Electricity/Gas regulation

The Energy Act assigned the task of regulating Germany's electricity and gas markets to the Federal Network Agency.

The purpose of regulation is to establish fair and effective competition in the supply of electricity and gas. The responsibilities of the Federal Network Agency therefore include ensuring non-discriminatory third-party access to networks and policing the use-of-system charges levied by market players.

A non-discriminatory, reasonably priced supply of electricity and gas for all who want it will encourage greater competition in these important (wholesale) markets. And this will ultimately benefit consumers, who can look forward to having a greater selection of energy suppliers to choose from, not to mention lower energy prices.

The Federal Network Agency will use the regulatory experience it has gained in the telecommunications and postal markets to implement a lean and efficient system of regulation.