What is the Self-Consumption Code (CAU) and How to Obtain It?
If you still don't know what the self-consumption code (CAU) is, read this article to find out what it is and how to get it, as well as all the details you need to consider on this topic.
The self-consumption code, also known as the CAU code, is essential for registering a self-consumption installation.
It is a 26-digit code that identifies the installation and links all associated consumption and generation points.
Who generates and provides the CAU Code?
The self-consumption code will be supplied or assigned by the electricity distributor to which the electricity generation installation is connected.
In turn, the CAU code must be requested by the installer company authorized by the distributor and that links all consumers and nearby generation installations associated with self-consumption.
If the self-consumption installation has several generation installations connected to different distributors, the CAU will be assigned by the distributor to which the highest power Electricity Generation Module (MGE) is connected, regardless of the distributor. Therefore, first, you must know who your distributor is and then continue contacting them to obtain information about your self-consumption code
If i-DE is not your distributor, nor any associated with the Iberdrola group, you can request the CAU through your distributor's customer service channels.
What does the Self-Consumption Code (CAU) consist of?
The CAU consists of the Unified Supply Point Code (CUPS), which is specified in the system operation procedures, followed by the letter “A” and 3 numeric digits.s.
For individual self-consumption, the CAU will be the consumption CUPS code plus “A000”. The consumption CUPS appears on your supplier's bills.
However, for a collective installation, the CAU will be generated from the CUPS of the collective self-consumption supply point by adding “1FA000”. The CAU links all consumers and nearby generation installations associated with that self-consumption group, consisting of one or more self-consumers and one or more generation installations.
How do I request the Self-Consumption Code (CAU)?
In general, to request the CAU code, the applicant (in this case, the energy installer company) must provide:
- Installation address.
- Power of the generating installation.
- Whether it is self-consumption without excess or with excess.
- For individual self-consumption, the CUPS of the consumption covered by self-consumptio.
- For collective self-consumption, the CUPS of at least one of the consumptions covered by collective self-consumption.
However, only for individual self-consumption, you can skip the previous step and deduce the code directly from the associated consumption CUPS, including the ending “A000” (for example: ES0026000010096279CP0FA000; 26-digit code).
What are the differences between CAU and CIL?
Throughout this content, we have discussed the concept of the self-consumption code or CAU, but there is another concept known as the CIL code.
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Terminology |
The CAU code is better known by its initials, which stand for Self-Consumption Code. |
CIL code, these initials stand for Production Installation Code for settlement purposes. |
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Application |
The CAU code can be applied to different types of production/generation, not exclusively pure. |
Unlike the CAU, it applies to “pure” production/generation installations, i.e., those not associated with any self-consumption. |
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Utility |
The CAU code is used to register the solar self-consumption kit with excess compensation. |
The CIL is used to settle the energy generated by “pure” generation installations. |
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Composition |
The CAU code consists of the CUPS code plus “A000”. |
The CIL code consists of the CUPS code plus “F000”. |
The CIL code is the Production Installation Code for settlement purposes, meaning it is used to quantify and settle the excess energy generated by the installation.
Let's look at 3 examples:
1. An installation without excess and without injection does not need a CIL code.
2. An installation with excess and with a compensation contract with the supplier does not need a CIL code because the supplier compensates the energy on the bill.
3. An installation with excess where there is no compensation contract with the supplier because the energy injected into the grid is settled in the market, then it DOES need a CIL code.
The CIL code is necessary to settle production excess in cases where there is no compensation contract.
The distributor is responsible for providing this CIL code, just as with the CAU code.
Advantages of self-consumption
Self-consumption represents the best way to manage energy, as it is a valuable resource that allows you to generate energy and make the most of it along with its excess.
Some of the advantages of self-consumption are:
1. Reducing installation costs.
2. If you opt for the collective self-consumption model, it will allow you to develop an economy of scale, reducing costs on your bill.
3. The investment in your current installation and new installations is lower and can be recovered faster.
4. Optimization of space to generate more energy.
5. Profitability of common spaces: such as rooftops (in the case of collective self-consumption).
6. Greater energy storage capacity.
7. Being able to actively participate in managing your energy demand according to your needs.
In conclusion, self-consumption allows you to take a step forward in the commitment to a renewable, decentralized, and multidirectional energy system.
FAQs
What are the differences between aerothermy and heat pump systems?
The main difference between aerothermal energy and a heat pump lies in their technical and functional approach.
Aerothermy is a technique for extracting energy from the ambient air, using its temperature to heat spaces or generate hot water. On the other hand, a heat pump is a device that can operate using the aerothermal technique but can also use other energy sources, such as the ground or water, to provide heating and cooling in a home or building.
What are the advantages of aerothermy and low-consumption heating systems?
The most commonly associated system with aerothermal energy is the heat pump, which consists of an outdoor and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit collects air from outside to obtain energy in the form of heat through the refrigerant inside and introduces it into the home. Low-temperature radiators are a better alternative than traditional radiators for distributing heat throughout the room.
Underfloor heating is another necessary system to ensure the total efficiency of aerothermy in your home. This model contains a circuit of pipes installed under the floor through which water from the heat pump circulates and is distributed throughout the home. With underfloor heating, you can achieve the highest degree of energy efficiency, as it operates at low temperatures, resulting in low consumption. Heat is distributed evenly throughout the home, providing unparalleled thermal comfort.
Why do heat pumps save energy when kept on all day?
Heat pumps save energy by being kept on all day because they avoid continuous on-off cycles. When the system is turned off, it requires more effort to regain energy and reach the desired temperature again. Therefore, it is preferable to avoid frequent stops and starts of the system, contributing to greater energy efficiency.
How much does aerothermy consume compared to other household appliances?
Average homes require around 3,272 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, so a heat pump with a COP of three will need 4,000 kW of electricity annually.
The refrigerator is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in our home, consuming around 662 kWh, followed by the washing machine at 255 kWh, the dishwasher at 246 kWh, and finally, the oven at 231 kWh.
For all these appliances, it is very important to pay attention to their energy rating, as this label will result in greater or lesser energy savings at the end of the year.
