The Federal Network Agency is fundamentally questioning the current grid tariff system. The background to this is the Electricity Grid Tariff Ordinance (StromNEV), which expires at the end of 2028 and must be brought into line with the European Internal Electricity Market Directives. In addition, the requirements for efficient grid operation arising from the energy transition are to be better reflected in the grid tariffs. To this end, the AgNes process was launched in May (establishment of a framework for the general electricity grid tariff system). In a discussion paper, the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) addressed the topics of feed-in network charges, the reorganization of price components, dynamic network charges, nationwide uniform distribution network charges, and storage charges.

Feed-in Grid Tariffs

The perspective on feed-in grid fees, in particular, led to lively discussions during the consultation on the paper. The main counterargument that emerged was the foreseeable market-based pass-through of these charges, which would simply shift grid costs into the electricity market. As a result, consumers would continue to pay the grid costs associated with the energy transition without any guarantee that these costs would actually decrease. For the BDI, the decisive factor in this regard is not the obligation of feed-in operators to pay grid fees, but rather the location and operation of their facilities in a manner that serves the system. However, this goal appears to be more achievable through other means—such as, for example, regionally differentiated construction cost subsidies.

Tariff Components

The BNetzA continues to propose, in addition to the existing power and energy rates, a capacity charge as a key pricing component. So far, the industry has assessed this proposal differently, taking into account its practicality and associated risks. Regardless of whether a power price or a capacity price is chosen, however, it is essential that system-supporting peak loads be possible without incurring cost risks. The goal is therefore to find a regulatory framework that allows customers to respond to price signals from the market and the grid.

Dynamic Grid Fees

The discussion paper also addresses the issue of dynamic grid tariffs at length. During the consultation process, while their incentive effect for flexible consumption behavior was recognized, it was also emphasized that their effectiveness depends on factors such as digitalization, predictability, and consumption behavior. Furthermore, voluntary participation was highlighted as a fundamental principle for their use.

Industrial Flexibility

Overall, increasing flexibility—both in terms of feed-in and consumption behavior—runs as a central theme throughout the AgNes proposals. This is in line with the BNetzA’s fundamental approach, which already last year, in the key points for readjusting individual grid fees (Section 19.2 StromNEV), placed an emphasis on more flexible consumption patterns in industry. Even then, the impression arose that the BNetzA was overestimating the potential for industrial flexibility and underestimating its costs.

Anticipated Linkage of the Reform Packages

So far, this process has been running parallel to AgNes, but there are increasing signs that the two processes will be linked. This would meet the industry’s widespread demand for coordination—both in terms of timing and content—of the individual grid fee reform packages and provisions (AgNes, individual grid fees, avoided grid fees, singular grid fees, §14a EnWG), which is essential for planning certainty and the coherence of the overall concept.

Following the conclusion of the AgNes consultation phase on June 30, the BNetzA now plans to hold expert workshops on the raised topics through the end of the year, in which the BDI will actively participate. Subsequently, the reform proposals are to be fleshed out in a key points paper in 2026 and finalized by the end of the year.