ERE certificates for charging stations: how does this work in practice?
More and more charging stations can generate additional income through so-called ERE certificates, which are comparable to HBEs in the Netherlands. For installers, it is important to understand how this works so they can advise customers properly.
1. Requirement: MID-certified charging station
To participate, a charging station must be equipped with a MID-certified meter. This means: • The charged energy is measured accurately • The measurement is officially approved • The data may be used for financial settlement
Without MID certification, participation in ERE certificates is not possible.
2. How does a customer earn money from charging?
The income is handled through a certificate registration service provider. This is the party that manages the trading and administration. The process is as follows:
- The certificate registration service provider enters into a contract at a certain price, for example €0.10 per kWh.
- The customer charges their electric vehicle.
- The charged kWhs are used to fulfil the contract.
- The customer receives compensation per kWh: the contract price minus a small service fee.
The more energy is charged, the higher the return.
3. How is the price determined?
The price per kWh is determined by the market. Certificate registration service providers bid on contracts and agree on a price.
After a contract has been concluded, the market price may change:
- If the price rises, the service provider may earn extra income
- If the price falls, the service provider may incur a loss
The customer receives the agreed compensation from the contract. If the contract was set at 10 cents, the customer receives that 10 cents. The value can therefore still fluctuate for the certificate registration service provider.
4. What influences the price?
The price of ERE certificates is influenced by several factors.
- Supply and demand If there is a large supply of charging volume, the price may fall. If there is scarcity, the price may rise.
- Energy and oil prices Energy prices influence the market. The relationship is indirect and not always linear, but it is relevant. When oil prices rise, the ERE price will generally fall, because companies are more likely to switch to sustainable alternatives to oil and therefore need to compensate less with EREs.
- Government policy Changes in laws and regulations play a major role. Stricter sustainability targets often increase demand for certificates.
- Growth of charging infrastructure The number of charging stations is increasing rapidly. This creates more supply of charging volume and can put pressure on the price.
5. Role of the backoffice provider
An important link in the process is the backoffice provider, such as ConnectNed. This party: • Registers charging sessions • Checks and validates the data • Provides the connection between the customer and the certificate registration service provider
Without a properly functioning backoffice, the data cannot be processed correctly and participation is not possible.
6. Practical points for installers
- When advising on and installing charging solutions, it is advisable to take the following points into account:
- Choose charging stations with MID certification
- Make sure the charging station is suitable for connection to external parties
- Inform the customer that income is variable
- Emphasise that this is an additional return and not a fixed guarantee
Conclusion
ERE certificates offer an additional earning opportunity for charging stations. For installers, the key points are:
- A MID-certified charger is required, and our range is well aligned with this
- A reliable backoffice, such as ConnectNed, and a connection with a service provider are essential
- The customer receives compensation per charged kWh
- The amount of compensation may change over time
It is an interesting addition to a charging installation, provided the right choices are made in terms of hardware and platform.
Do you have any questions? Libra Energy will be happy to help you get started with EREs.