Surcharge for special grid usage 2026

Revenue shortfalls due to reduced grid fees (Section 19 of the German Electricity Network Access Ordinance (StromNEV)) and additional costs incurred by distribution system operators (DSOs) for the integration of renewable energy systems are passed on as surcharges on grid fees. Here you will find the surcharges applicable for special grid usage in 2026.

According to the Electricity Grid Fee Ordinance (StromNEV), end consumers can apply for an individual grid fee in accordance with Section 19 (2) sentence 1 or sentence 2 StromNEV. Similarly, Section 118 (6) sentence 9 EnWG provides for an exemption from grid access charges for, among other things, plants that produce hydrogen through water electrolysis. In accordance with BNetzA ruling BK8-24-001-A, distribution network operators who are particularly affected by the integration of renewable energy plants can also receive financial compensation in accordance with the provisions of the ruling for the additional costs incurred as a result. Transmission system operators are obliged to reimburse downstream electricity distribution system operators for lost revenue resulting from the grid fee exemption for the aforementioned plants or from individual grid fees and in accordance with the BNetzA ruling. The transmission system operators must compensate each other for these payments and their own lost revenues. The total costs resulting from this are allocated proportionately to all end consumers (LV) as a surcharge for special grid usage on the grid fees in accordance with Tz. 7 BK8-24-001-A.

The calculation for 2026 was based on the network operators' forecasts of expected lost revenues, the rollover amounts reported by the network operators in accordance with BK8-24-001 -A, and final consumption for 2026, including the settlement of a catch-up from the annual statement of the § 19 StromNEV levy based on the auditor's reports for 2024.

The following definitions of the end consumer groups show the maximum surcharge rates according to the law. These levy rates may not be exceeded. However, it is quite possible that the forecast calculation will result in a lower levy for the respective year. However, catch-up payments from the annual accounts of previous years may also result in a higher or lower total levy (sum of the forecast levy and the catch-up levy).

Final consumption groups in accordance with Section 19 StromNEV in conjunction with §§ 26, 28 and 30 KWKG* or according to § 21 EnFG

*: KWKG of December 21, 2015 (BGBl. I p. 2498), which was amended by Article 14 of the Act of August 29, 2016 (BGBl. I p. 2034)

Final consumer group A':

Electricity quantities of final consumers for the first 1,000,000 kWh per point of delivery.

Final consumer group B':

Final consumers whose annual consumption exceeds 1,000,000 kWh at one point of delivery pay an additional maximum § 19 StromNEV levy of 0.050 ct/kWh for electricity purchases in excess of 1,000,000 kWh. The amounts listed in the table above are decisive.

Final consumer group C‘:

Final  consumers who are assigned to the manufacturing industry, rail-bound transportation or railroad infrastructure and whose electricity costs exceeded four percent of turnover in the previous financial year pay a maximum of 0.025 ct/kWh for electricity purchases in excess of 1,000,000 kWh. The amounts listed in the table above are decisive.

Final consumer group  according to § 21 EnFG:

Electricity volumes of final consumers who claim a privilege in accordance with Section 21 (1-5) EnFG (electricity storage, charging points and storage gas).