Upgrid is Switzerland's first and leading digital platform for Local Energy Communities (LEGs). Since our founding, we have made it our mission to accelerate the transition to renewable energy by simply connecting people and organizations with energy communities.
In this article, you'll learn what makes Upgrid special, how our platform works, and how we can help you become part of an LEG or establish one.
What is Upgrid?
Upgrid is the digital infrastructure that makes Local Energy Communities possible in Switzerland. We connect:
- Energy producers (people with solar panels or other renewable sources)
- Energy consumers (people who want to access local, renewable energy)
- LEG administrators (organizations operating energy communities)
Through our platform, managing, billing, and coordinating LEGs has never been easier.
Our Mission: Energy Transition Through Community
The Vision
We believe the energy transition can only succeed if citizens are actively involved. LEGs are the way to:
- ✅ Promote local, renewable energy
- ✅ Strengthen community engagement
- ✅ Reduce energy costs
- ✅ Protect the environment
- ✅ Create energy independence
Why Upgrid?
The problem before Upgrid:
- Complex establishment of LEGs
- Manual, error-prone billing
- Difficult coordination between members
- High administrative burden
- Limited scalability
The solution with Upgrid:
- ✅ Simple online establishment and management
- ✅ Automatic, transparent billing
- ✅ Digital communication and coordination
- ✅ Minimal administrative burden
- ✅ Unlimited scalability
Core Features of the Upgrid Platform
1. LEG Directory and Search
Find the right LEG:
- Location-based search: Find LEGs in your area
- Detailed profiles: Information about each community
- Real-time availability: See which LEGs still have places
- Comparison tools: Compare different options
For LEG administrators:
- Present your LEG professionally
- Recruit new members
- Manage availability and waiting lists
2. Digital Management
Automated processes:
- Member management: Easy onboarding and management of members
- Document management: All contracts and documents in one place
- Communication: Integrated tools for messages and announcements
- Reports: Automatic reports on production, consumption, and finances
3. Real-Time Monitoring and Billing
Real-time transparency:
- Live data: See consumption and production in real-time
- Energy flows: Visualization of energy flow in the community
- Automatic billing: Precise, automatic billing based on smart meter data
- Transparent prices: All prices and costs are visible to members
For participants:
- See exactly how much energy you produce or consume
- Understand your energy costs
- Optimize your energy consumption
4. Smart Meter Integration
Seamless connection:
- Automatic data transmission: Smart meters send data directly to the platform
- Multi-meter support: Support for various meter types
- Error detection: Automatic detection of anomalies
- Historical data: Long-term analysis of consumption and production
5. Contract Management
Simplified contract process:
- Digital contracts: Electronic signature for all contracts
- Contract templates: Standardized, legally reviewed templates
- Version control: Tracking of all contract changes
- Automatic reminders: Reminders for important dates
6. Billing and Payments
Transparent financial management:
- Automatic billing: Monthly or quarterly billing
- Flexible payment methods: Support for various payment types
- Cost breakdown: Detailed breakdown of all costs
- Payment reminders: Automatic reminders for pending payments
7. Community Tools
Strengthening the community:
- Discussion forums: Tools for discussions and exchange
- Event management: Organization of community events
- Surveys: Democratic decision-making
- News: Central announcements and updates
Who is Upgrid For?
Energy Consumers
You want to access local, renewable energy?
Upgrid helps you:
- Find available LEGs in your area
- Complete a simple joining process
- Track your energy costs transparently
- Benefit from cheaper, sustainable energy prices
Energy Producers
You have a solar panel or other renewable energy source?
Upgrid enables:
- Selling your excess energy to the community
- Fair compensation for fed-in energy
- Optimization of your energy production
- Participation in the local energy market
LEG Administrators
You lead an energy community or want to establish one?
Upgrid offers:
- Professional management software
- Automatic billing and monitoring
- Easy member management
- Scalable solution for growing communities
Companies and Organizations
Your company wants to become part of an LEG?
Upgrid supports:
- Business memberships in LEGs
- Integration of multiple locations
- Corporate sustainability initiatives
- Sustainable energy for your organization
How Does Upgrid Work?
The Joining Process (for consumers)
Step 1: Registration
- Create your Upgrid account at Upgrid.ch
- Enter your basic information
- Confirm your email address
Step 2: Find LEG
- Use our search function to find LEGs in your area
- Compare different options
- Read profiles and reviews
Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit an application to your chosen LEG
- Provide required information
- Wait for confirmation
Step 4: Activation
- After confirmation, you'll receive access to the platform
- Smart meter installation is coordinated (if required)
- You begin participating in the LEG
The Establishment Process (for LEG administrators)
Step 1: Register LEG
- Create your LEG profile on Upgrid
- Enter information about your community
- Upload documents and photos
Step 2: Configuration
- Configure billing models and prices
- Set up smart meter integration
- Define membership requirements
Step 3: Recruit Members
- Use Upgrid tools for member recruitment
- Present your LEG in our directory
- Communicate with interested participants
Step 4: Start Operations
- Activate your LEG on the platform
- Begin managing members
- Start energy production and distribution
Why Choose Upgrid?
Benefits for Participants
Simplicity:
- User-friendly platform
- Clear processes and instructions
- Support at every step
Transparency:
- Complete transparency about prices and costs
- Real-time insights into energy consumption
- Detailed billing
Reliability:
- Professional, reliable platform
- Security and data protection
- Continuous support
Benefits for LEG Administrators
Efficiency:
- Automation of administrative tasks
- Reduced time investment
- Lower costs
Scalability:
- Grow without additional effort
- Support for large communities
- Flexible adaptation to needs
Professionalism:
- Professional appearance
- Legally secure processes
- Reliable technology
Security and Data Protection
Data Security
Protection of your data:
- Encrypted data transmission
- Secure data storage
- Regular security updates
- Compliance with data protection regulations (GDPR)
Transparency
Clarity about usage:
- Transparent privacy policy
- Clear information about data usage
- Control over your data
- Right to data deletion
Upgrid's Role in the Swiss Energy Landscape
Pioneering Work
Upgrid was one of the first platforms of its kind in Switzerland:
- Founding with focus on LEG digitization
- Development of innovative solutions
- Collaboration with pioneer LEGs
- Contribution to industry development
Market Position
Today, Upgrid is:
- The largest LEG platform in Switzerland (by number of LEGs)
- The most widely used platform for LEG management
- The leading provider for LEG digitization
- A trusted partner for hundreds of LEGs
Future Vision
Upgrid continuously works on:
- Improving platform features
- Integrating new technologies (AI, blockchain)
- Expanding into new regions
- Developing innovative services
Success Stories
Case Study: Zurich LEG
An LEG in Zurich with 50 members has been using Upgrid since 2024:
Results:
- 30% reduction in energy costs for members
- 80% renewable energy in community mix
- 25 tons CO2 savings per year
- 95% member satisfaction
Upgrid's contribution:
- Simplified management
- Automatic billing
- Transparent communication
Case Study: Alpine LEG
An alpine village LEG combines solar and hydropower:
Results:
- 100% renewable energy
- Complete energy independence
- Positive revenue for producers
- Strong community bonds
Upgrid's contribution:
- Integration of various energy sources
- Optimized energy distribution
- Efficient management
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does Upgrid cost?
Upgrid offers various pricing plans:
- For consumers: Usually free or low fee (5-10 CHF/month)
- For LEG administrators: Depending on community size, typically 50-200 CHF/month
- For companies: Individual prices based on usage
Is Upgrid secure?
Yes, security has the highest priority:
- Encrypted data transmission
- Secure data storage
- Regular security audits
- Compliance with data protection regulations
Which smart meters are supported?
Upgrid supports most common smart meter types in Switzerland. We can help you with selection and installation.
Can I migrate my existing LEG to Upgrid?
Yes! We support you in the migration process from other systems to Upgrid. Contact us for details.
Does Upgrid offer support?
Yes, we offer comprehensive support:
- Email support
- Phone support
- Documentation and guides
- Community forum
Become Part of the Upgrid Community
Join as Participant
Step 1: Visit Upgrid.ch
Step 2: Create your account
Step 3: Find an LEG in your area
Step 4: Join and start saving!
Register as LEG Administrator
Step 1: Contact us via Upgrid.ch
Step 2: Discuss your requirements
Step 3: Set up your LEG on the platform
Step 4: Begin member recruitment
Next Steps
Ready to start with Upgrid?
- Visit Upgrid.ch – Create your account or contact us
- Learn more about LEGs – Learn the basics
- Read success stories – See what others have achieved
- Become part of the movement – Join an LEG or establish one
Upgrid makes LEGs simple, transparent, and successful. Become part of the energy transition!
Related Articles:
- What is an LEG? Complete Guide 2025
- Why 2025 is the Year of Energy Communities
- LEG Digitization: Platforms, Apps and Management Systems
- Provider Comparison: LEG Platforms in Switzerland
About Upgrid: Upgrid is Switzerland's leading platform for Local Energy Communities. We connect people with renewable energy and make the energy transition possible. Visit Upgrid.ch for more information.