On 2nd June, 2022, the amendments to the Law on Energy were submitted to the Parliament (Saeima) in Latvia. These amendments define energy communities (both REC and CEC), their possible businesses, legal forms, members or shareholders. The amendments provide for the inclusion of new Chapter II.1 “Energy Communities”.   

COME RES project had provided the direct support during the development of these amendments. The background annotation of the amendments refers to the two deliverables of COME RES, namely, (i) Evaluation of the energy communities potential in Latvia  (Del. 2.2) and (ii) Synthesis case studies of drivers and barriers (Del 2.3) regarding the barriers. In addition, Latvian partners of COME RES also submitted the proposals and comments in due time during the elaboration of the draft Amendments. 

Simultaneously also theamendments to the Electricity Market Law have been submitted. These amendments provide for the inclusion of new Chapter XI  “Electricity energy communities and active consumers”. The relevant provisions regarding the rights of citizens energy communities are provided, including electricity sharing.   

As explained by senior researcher Ivars Kudrenickis, Institute of Physical Energetics in Latvia, "It is positive to see the input that we have had within COME RES for the development of Latvian legislation. We are hopeful that this will kick-start the development of many renewable energy communities in Latvia."

Note: Since the original publication of this article, the amendments to the Energy Law and the Electricity Market Law have in the meantime been adopted. See also D7.1 Comparative Assessment of Enabling Frameworks for RECs and Support Scheme Designs  or this article in Baltic Wind for more informaiton.