The BNetzA is reforming the structure of electricity grid fees. The structure of grid fees concerns the allocation of costs. The new regulations are necessary due to a ruling by the European Court of Justice. This ruling states that the allocation of costs must be revised in light of the enormous changes in the energy system over the past 20 years. The existing legal requirements set forth in the 2005 Electricity Grid Tariff Ordinance will expire on December 31, 2028.
Last year, the Federal Network Agency issued a decision on efficiency and cost savings as part of the NEST procedure for incentive regulation. At the same time, the right incentives for grid-oriented behavior are intended to reduce redispatch costs and grid expansion costs.
Currently, grid fees account for about 30 percent of a household's electricity costs. In total, this amounts toapproximately37billion euros per year.
Special Provisions for Electrolysis Units
European law allows for special treatment of electrolysers because national energy and climate plans set explicit targets for them. The Federal Network Agency intends to make use of this provision: In the future,electrolysers that produce green and low-carbon hydrogen will pay a grid fee in the form of a capacity charge. The amount of this charge will be based on the capacity charges for electricity storage facilities and feed-in providers. However, the agency plans to forego active-power charges.
The Federal Network Agency considers dynamic grid tariffs for electrolysers to be a possibility following their successful introduction for electricity storage systems. Electrolysers offer significant potential for flexibility. In addition, newly constructed facilities could benefit from dynamic grid tariffs if located appropriately. However, legal adjustments at the European level must be clarified before such tariffs can be introduced.
New Fee Structure for Additional User Groups
The reform affects all user groups on the electricity grid. For large-scale consumers with an annual consumption of more than 100,000 kWh, a capacity price in euros per kW per year replaces the previous capacity charge. A surcharge applies if the contracted capacity is exceeded. The goal is to provide greater flexibility in purchasing electricity during periods of low prices.
For the first time, power producers will contribute to grid financing. They will pay a capacity fee expected to range from 4 to 7 euros per kW per year. Existing plants are exempt for 20 years from the date they begin operations. The Federal Network Agency expects revenues of up to 2 billion euros per year.
New Rules for Cost Allocation Among Grid Operators
The Federal Network Agency is also adjusting the cost allocation among grid operators. Until now, the amount of upstream grid fees has been based on the volume of electricity drawn. This method distorts cost allocation because decentralized generation reduces electricity consumption from higher grid levels.
In the future, the costs of upstream grids will be allocated based on the electricity consumption of the connected end users. The relief provision for regions with a high share of renewable energy will remain in place.
A draft of the framework is scheduled to be published and formally submitted for public comment in the summer of 2026. The framework is scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2026.
