Complete digitization – far beyond regulatory requirements
The revised Electricity Supply Act allows local electricity producers and consumers to form a local electricity community (LEG). Primeo Energie, in consortium with EKZ, set itself the goal of establishing this process digitally throughout, with a high degree of self-care. We were responsible for co-designing and implementing the customer portal functionality.
THE CHALLENGES
Since the referendum in the summer of 2024, it has been decided that local electricity producers and consumers can organize themselves into local electricity communities (LEGs). In this context, Swiss distribution network operators are obliged to respond to inquiries about network topology, review the establishment of LEGs in terms of legal and regulatory guidelines, and take over administrative implementation by January 1, 2026.
As part of our digitalization project, the aim was to achieve a high degree of automation while avoiding media breaks. Customers should be guided through the complex process with as low a contact rate as possible.
THE CHALLENGES
Since the referendum in the summer of 2024, it has been decided that local electricity producers and consumers can organize themselves into local electricity communities (LEGs). In this context, Swiss distribution network operators are obliged to respond to inquiries about network topology, review the establishment of LEGs in terms of legal and regulatory guidelines, and take over administrative implementation by January 1, 2026.
As part of our digitalization project, the aim was to achieve a high degree of automation while avoiding media breaks. Customers should be guided through the complex process with as low a contact rate as possible.
OUR APPROACH
As a basis, the requirements team developed the entire process with various sub-features as a clickable prototype in Figma.
Based on this, we developed a cross-client architecture proposal and tailor-made bidirectional interfaces for both customer portals and coordinated this with the technical stakeholders involved. Information flows were provided centrally across clients, enabling synergy effects to be realized. Company-specific displays and behavior were implemented individually and thus flexibly.
Initially, sample data sets (mock data) were recorded behind the interfaces. This enabled the parallelization of user interface work in the front end and logical data processing in the back end.
We expanded the existing myPrimeo customer portal with the proven approach of a self-contained system (SCS) to include LEG functionality. In the process, we automated the provisioning of end-user authorizations in order to control navigation in accordance with requirements. This enabled us to ensure the optimal combination of significant synergy effects and high flexibility.
OUR APPROACH
As a basis, the requirements team developed the entire process with various sub-features as a clickable prototype in Figma.
Based on this, we developed a cross-client architecture proposal and tailor-made bidirectional interfaces for both customer portals and coordinated this with the technical stakeholders involved. Information flows were provided centrally across clients, enabling synergy effects to be realized. Company-specific displays and behavior were implemented individually and thus flexibly.
Initially, sample data sets (mock data) were recorded behind the interfaces. This enabled the parallelization of user interface work in the front end and logical data processing in the back end.
We expanded the existing myPrimeo customer portal with the proven approach of a self-contained system (SCS) to include LEG functionality. In the process, we automated the provisioning of end-user authorizations in order to control navigation in accordance with requirements. This enabled us to ensure the optimal combination of significant synergy effects and high flexibility.
THE RESULT
A comprehensive and easy-to-use management tool ensures transparency and significantly simplifies administrative processes.
LEG representatives and/or LEG participants can independently submit and register a LEG establishment at the touch of a button. If necessary, a new customer relationship is automatically generated. Whether a metering point is suitable for participation in a LEG is fully integrated and validated in real time based on the master data. Users can then either add the metering point with just a few clicks or see the reason for disqualification (e.g., “Other zone”).
People who establish a LEG or represent it to the distribution network operator have access to a constantly updated data overview (dashboard). They can invite interested parties and approve or reject participation requests. Information on when a LEG is expected to come into effect is available at any time.
THE RESULT
A comprehensive and easy-to-use management tool ensures transparency and significantly simplifies administrative processes.
LEG representatives and/or LEG participants can independently submit and register a LEG establishment at the touch of a button. If necessary, a new customer relationship is automatically generated. Whether a metering point is suitable for participation in a LEG is fully integrated and validated in real time based on the master data. Users can then either add the metering point with just a few clicks or see the reason for disqualification (e.g., “Other zone”).
People who establish a LEG or represent it to the distribution network operator have access to a constantly updated data overview (dashboard). They can invite interested parties and approve or reject participation requests. Information on when a LEG is expected to come into effect is available at any time.
ABOUT PRIMEO ENERGIE
Primeo Energie has around 700 employees in Switzerland and France and reliably supplies energy to over 180,000 customers. Its business areas are energy, grids, heating, gas, and renewable energies. Primeo Energie is active across the entire value chain, from production and trading to distribution and sales.
The “Primeo Netz” segment covers the transport and distribution of electricity, basic supply, and the provision of grid-related services.
Through its cooperative structures, the company is committed to imparting knowledge to children and young people and supports over 300 local projects and charitable events in its network area every year.
«Working with inpeek was a complete success. From the conception phase to go-live, they actively supported us and played a key role in the project’s success. I am already looking forward to realizing further projects with inpeek.»
Peter Hüsser, Product Owner LEG
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