Transparent and fair energy prices are a core feature of successful Local Energy Communities (LEGs). Unlike traditional utility providers, LEGs usually offer cheaper prices and complete transparency about all costs.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how energy prices work in LEGs, how billing operates, and why LEG prices are often significantly cheaper than traditional providers.
Energy Prices: LEG vs. Utility Provider
Price Comparison 2025
Traditional Utility Provider:
- Energy price: 0.15-0.25 CHF/kWh
- Base fee: 10-30 CHF/month
- Grid fees: 0.02-0.05 CHF/kWh
- Additional fees: Often hidden
Local Energy Community (LEG):
- Energy price: 0.08-0.12 CHF/kWh
- Base fee: 5-20 CHF/month
- Grid fees: 0.02-0.05 CHF/kWh
- Transparent cost structure
Typical Savings: 15-40% of total costs
Price Components in LEGs
1. Energy Price (Working Price)
What is it?
- Price per consumed kWh
- Main component of costs
- Usually 0.08-0.12 CHF/kWh
Why cheaper?
- Local distribution reduces transmission losses
- No profit margins of large corporations
- Direct trade within community
- Optimized use of local energy
2. Base Fee
What is it?
- Fixed monthly fee
- Covers LEG operating costs
- Typically: 5-20 CHF/month
What is it used for?
- Administration costs
- Platform fees
- Maintenance and repairs
- Communication
3. Grid Fees
What is it?
- Fees for grid use
- Paid to local grid operator
- Typically: 0.02-0.05 CHF/kWh
Billing Systems
Automatic Billing
How does it work?
1. Data Transmission:
- Smart meters send data automatically
- Learn more about smart meters
- Transmission to LEG platform (e.g., Upgrid)
2. Calculation:
- Automatic calculation of consumption/production
- Price calculation
- Assignment to members
3. Billing:
- Monthly or quarterly billing
- Detailed breakdown
- Automatic sending
4. Payment:
- Payment request
- Various payment methods
- Automatic confirmation
Transparency in Billing
What's in the bill?
For Consumers:
- Consumption in kWh
- Energy price
- Base fee
- Grid fees
- Total costs
- Comparison with previous month
For Producers:
- Production in kWh
- Self-consumption
- Surplus
- Compensation for surplus
- Total revenue
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are LEG prices cheaper?
Reasons:
- Local distribution (fewer losses)
- No profit margins of large corporations
- Direct trade
- Community optimization
How transparent are prices?
Very transparent:
- All costs are shown
- Detailed breakdown
- Access to all data
- Democratic price setting
Can prices be changed?
Yes, but:
- Only with member resolution
- Transparent justification
- Regular review
Next Steps
Learn more about LEG prices?
- Compare costs: Calculate your savings
- Find LEG: Compare different options
- Understand billing: Read our guides
- Contact Upgrid: Get advice
Transparent prices make LEGs fair and attractive!
Related Articles:
- LEG Cost-Benefit Analysis: How Much Can You Save?
- Meters and Smart Meters: What LEG Participants Need to Know
- LEG vs. Traditional Utility: All Differences Explained
- Upgrid: Switzerland's First and Leading LEG Platform
About Upgrid: Upgrid makes energy prices in LEGs transparent and fair. Visit Upgrid.ch for more information.