What is the Self-Consumption Code (CAU) and how is it obtained?
If you still don’t know what the Self-Consumption Code (CAU) is, read this article to learn what it is, how to obtain it, and all the details you need to consider on this topic.
The Self-Consumption Code, also known as the CAU code, is a 26-digit code that identifies the installation and links all associated consumption and generation points. It is essential for registering a self-consumption installation.
What is the CAU Code used for?
The Self-Consumption Code (CAU) facilitates the management and control of your self-consumption installation. Its main functions include:
- Energy generation control: Allows monitoring and adjusting energy production.
- Surplus compensation: Facilitates the compensation of surplus energy between generation and consumption.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensures the installation meets current legal requirements.
- Monitoring and maintenance: Eases control and management.
Who generates and provides the CAU Code?
The CAU code is supplied or assigned by the electricity distributor to which the electricity generation installation is connected.
It must be requested by the installer company authorized by the distributor, which links all consumers and nearby generation installations associated with self-consumption.
If the self-consumption installation includes several generation units connected to different distributors, the CAU will be assigned by the distributor to which the highest-capacity Electricity Generation Module (MGE) is connected, regardless of the distributor. Therefore, you must first identify your distributor and then contact them to obtain your CAU.
If i-DE is not your distributor, nor any company associated with the Iberdrola Group, you can request the CAU through your distributor’s customer service channels.
What does the CAU Code consist of?
The CAU is composed of the Unified Supply Point Code (CUPS), as specified in the system operation procedures, followed by the letter “A” and three numeric digits.
For individual self-consumption, the CAU will be the consumption CUPS code plus “A000”. The consumption CUPS appears on your electricity bill.
For collective installations, the CAU is generated from the CUPS of the collective self-consumption supply point, adding “1FA000”. The CAU links all consumers and nearby generation installations associated with that self-consumption group, which may include one or more consumers and one or more generation units.
Who can request the CAU Code?
Generally, to request the CAU code, the applicant (typically the energy installation company) must provide:
- Installation address.
- The capacity of the generation unit.
- Whether it is self-consumption with or without surplus.
- For individual self-consumption: the CUPS of the consumption point.
- For collective self-consumption: the CUPS of at least one of the consumption points.
However, for individual self-consumption, this step can be skipped by directly deriving the code from the associated consumption CUPS by adding “A000” (e.g., ES0026000010096279CP0FA000; a 26-digit code).
What are the differences between CAU and CIL?
Throughout this content, we’ve discussed the CAU (Self-Consumption Code), 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”. |
Difference between CAU and CUPS
Both codes are necessary in the self-consumption context, but it’s common to confuse them.
The main difference lies in their function:
The CAU Code groups and links all consumption and generation points of a self-consumption installation. The CUPS Code is a unique identifier for each electricity supply point.
FAQs about the CAU Code
How can I obtain the CAU for a self-consumption installation without surplus?
You must contact your electricity distributor to start the registration process and request the CAU. They will guide you step by step.
How do I obtain the CAU for a 10 kW self-consumption installation with zero feed-in?
You must contact your electricity distributor and ensure you meet the legal and technical requirements, providing the documentation they request.
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