Posted on: 23rd July 2024
Article written by Ulrika Stevens.
The context
In line with the European legal framework and in support of the European Union’s objectives, the Austrian government has set a goal to transition the electricity supply to 100% renewable energy sources by 2030 and to make Austria climate-neutral by 2040. Renewable energy communities are the right path to achieve this goal.
Austria as a pioneer in energy communities
Austria is leading the way in the establishment of energy communities (ECs). Since the new law (EAG) in 2021, trading electricity within ECs is permitted. The process of establishing an EC in Austria is democratic and transparent, guided by a clear legal framework. Key aspects include collective decision-making on energy costs, actively recruiting new members, and voting on future activities. This structured approach ensures the growth and operation of ECs in Austria are inclusive and community driven.
Benefits of energy communities
Economic benefits:
- In Austria, consumers must pay grid fees for electricity, but in energy communities, these fees are reduced or eliminated depending on the type of the EC.
- Additionally, members can set their own electricity costs. This leads to stable energy prices
- Achieving energy independence.
Ecological and social benefits:
- Strengthening regional solidarity.
- Contributing positively to the energy transition (with So-Strom, this requires no extra effort)
- A positive contribution to combating climate change
So-Strom
Located in Graz / Styria, So-Strom supports the planning and establishment of energy communities and ensures the simple administration and correct billing and accounting of energy communities (EC). So-Strom offers comprehensive services for energy communities.
The founders of So-Strom, a software and energy expert and a tax expert, were inspired by their first energy community project. They realized that, technically speaking, energy communities are easy to set up, but the administrative effort and, in particular, correct invoicing for VAT purposes are very complex. This is the reason why most people hesitate to establish energy communities.
This led them to set up So-Strom and develop the So-Strom Portal to simplify the whole process for citizens and manage the ongoing operations.
So-Strom was founded to support and grow energy communities, as they believe they are the future. Energy communities should be accessible to everyone.
Importantly, So-Strom has no influence on the energy communities they establish. The EC has the freedom to make its own decisions.
Each energy community is independent! So-Strom simply manages and handles all administrative tasks.
Today, So-Strom has grown to a team of nine motivated individuals specializing in software, sales, marketing, and taxation. They establish a network of knowledge and exchange in the region. This positions So-Strom as a highly competent and transparent company.
So-Strom Portal
Energy communities not only provide alternative means of energy production, but also function as centers that bring the community together. Acting as a community point is also one of the core principles for so-strom. The organization frequently organizes get-togethers such as barbecues and evenings, to serve as events that help community members know each other better. The association also produces a newsletter to share updates and developments with local citizens.
So-Strom Portal, our tool for
easy management and correct billing of energy communities. Like So-Strom, our portal
is constantly being improved and expanded. The key features are:
- Digital onboarding (for
new members)
- Visualization and
monitoring of all energy data
- Master data management
- Automated billing process
- Easy to use
Looking forward
So-Strom views energy communities as a way to achieve independence from external energy sources and to help conserve resources. By empowering citizens to manage their own energy needs and production, people can contribute to their own energy consumption and support the needs of their surrounding neighborhoods.
Our goal ist to expand and establish a strong presence, actively supporting energy communities. We are open to partnerships and projects, both domestically and internationally. Citizens who wish to start their own energy communities in their respective countries can also count on our support.
Visit so-strom
