E-Control launches market consultation on grid fees

Authors: Johannes Hartlieb, Alexander Gimona

Until a few years ago, grid fees were a term known only to industry insiders. However, since the surge in energy prices, they have taken on greater prominence in the media, as investments in grid expansion – which are essential for the energy transition – are driving up grid fees and, consequently, energy prices. Ultimately, a balance must be found between necessary grid expansion and affordable energy prices. The legislator has now assigned this task primarily to the energy regulatory authority E-Control.

Market consultation

E-Control has launched a market consultation on the restructuring of system usage fees (SNE). The basis for this is the new Electricity Industry Act (ElWG), which provides for a two-stage determination of grid fees in the future. The new fee rules are to take effect on January 1st, 2027.

Comments can be submitted by email to until March 20th, 2026 (reference number: V SNE 01/26).

Pursuant to section 135(1) of the ElWG, a System Usage Charges Framework Regulation (SNE-GV) is to first establish the basic parameters for calculating grid fees. Building on this, the specific tariffs will then be determined in a separate System Usage Charges Tariff Regulation (SNE-TV).

The consultation takes place in two stages and addresses key questions regarding the future structure of grid fees. This survey among stakeholders also serves to ensure acceptance of the future charges.

Network usage and network connection charges

In the first part of the consultation, E-Control outlines the basic principles of the future charge structure for network usage and network connection. The aim is to align grid fees more closely with the actual network capacity used.

A key point is the stronger weighting of capacity-based components in grid fees. According to E-Control’s preliminary position, the capacity component is to account for approximately 40% of network usage charges in the future. The basis for billing would be the highest quarter-hour capacity value per month, as determined by smart meter readings.

At the same time, a new model for the network connection charge is being proposed. In the future, this is to consist of two components:

a cost-based component that covers the actual costs of establishing the connection, and
a lump-sum component that accounts for the proportional costs of past and future network expansion.

The system is intended to apply to all grid users – that is, generation facilities, consumers, energy storage systems, and hybrid systems.

System service in focus

The only recently published second part of the consultation focuses on how system-serving operations are factored into grid fees. The key issue is under which conditions installations, such as battery storage systems, can benefit from reduced grid fees.

This point is already generating intense discussion within the industry. Initial assessments suggest that the proposed criteria for system-serving operations could be relatively strict. For example, there is discussion about whether installations will only be considered system-serving if, among other things, they are built at specific grid locations and provide services for congestion management.

If these requirements were indeed to apply cumulatively, some market participants believe that only very few projects would be able to benefit from corresponding grid fee reductions. At the same time, E-Control emphasizes that these are currently only initial conceptual considerations as part of a market exploration process.

Participation of market participants and stakeholders

E-Control expressly invites market participants and other stakeholders to participate in the consultation. Comments can be submitted by email to until March 20th, 2026 (reference number: V SNE 01/26). If you wish to submit a statement, we would be happy to assist you.

After completion of the market consultation, a concrete draft ordinance is to be prepared, which will subsequently be subject to a public consultation.

The discussion on the future design of grid fees is only just beginning, particularly with regard to the role of flexibility, storage, and system-serving operation of installations in the future electricity system.

We will monitor the further development of the consultation and the draft regulation and, as usual, keep you informed of relevant updates.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and does not replace legal advice. Haslinger / Nagele Rechtsanwälte GmbH assumes no liability for the content and correctness of this article.