Local Electric Communities

Switzerland is at a crucial moment in its energy transition, facing increased awareness of climate challenges and the urgent need to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

In this context, the emergence of Local Electric Communities (LEC) represents a significant advancement. The new electricity law, adopted in June 2024 with massive popular support of nearly 70% of votes, and completed by its second part in February 2025, has created a particularly favorable legal framework for the development of these decentralized energy communities.

What is a LEC?

A Local Electric Community (LEC) is a group of individuals or legal entities (private individuals, companies, communities) who collectively produce and consume renewable electricity, mainly photovoltaic.

The objective: to share and sell locally produced electricity within an extended geographical area (neighborhood to municipality), using the public distribution network at a reduced rate.

For more information about the differences between LEC, ZEV, and vZEV, visit lokalerstrom.ch.

LECs embody a fundamental decentralized approach to maximize renewable energy self-consumption and strengthen local energy autonomy. Participants remain customers of their Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for residual supply.