Scientific advisors to the Federal Network Agency have proposed changes to the current structure of electricity grid charges. The so-called Scientific Working Group on Regulatory Issues (WAR) recommends, among other things, the introduction of dynamic grid charges and requiring operators of photovoltaic systems to contribute more towards grid costs, the agency announced on Thursday.
“We need to modernize the principles governing electricity charges in order to secure financing and create better incentives for grid-friendly behavior,” explained WAR Chairman Jürgen Kühling of the University of Regensburg. “The current system of grid charges is no longer suited to a decentralized electricity system,” added his deputy, Justus Haucap of the University of Düsseldorf.
Image: Shutterstock
To date, electricity grid charges have consisted of a fixed base fee and a usage-based component. Consumers who generate a large amount of electricity from their own PV systems—and consequently draw less from the grid—significantly reduce their grid costs as a result. Energy experts propose raising the base fee and lowering the usage-based component for solar system owners “so that these customers also contribute an appropriate share to grid costs.”
Furthermore, those feeding electricity from solar installations into the grid are to contribute more to grid costs via a “capacity-based feed-in fee.” Operators of storage systems are also expected to pay more in the future. In turn, however, they would benefit from dynamic grid charges—that is, when generation and consumption are adjusted to the grid with greater flexibility regarding time and location.
The Federal Network Agency is currently working on redesigning the electricity grid tariff system. The WAR is advising the Bonn-based authority on this matter.
Author: AFP – pe/jm
Sources: AFP Press Portal