Surcharge for special grid usage in 2027

Revenue shortfalls resulting from reduced grid fees (Section 19 of the StromNEV) and additional costs incurred by distribution system operators (DSOs) for integrating renewable energy installations are passed on as surcharges on grid fees. Here you will find the surcharges for special grid use applicable for 2027.

Under the Electricity Grid Fee Ordinance (StromNEV), end users may apply for an individualized grid fee in accordance with § 19(2), sentence 1 or sentence 2, of the StromNEV. Similarly, Section 118(6), sentence 9, of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) provides for an exemption from grid access fees for, among others, facilities that produce hydrogen through water electrolysis. In accordance with BNetzA Decision BK8-24-001-A, distribution network operators (DNOs) that are particularly heavily affected by the integration of renewable energy installations may also receive financial compensation in accordance with the provisions of the decision for the additional costs incurred as a result. Transmission system operators (TSOs) are required to reimburse downstream electricity distribution system operators for lost revenues resulting from the grid fee exemption for the aforementioned facilities or from individual grid fees, as well as in accordance with the BNetzA provision. The TSOs must offset these payments, as well as their own lost revenues, among themselves. The total costs resulting from this are allocated to all end consumers (EC) on a pro rata basis as a surcharge for special grid use, in accordance with Section 7 of BK8-24-001-A.

The calculation for 2027 was based on the grid operators’ forecasts of expected lost revenue, the pass-through amounts reported by the grid operators in accordance with BK8-24-001 -A, as well as final consumption figures for 2027, including the offsetting of a catch-up adjustment from the annual settlement of the § 19 StromNEV surcharge based on the auditor’s attestation for the year 2025.

Important Note: The preliminary transmission grid fees for 2027 were calculated taking into account a subsidy to partially finance transmission grid costs. These subsidies are factored into the calculation of grid fees at lower-level grid tiers and thus have a direct impact on the determination of lost revenues pursuant to Section 19 of the Electricity Grid Fee Ordinance (StromNEV). This subsidy, amounting to 5.525 billion euros, was approved by the federal government and is to be financed from the Climate and Transformation Fund and enshrined in law in the new Section 24d of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). As of the date of publication, the legislation regarding the subsidy for transmission grid costs for 2027 has not yet been enacted. Therefore, the preliminary grid tariffs—and thus also the surcharge for special grid use—are published subject to the condition that the statutory regulation is still to be enacted. If legal certainty has not been established by December 7, 2026, it is to be assumed that the final, uniform federal transmission grid tariffs, as well as the surcharge for special grid usage for 2027, will increase accordingly.

The following definitions of end-user groups specify the maximum allocation rates permitted by law. These allocation rates must not be exceeded. However, it is entirely possible that the forecast calculation will result in a lower allocation for the respective year. Adjustments based on the annual statements from previous years may, however, also result in a higher or lower total allocation (the sum of the forecast allocation and the adjustment allocation).

Final end-user groups pursuant to Section 19 of the Electricity Supply Regulation (StromNEV) in conjunction with Sections 26, 28, and 30 of the Renewable Energy Act (KWKG)* or pursuant to Section 21 of the Energy Conservation Act (EnFG)

*KWKG of December 21, 2015 (Federal Law Gazette I, p. 2498), as amended by Article 14 of the Act of August 29, 2016 (Federal Law Gazette I, p. 2034)

End-User Group A’:

Electricity consumption by end users for the first 1,000,000 kWh at each supply point.

End-User Group B’:

End users whose annual consumption at a single supply point exceeds 1,000,000 kWh pay an additional § 19 StromNEV surcharge of up to 0.050 ct/kWh for electricity consumption exceeding 1,000,000 kWh. The amounts listed in the table above apply.

End-User Group C’:

End users classified as belonging to the manufacturing sector, rail transportation, or railway infrastructure, and whose electricity costs exceeded four percent of revenue in the previous fiscal year, pay a maximum of 0.025 ct/kWh for electricity purchases exceeding 1,000,000 kWh. The amounts listed in the table above apply.

End-user group under § 21 EnFG:

Electricity volumes from end users who benefit from preferential treatment under § 21(1)-(5) EnFG (electricity storage, charging points, and stored gas).