (YKO) surcharges from  energy consumed and offset by self production.

Meanwhile, authorities are preparing to conduct a study in June on a remuneration mechanism for energy storage systems and other services offering grid stability, sources noted.