Agencja Rynku Energii S.A.

Online training

The aim of the training is to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of issues related to the functioning of energy cooperatives in Poland. The training consists of several modules covering separate thematic blocks:

• energy cooperatives in Polish law,
• setting up an energy cooperative – step by step,
• functioning of an energy cooperative after registration,
• how to grow an energy cooperative,
• internal settlements within a cooperative,
• challenges and barriers to the development of energy cooperatives.

The training programme has been designed to help both those who are new to energy cooperatives and those who wish to deepen their existing knowledge. The individual modules cover a wide range of topics, from theory to practical guidance. The training also includes Q&A sessions, during which participants will have ample time to clarify any doubts.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of the training, the participant will:

• have knowledge of the legal environment of energy cooperatives and the most recent and upcoming changes,
• be familiar with the process of setting up an energy cooperative and know how to obtain the data needed to carry out this process correctly,
• understand the practical aspects of running an energy cooperative and the most common difficulties.

Who is this training for?

• representatives of local authorities who wish to learn about mechanisms supporting the development of RES in their municipalities and implement innovative energy solutions,
• entrepreneurs who want to introduce solutions in their companies that reduce energy costs and improve the profitability of RES,
• professionals working in the energy sector who wish to broaden their knowledge of contemporary solutions concerning energy communities,
• private individuals who want to learn how they can join forces with neighbours or acquaintances to create an energy cooperative and benefit from cheaper energy,
• anyone interested in the topic of energy cooperatives.

Training programme:

8:30–9:00 Participant login

9:00–10:00
1. Introduction
1.1. Presentation of the training agenda
1.2. Definition of an energy cooperative
1.3. Overview of the benefits offered by energy cooperatives
1.3.1. Net-metering settlement system
1.3.2. Exemption from certain fees for energy exchanged between cooperative members
1.3.3. Savings enabled by setting up an energy cooperative
1.3.4. Funding opportunities

10:00–12:00
2. Energy cooperatives under current legislation
2.1. Energy cooperatives vs. other forms of energy cooperation
2.2. The Renewable Energy Sources Act
2.2.1. What conditions must an energy cooperative meet?
2.2.2. The cooperative's settlement system
2.2.3. Relations with the energy supplier and the DSO
2.2.4. Reporting and disclosure obligations of an energy cooperative
2.3. The Cooperative Law Act
2.3.1. Basic organisational aspects of running a cooperative
2.3.2. Cooperative bodies
2.3.3. Rights and obligations of members
2.3.4. Audit (lustracja)
2.4. The Energy Law Act
2.5. The Farmers' Cooperatives Act
2.6. Most recent, upcoming and pending legislative changes
2.7. Q&A session (30 min)

12:00–12:30 Lunch break

12:30–14:30
3. From idea to savings – setting up an energy cooperative step by step
3.1. When does it make sense to set up a cooperative?
3.2. Setting up an energy cooperative by a municipality
3.3. Registering a cooperative with the National Court Register (KRS)
3.4. Registering a cooperative with KOWR
3.5. Agreements with the energy supplier
3.6. Internal settlements within an energy cooperative
3.7. How to calculate the profitability of an energy cooperative?

14:30–15:00
4. Constraints and barriers to the development of energy cooperatives

15:00–15:30
5. Examples and good practices

15:30–16:00
6. Q&A session

Trainer

Jędrzej Sieroń
A specialist in the field of energy cooperatives with extensive practical experience. He is actively involved in the process of setting up cooperatives and provides comprehensive expert support at every stage of their creation and operation. He develops analytical tools for assessing cooperative profitability and designs internal settlement systems. He has carried out more than 40 analyses concerning the potential for establishing energy cooperatives in municipalities across Poland. He has a broad track record in delivering training on RES and energy cooperatives. Engineer of Ecological Energy Sources.