Dynamic grid charges

What are dynamic grid charges?

Dynamic grid charges are variable fees for electricity transmission that adjust according to current grid conditions. Unlike fixed grid charges, which remain constant, dynamic charges are calculated in real time or at specific times of day based on factors such as grid load, electricity demand, and the availability of renewable energy. The goal of dynamic grid charges is to steer electricity consumption more efficiently. Consumers benefit from lower costs when they shift their usage to times that relieve the grid.

Since when have there been dynamic network charges?

Since April 2025, dynamic grid charges have been introduced to help better manage electricity demand and ease grid congestion. These charges are adjusted according to current grid load and electricity demand. Until recently, grid charges were largely fixed and time-independent – they were levied regardless of when and how much electricity was consumed. This meant that peak loads were barely mitigated, and grid overloads occurred more frequently during high-demand periods.

With the introduction of dynamic grid charges, a more flexible pricing system has been established to actively encourage consumers to use electricity in a grid-friendly way.

Who do dynamic grid charges apply to?

The new regulations do not apply to all electricity customers equally. They currently focus on:

• Household customers with a smart metering system (smart meter)
• Customers with controllable consumption devices, e.g. heat pumps, wallboxes or battery storage systems
• RLM customers (metered at 15-minute intervals) in the low-voltage range

Not yet affected are:

• Industrial customers connected to the medium- or high-voltage grid
• Customers without smart meters or without corresponding tariffs

Industrial customers are expected to be included later. According to current plans by the Federal Network Agency, a phased rollout model will be introduced by 2028, gradually integrating larger consumers depending on technical readiness (smart meter rollout, data communication) and regulatory progress. The long-term goal is to integrate all grid levels into a flexible grid charge system.

How are dynamic grid charges calculated?

The calculation of dynamic grid charges is based on several factors that are updated in real time or at regular intervals. The main influences include:

• Grid load: The level of the grid charge strongly depends on how heavily the grid is used at a given time. When demand is high, charges tend to increase due to greater grid strain.
• Timing of electricity use: Grid charges may vary throughout the day. During periods of low utilisation, such as at night or on weekends, charges are lower; during peak demand, such as in the evening, they rise.
• Supply and demand in the grid: Dynamic grid charges reflect fluctuations in electricity supply, particularly from renewables like wind and solar. When renewable generation is high, charges may be reduced.
• Geographical factors: In some cases, regional differences play a role. In areas where grid transport is more heavily burdened, charges may be higher.

The precise calculation often relies on smart meters and digital platforms that provide real-time data on grid load and electricity consumption. This data is then used to automatically adjust the corresponding grid charges.

How can consumers benefit from dynamic grid charges?

Both private households and businesses can benefit by adjusting their electricity consumption to periods of low grid utilisation. During such times – for example, at night, in the late morning, or when renewable generation is high – grid charges are cheaper.

Those who shift energy-intensive activities, such as charging electric vehicles, running machinery, or charging battery storage systems, to these periods can achieve significant cost savings. Companies with smart energy management or digitalised production systems can also automatically respond to price signals and optimise energy use economically. The key prerequisites for this flexibility are typically a smart metering system and a tariff with time-variable grid charges.

How do dynamic grid charges affect grid stability?

Dynamic grid charges can make a major contribution to grid stability by flexibly steering electricity demand and reducing grid load during peak times. The key effects include:

• Avoiding grid overloads: By encouraging households and companies to adapt their consumption behaviour, grid load can be reduced during high-demand periods, helping prevent overloads and potential power outages.
• Optimising energy use: Dynamic grid charges encourage electricity use when the grid is less strained or when a high share of renewable energy is available. This promotes more efficient use of available resources and supports the integration of renewables into the grid.
• Supporting load shifting: When consumers shift consumption to low-demand periods, the grid load becomes more balanced. This improves grid stability and reduces the need for costly grid upgrades or emergency measures.
• Reducing peak loads: Dynamic grid charges incentivise consumers to move their electricity use to less congested periods. This reduces peak demand and makes it easier to maintain grid stability – particularly with fluctuating renewable generation.

Overall, dynamic grid charges promote more sustainable and stable energy use by making electricity consumption smarter and more demand-driven.