Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) regulates the use of controllable consumption devices in order to ensure the stability of the power grid and avoid overloads. Grid operators are permitted, in the event of an impending overload, to temporarily limit the power output of such devices, such as heat pumps or wall boxes, to 4.2 kW. This control is only applied when it is absolutely necessary to maintain the stability of the power grid. A basic power supply is ensured, so that the affected devices continue to function. Household electricity is not affected by this regulation.

In exchange for this control capability, the grid operator may not refuse or delay the connection and operation of such controllable consumption devices on the grounds of grid overloads . In addition, users benefit from reduced grid fees, regardless of whether actual curtailment takes place.

Controllable electrical appliances are managed via special control devices, which are installed either by the utility company or by an authorized technician. In the event of an impending grid overload, the utility company can then temporarily reduce the power output of these appliances via such a control device. Such interventions are minimal and generally do not affect comfort, as they are only activated when the grid is under high load . Essential functions of the devices, such as overnight charging of electric vehicles, remain unaffected.

The control system is activated following a rapid grid check, with a maximum of 5 minutes allowed to elapse between the detection of the overload and the actual activation of the control system. This measure is always intended as a last resort and must be documented. All controllable electrical loads are treated equally, regardless of whether they have their own meter or not.

However, the technical capability for control will not be fully implemented until January 1, 2025, even though the legal regulations have been in effect since January 1, 2024. From that point on, the grid operator will no longer be able to completely disconnect systems from the grid, as has been the case until now, but will only be permitted to reduce their output.

Yes, Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) was amended solely by a provision dated November 27, 2023. These changes took effect on January 1, 2024. Previously, Section 14a of the EnWG grid operators to control consumption devices with a power consumption of over 3.7 kW, but only on the basis of a voluntary agreement with end consumers. In return, consumers benefited from individually determined reductions in grid fees. However, this regulation, however, applied exclusively to devices that were metered via a separate meter.

As of January 1, 2024, equipment with a capacity exceeding 4.2 kW is now mandatorily subject to the provisions of Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). The reduction in grid fees has been adjusted and expanded accordingly. A separate meter is no longer required to qualify for the regulation, thereby eliminating additional costs for the installation and operation of a meter . If a second meter is available in addition to the household electricity meter, consumers can choose between two models of grid fee reduction.

This applies to so-called controllable consumption devices and controllable grid connections. This refers to one or more devices connected to a grid connection that, in total, draw more than 4.2 kW of power and whose operation can be scheduled flexibly . These installations must be connected to the low-voltage grid, have been put into operation on or after January 1, 2024, and have been registered with the grid operator by the electrician . Even devices that were put into operation before January 1, 2024, have the opportunity to benefit from the changes introduced by Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) (but more on this in the answer to question 5).

This primarily applies to heat pumps, wall boxes for electric vehicles, night storage heaters, and similar large, controllable loads. Operators must register these devices with the grid operator.

Systems for which control is technically impossible are excluded from a reduction in the grid fee under Section 14a. You must demonstrate this technical impossibility to the grid operator. The new regulation also does not apply to wallboxes that are registered and accessible as public charging points or to night storage heaters.

Equipment installed before January 1, 2024, is subject to special transitional provisions:

If you have already entered into an agreement under Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), you can continue to benefit from the old regulations and the reduced consumption price until December 31, 2028. After this date, the new regulations will also apply to your device. You may, however, voluntarily switch to the new regulations at any time; however, reverting to the old model will then no longer be possible. The only condition is that your metered consumption unit has a power rating of at least 4.2 kW. This also applies if you commissioned a device before January 1, 2024, but have not yet entered into an agreement pursuant to Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).

The update to Section 14a of the Energy Economy Act (EnWG) does not introduce any new regulations for night storage heaters. Existing agreements remain in effect.

As compensation for allowing the grid operator to dim their controllable consumption devices in the event of grid stability issues, the operators of these devices receive a reduction in grid fees. The reduction is reflected as a credit on the next electricity bill and does not constitute a direct change in the electricity rate.

There are three modules for calculating the grid fee reduction:

Module 1 offers a flat-rate reduction in the grid fee, which is set by the respective grid operator. It consists of an annual reduction of €80.00 (gross) and a stability bonus specific to the grid operator (grid operator’s active energy price * 3,750 kWh * 0.2). This module is the standard option upon commissioning and applies even without a separate meter. This means you don’t even need to contact us for this; you automatically benefit from Module 1 when you register your controllable consumption device. The reduction applies per meter, regardless of the number of controllable consumption devices connected to it. The reduction is capped and cannot fall below “zero.”

Module 2 requires a separate meter and provides a reduction in the active energy price to 40% of the grid fees per kWh consumed. The base fee for the grid charges is also waived. This module must be actively selected and is not available in the basic service plan.

Module 3, available starting April 1, 2025, requires a smart metering system and combines a flat-rate reduction under Module 1 with a time-of-use rate. Here, too, the reduction is capped and cannot fall below “zero” .

You can switch between modules at any time, but this requires the approval of the network operator and takes effect only as of the date of confirmation.