An eligible consumer is a person or organisation that meets the stated conditions and is therefore free to choose its electricity supplier. To qualify as an eligible consumer, consumption must reach or exceed the eligible consumer threshold set by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK).
Put plainly: anyone consuming at or above the EPDK threshold may buy electricity through a bilateral agreement with any licensed supplier, and so obtain more favourable terms.
Who counts as an eligible consumer?
Anyone meeting the threshold set out in the regulation published by EPDK (since 21.12.2018 the threshold has been 1,600 kWh) is entitled to sign an agreement with the supplier of their choice and buy electricity on better terms.
Anyone meeting the eligible consumer condition — that is, whose consumption exceeds the threshold — can obtain an eligible consumer certificate by applying to their regional distribution company with a simple petition.
What advantages does an eligible consumer gain?
- Every consumer in this class is free to work with the electricity supplier of their choice.
- By choosing their supplier they can buy electricity at a discount to the national tariff — a meaningful saving over a year’s consumption.
- Working with an energy advisory firm, they can avoid penalties and imbalance costs arising from a mismatch between production and consumption.
- Changing supplier makes no difference to the quality of electricity received, since it is delivered to the point of consumption by the distribution company regardless of supplier.
How can you find out whether you are an eligible consumer?
- Check the annual consumption figure on your most recent electricity bill. At 1,600 kWh or above, you are an eligible consumer. Some bills state this beneath your name, alongside your consumption group.
- Speak with suppliers whose tariffs and offers satisfy you, sign with the one you judge most favourable, and begin consuming as an eligible consumer.