Net-metering

Updated: 18.01.2019

Author: Ilze Upatniece

Net-metering applies to clients who are producers of electricity, which are at the same time connected to the electricity grid through a connection smaller than or equal to 3*16A. Clients have to apply for an offer from the responsible grid operator for injecting electricity to the grid. For small-scale clients, energy costs apply to the net electricity consumption only, defined as the difference between electricity obtained from and fed-in to the grid. Furthermore, clients are required to pay a grid-use charge (§ 30 par. 1, 2, 3, 4 Electricity Market Law).

Eligible technologies

Net-metering applies to all technologies connected to the electricity grid through a small-scale connection (≤3*16A). Generally, all RES-E technologies are eligible, however, in practice the net-metering applies mainly to photovoltaic installations. 

Wind energy

Eligible

Solar energy

Eligible

Geothermal energy

Eligible

Biogas

Eligible

Hydro-power

Eligible

Biomass

Eligible

Amount

There is no direct financial compensation for the injected electricity, but the financial equivalent of the injected kW is deducted from the overall electricity bill. If an installation feeds more electricity into the grid than it has taken from the grid during a billing period, this amount is transferred to the next billing period (§ 30 par. 1 Electricity Market Law)

Addressees

Operators of renewable energy installations connected to the electricity grid through a small-scale connection (≤3*16A). 

Latvia

Further information

  • Sabiedrisko pakalpojumu regulēšanas komisija (SPRK) – Public Utilities Commission (PUC), regulatory authority
  • +371 670 97 200
  • SPRK website
  • sprk(at)sprk.gov.lv
  • Vides aizsardzības un reģionālās attīstības ministrija (VARAM) – Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
  • +371 67026533
  • VARAM website
  • pasts(at)varam.gov.lv

Basic information on legal sources