Become a member
Become a participant in the citizen energy community: zero-euro tariff, prosumers preferred, and how admission works.
Become a participant
lokalKraft Digital Energy Austria is a citizen energy community under Section 16b ElWOG 2010 and Section 79 EAG 2021: we generate, use, store and distribute energy from renewable sources together among our members — not for profit, by members for members.
Our tariff: 0 euros
A zero-euro tariff currently applies within the community:
- Electricity you draw from within the community comes with no energy costs.
- In return, no remuneration is paid for electricity you feed in that is consumed within the community.
- Grid charges, taxes and levies continue to be billed by your grid operator or via your electricity bill as before — participation does not replace your electricity supply contract.
Prosumers preferred
New members should ideally be prosumers — that is, generate electricity themselves (e.g. with a PV system) and contribute their surplus to the community. Pure consumers are also welcome to enquire; admission depends on the generation capacity available within the community.
Types of membership
- Ordinary members take an active part in our projects and in the citizen energy community.
- Supporting members back the association in spirit or financially without actively taking part in projects.
How admission works
- You submit your non-binding enquiry below.
- The board reviews it and decides on admission.
- Once admitted, you receive the documents and we work with you on the technical connection (smart meter, data release consent with your grid operator).
Frequently asked questions about participating
What is a citizen energy community (BEG)?
A BEG generates, consumes, stores and sells electricity collectively — via the public grid and without geographic restrictions within Austria (Section 16b ElWOG 2010, Section 79 EAG 2021). It is not run for profit.
Who can participate?
Private individuals, municipalities and smaller businesses from all over Austria — provided the participation is not their primary commercial activity. Membership in the association is a prerequisite for participating in the energy community.
What does participation cost?
There are currently no energy costs for electricity from the community (zero-euro tariff). Grid charges, taxes and levies continue to be billed by your grid operator. Any membership fees are decided by the general assembly.
Do I receive remuneration for the electricity I feed in?
Not within the community at present — that is the flip side of the zero-euro model. Surplus electricity that is not consumed within the community continues to be remunerated by your existing buyer (e.g. your supplier or OeMAG).
Do I need my own PV system?
Preferably, yes: we primarily admit prosumers who contribute their own generation. Pure consumers are welcome to enquire — admission depends on the generation capacity available within the community.
Do I have to switch electricity suppliers?
No. Participation in the energy community runs alongside your existing supply contract; your remaining electricity continues to be delivered by your supplier.
What are the technical requirements?
A smart meter with quarter-hourly readings enabled and your consent to data release with your grid operator. We support you with both as part of the admission process.
How long am I committed?
Membership is voluntary; under the statutes, you can leave at the end of the calendar year by notifying the board in writing.
Apply to participate
With your metering point number and annual consumption we can review your participation right away — the application is non-binding.