Co-Power Energy GmbH | Herzog-Heinrich-Straße 18 | 80336 München
info@beo.energy
Individual network charges reduce electricity costs for energy-intensive companies with stable consumption — regulated under Section 19 (2) StromNEV.
Individual network charges are reduced fees for using the electricity grid that may be granted to certain energy-intensive companies. They replace standardized grid charges and are intended to maintain the international competitiveness of electricity-intensive industries when their electricity consumption is particularly constant or beneficial for the grid.
The possibility to agree on individual network charges results from Section 19 (2) sentence 2 of the Electricity Network Charges Ordinance (StromNEV).
Such an agreement requires a direct arrangement with the grid operator and approval by the responsible regulatory authority (usually the Federal Network Agency or state regulatory authorities).
A company submits an application to the grid operator and demonstrates that it meets the required conditions.
In particular, electricity consumption must be distributed evenly throughout the year — a high annual utilization rate of the connection capacity is decisive.
Alternatively, companies can apply for atypical grid usage, where load peaks are reduced during defined high-load time windows.
The individual network charge is then calculated based on actual grid usage and is often significantly lower than the standard grid charges for comparable connection capacities.
• Energy-intensive industrial companies with very high and constant electricity consumption
• Large consumers with 24/7 operations (e.g. steel, aluminum, chemicals, basic materials industries)
• Prerequisite for exemption or reduction of additional charges (e.g. §19 surcharge)
• Annual utilization time (hours): typically required to exceed 7,000 hours per year
• Peak load avoidance: stable consumption profile required
• Load profile measurement: electricity consumption measured every 15 minutes (RLM meter)
• Application deadline: usually September 30 for the following year
• Regulatory approval: based on data verification and grid impact
Individual network charges offer significant cost savings potential for electricity-intensive companies with stable consumption patterns. However, they require precise planning, transparent load profile data, and close coordination with the grid operator. For companies that meet the requirements, they can become a key instrument for reducing energy costs and maintaining competitiveness.
