The prosumer is not just an energy user – he is a local hero of the green transition. He is someone who takes responsibility for his energy future while producing and consuming renewable energy. In doing so, he cuts costs, cares for the climate and increases the energy independence of his home or business.
Who is a prosumer?
According to Polish law (RES Act / Ustawa o OZE, art. 2 para 27a), a prosumer is an individual, farmer, cooperative, local government unit or small company that:
- generates energy from RES for its own use,
- can feed surpluses back into the grid,
- does not consider this activity as their main source of income.
The prosumer can use photovoltaics, wind turbines, biogas or energy storage. It is a model that gives control and flexibility.
An example from practice
The Nowak family from a small village near Lublin has installed PV panels on the roof of their house and garage. Thanks to a net-billing system, they sell surplus energy and the money earned covers their annual electricity bills. Over time, they also invested in energy storage and an electric car charger. Today, they are local promoters of the transformation.
How does the billing system work?
- until 1 April 2022 – the net-metering system was in force: the prosumer billed barter, ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ energy;
- after 1 April 2022 – net-billing applies: energy given away is priced at the market price and purchased at standard rates.
Those who started before 1.04.2022 can benefit from net-metering until 2037.
New prosumers are already operating under the net-billing system – more market-based, but also more flexible and fairer.
What does being a prosumer give you?
- real savings on bills
- independence from energy price fluctuations
- an increase in the value of your property
- the possibility of linking up with a local energy community (e.g. a cooperative)
