Proposals for the creation of energy communities: Regulatory support

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 4, 292 - 306, 30.12.2025

Hector Montaño , José David Muñoz , Flavio Quizhpi

https://doi.org/10.30521/jes.1742492

Abstract

This work aims to propose a regulatory framework for the creation of energy communities in Ecuador by referencing successful international experiences and adapting them to the national context. Through a detailed analysis of the current legal framework regarding distributed generation and renewable energy, the study identifies existing opportunities and limitations for implementing such communities. The research applied a qualitative and documentary methodology, including a comprehensive literature review and expert interviews with academics, officials from public and private energy generation and transmission companies. Additionally, successful energy community models from countries such as Spain, Germany, and the USA were examined. The major findings include the lack of specific regulations in Ecuador, which hinders the development of decentralized energy systems. Based on this, a normative proposal was developed to promote the use of renewable energy and citizen participation in energy production and management. This study contributes to Ecuador’s energy transition by encouraging decentralization and sustainability, and it offers concrete strategies for the technical, economic, and social feasibility of energy communities. The findings aim to support policy-making and investment in renewable energy and distributed generation projects.

Keywords

Distributed generation , Energy communities , Energy regulation , National laws , Renewable energy

Thanks

The authors thank the “Universidad Politecnica Salesiana” ´ by support provided during the realization of this research.

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