Prosumers on the Rise: Over 3,400 Contracts Signed in Serbia

The number of prosumers in Serbia has surged significantly, thanks to last year’s regulatory changes. With over 3,400 contracts signed so far, Serbia is witnessing a shift towards sustainable energy solutions. These changes have enabled both individuals and businesses to produce and consume green energy more easily. This article explores the regulatory updates, the growing prosumer community, and what the future holds for active energy consumers in Serbia.

Key Regulatory Changes Impacting Prosumers

In response to growing interest in green energy, Serbia has introduced regulatory changes to support prosumers—individuals or entities that both produce and consume electricity. These changes have had a major impact on the energy sector. Previously, prosumers had to pay taxes and fees based on the total electricity consumed from the grid. Now, taxes and fees are calculated based on the difference between electricity delivered to the grid and electricity taken from it.

This change significantly lowers costs and improves the financial viability of producing solar energy. It was discussed extensively at the 3rd International Expert Conference “Prosumers Two Years Later,” which brought together energy experts and professionals to discuss the implications of these changes.

Additionally, Serbia is planning further amendments to the Energy Law, expected this year, to establish a legal framework for active consumers. These consumers will use the green energy they produce for their own needs and have the opportunity to sell any excess energy on the market. The plan also includes simplifying connection procedures for prosumers.

Explosive Growth in Prosumers: Over 3,400 Contracts Signed

The interest in becoming a prosumer has grown rapidly in Serbia. So far, around 3,400 contracts have been signed with individuals, companies, and institutions. Approximately 2,000 potential prosumers are in the process of connecting their photovoltaic systems to the grid.

Serbia is also introducing a new category of active consumers, who will be able to sell surplus energy on the market. This concept was highlighted at the 3rd International Expert Conference, organized by Energy of the Balkans and sponsored by the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

Benefits of Solar Energy for Households, Businesses, and the State

Maja Vukadinović, Assistant Minister for Energy Efficiency and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of solar energy for energy independence. She noted that solar energy benefits households, businesses, and the country as a whole. For instance, the renowned Žiča Monastery, schools, businesses, and public institutions are already benefiting from solar energy.

The number of customer-producers has increased steadily over the past year and a half. Today, there are around 3,400 customer-producers with a combined installed capacity of 52 megawatts. Just a year and a half ago, the number was seven times lower.

Vukadinović pointed out that last year’s regulatory changes, which allow taxes and fees to be calculated based on the difference between delivered and consumed electricity, have made a significant impact. This change has shortened the payback period for solar panels and encouraged more citizens to install them.

The state has also supported prosumers with grants from the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Program. To date, 500 households have received subsidies for building solar power plants, representing 22% of all prosumer households in Serbia.

Plans for Active Consumers: Legal Framework for Selling Excess Energy

In addition to regulatory changes, the government plans to introduce a legal framework for active consumers. These consumers will use their own solar energy and sell any excess to the market. This framework is expected to be established in the coming year.

The government will also improve the connection process for prosumers, ensuring a more streamlined and transparent process for connecting power plants. These changes aim to make Serbia’s energy market more digitalized and efficient.

Increasing Interest Among Serbian Businesses

Prosumers are not only limited to households; businesses in Serbia are also increasingly interested in adopting solar energy solutions. Vidosava Džagić, Assistant Director of the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, noted that prosumers are crucial for reducing energy costs, increasing energy efficiency, and achieving energy independence.

Milan Radunović, Advisor to the General Director of Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), explained that EPS has signed over 3,400 contracts with prosumers, totaling about 53 megawatts of power. More than 930 production facilities in the business sector have already installed solar systems.

EPS supports citizens and customer-producers by developing new projects and increasing the share of renewable energy sources in Serbia’s electricity production. This includes large-scale projects like wind farms and solar power plants, as well as smaller prosumer projects spread across the country.

Government Initiatives and Incentives for Prosumers

The government has also introduced incentives for prosumers. For instance, households that opt for electronic invoices receive a monthly discount of 50 dinars. This initiative is currently benefiting over 700 prosumer households.

In addition, prosumers who pay their bills on time can receive a 5% discount on their electricity consumption. These incentives aim to further encourage citizens to install solar panels and contribute to Serbia’s energy transition.

Expert Insights: Legal and Regulatory Perspectives

At the 3rd International Expert Conference, Dejana Kostić and Mina Radojević Vlačić shared insights on prosumer regulations. Their expertise in energy law and regulatory matters provided clarity on how these changes will shape the future of energy consumers in Serbia.

Conclusion: Serbia’s Green Energy Future

Serbia is witnessing a transformation in its energy landscape, thanks to growing numbers of prosumers and supportive regulatory changes. With a legal framework for active consumers and plans for a more efficient and transparent connection process, Serbia is on track to expand its renewable energy market and empower citizens and businesses to participate in the energy transition.