Collective Self-Consumption and PMO
In France, collective self-consumption is based on the principle of distributing production among one or more consumers physically close. This type of self-consumption may be called “virtual self-consumption” in other countries.
Regardless of the type of photovoltaic installation — individual self-consumption, total sale, with or without collective self-consumption — electrons move in the same way in the electrical network, that is, from the place of production to the nearest place of consumption. Collective self-consumption is therefore not a mode of physical distribution of electricity production but rather a mode of economic valuation, just like individual self-consumption or total sale.
Watch our Webinar on the subject: What is the role of a legal entity organizer (PMO) in a collective self-consumption project?
What is collective self-consumption?
Collective self-consumption stems from the law of February 2017 on self-consumption, accompanied by several implementing decrees, and is today described by Articles 315-2 and following of the Energy Code.
Collective self-consumption is a local sharing of energy. It allows a group of electricity consumers and producers (who can also be self-producers) to join together within the same entity, around a common project for the production of local renewable electricity. The stakeholders are linked together within a Legal Entity Organizer (association, cooperative, civil society, commercial company, ...).
Since October 2020 (decree of October 14, 2020), it is possible to extend the scope of a project by derogation. In this case, the maximum distance between two participants can be up to 20 km, instead of 2 km under the usual regime. This derogation has been granted to better take into account the particular case of rural areas, but it remains quite rare.
The role of the organizing legal entity (PMO)?
Bringing together producers and consumers, all of whom must be members of the PMO
Conclude and sign the collective self-consumption agreement with the network manager (e.g., Enedis)
Be the preferred point of contact with Enedis, and communicate the distribution of self-consumed production among each concerned participant.
The role and obligations of the organizing legal entity (PMO) within the context of a collective self-consumption operation are particularly detailed in Enedis' technical reference documents.
How can Athénergie assist you with this collective self-consumption project?
Athénergie allows you to simulate the solar potential of several buildings, carport canopies, and land based on various criteria (sunlight, orientation, inclination, etc.) in order to deduce self-consumption and self-production rates. Financial indicators such as the cost price per kWh or the internal rate of return are then calculated based on the defined economic parameters and the potential consumption provided. Whether for individual self-consumption or partial or total resale, Athénergie allows you to define the most profitable scenario for the same building. The application will enable you to identify your most relevant assets to direct them towards a collective self-consumption loop.
