Basic supply and free market

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All individuals, households and SMEs with annual electricity consumption of below 100 megawatt hours (MWh/year) fall under basic supply. These small-scale consumers are currently unable to select their electricity provider. They are served by the basic supply provider in their supply area.

Large consumers using over 100 MWh/year have been able to freely choose their electricity supplier since 2009. This means they have unrestricted access to the electricity market. Switching providers may give rise to disputes between consumers and providers. Legal issues can also arise when electricity is transmitted across a third-party network or where there is uncertainty over ownership. The purchase and remuneration of electricity from small-scale production plants can also lead to legal disputes. ElCom is responsible for ruling on such cases. Firstly, it seeks to reach an amicable solution with the parties. If an agreement cannot be reached, ElCom rules on the case by issuing a decision.