Bundesnetzagentur commences determination proceedings on integration of controllable consumer devices into the electricity network
Date of issue 2022.11.24
The Bundesnetzagentur has today initiated two determination proceedings so that controllable consumer devices, such as charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and heat pumps, can be integrated into electricity distribution systems.
"The quick and full integration of all heat pumps and wallbox chargers for electric vehicles is essential for the energy transition and important for everyone,"
said Klaus Müller, Bundesnetzagentur President. "The specifications being worked on by the Bundesnetzagentur will create the necessary foundation for accomplishing this."
Security for the network, fast connection to the grid for consumers
The likelihood that the use of heat pumps and electric vehicles will grow substantially means that we need well-equipped electric distribution systems. Firstly, a timely and forward-looking expansion of the distribution networks is vital. Secondly, the DSOs must have the option to temporarily restrict input of electricity to controllable consumer devices in order to avoid overloading the low-voltage networks. The Bundesnetzagentur intends to lay down specific requirements to ensure that controllable consumer devices are integrated into the electricity network and market.
The planned specifications meet the high demand for new consumption equipment without negatively impacting consumers' comfort to any significant extent and will help to avoid delays in connecting consumption equipment to the electricity network. In addition, consumers receive a flat-rate reduction on their network charge as they have to give the network operators the right to reduce input of electricity to the devices. The planned specifications include transitional arrangements for controllable consumer equipment that was put into operation before 1 January 2024 and already receives a network charge reduction in accordance with section 14a of the Energy Industry Act. This applies in particular to overnight storage heaters.
Impetus for electricity market and for digital transformation of distribution networks
In the future controllable consumer equipment should primarily be operated at times when the price of electricity is low due to a high level of feed-in from renewables. Network operators can use the instrument provided for the consultation to effectively counter the resulting higher simultaneous loads. Control intervention may only be performed in the target model when there is an objective necessity. To be able to assess the current state of the networks and to perform the necessary control actions, it is important that DSOs accelerate the digital transformation of the low voltage distribution networks.
The joint consultation between Ruling Chambers 6 and 8 on the key elements paper for the determination proceedings on the integration of controllable consumer devices and controllable network connections under section 14a of the Energy Industry Act will end on 27 January 2023. The ruling chambers will incorporate the responses into the development of the detailed requirements and discuss the actual model in a second step.
Further information on the joint consultation is available at Beschlusskammer 6 und Beschlusskammer 8.