FAQ for operators of a controllable consumption device under Section 14a EnWG

Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act governs how controllable consumption devices are handled in order to ensure grid stability and avoid overloads. Grid operators are allowed to temporarily reduce the power of such devices, such as heat pumps or wallboxes, to 4.2 kW if an overload is imminent. This control is only used when it is absolutely necessary for grid stability. A basic electricity supply remains ensured, so the affected devices continue to function. Household electricity is not affected by this regulation.

In return for this control option, the grid operator may not reject or delay the connection and operation of such controllable devices because of grid congestion. In addition, users benefit from reduced grid charges, regardless of whether power reduction actually takes place.

Controllable consumption devices are controlled via special control units that are installed either by the grid operator or by an authorized specialist. If grid overload is imminent, the grid operator can use such a control unit to temporarily reduce the power of these devices. Such interventions are minimal and generally do not affect comfort, because they are only activated when the grid is under heavy load. Essential device functions, such as charging electric vehicles overnight, are preserved.

Control is activated after a rapid grid check, and a maximum of 5 minutes may pass between detecting the overload and applying the control action itself. This measure is always intended as a last resort and must be documented. All controllable devices are treated equally, regardless of whether they have a separate meter or not.

The technical ability to carry out this control will only be fully implemented from January 1, 2025, even though the legal rules have already applied since January 1, 2024. From that point on, the grid operator may no longer completely disconnect systems from the grid as before, but may only reduce their power.

Yes. Section 14a EnWG was revised by a determination dated November 27, 2023. These changes came into force on January 1, 2024. Previously, Section 14a EnWG allowed grid operators to control consumption devices with a power draw above 3.7 kW, but only on the basis of a voluntary agreement with end consumers. In return, consumers benefited from individually defined reductions in grid charges. However, this rule only applied to devices recorded via a separate meter.

Since January 1, 2024, devices with a power draw above 4.2 kW are now mandatorily subject to Section 14a EnWG. The reduction of grid charges has been adjusted and expanded accordingly. A separate meter is no longer required for the rule to apply, which eliminates additional installation and operating costs for a meter. If a second meter is present alongside the household electricity meter, consumers can choose between two models of grid charge reduction.

The revised rule affects so-called controllable consumption devices and controllable grid connections. This means one or more devices connected to a grid connection that together have a power draw above 4.2 kW and whose operation can be flexibly timed. These devices must be connected to the low-voltage grid, have been commissioned on or after January 1, 2024, and have been registered with the grid operator by the electrician. Devices commissioned before January 1, 2024 can also benefit from the changes under Section 14a EnWG.

This mainly includes heat pumps, wallboxes for electric vehicles, night storage heaters and similar large controllable consumers. Operators must register these devices with the grid operator.

Systems for which technical control is not possible are excluded from the grid charge reduction under Section 14a. You must demonstrate this technical impossibility to the grid operator. Wallboxes that are registered and accessible as public charging points, as well as night storage heaters, are likewise not affected by the new rule.

Devices that were already installed before January 1, 2024 are subject to special transitional arrangements.

If you have already concluded an agreement under Section 14a EnWG, you can continue to benefit from the old rules and the reduced consumption price until December 31, 2028. After that date, the new rules will also apply to your device. However, you may voluntarily switch to the new rules at any time, although switching back to the old model will then no longer be possible. The only condition is that your controllable consumption device must have a power draw of at least 4.2 kW. This also applies if you commissioned a device before January 1, 2024 but had not yet entered into an agreement under Section 14a EnWG.

There are no new provisions for night storage heaters as part of the update to Section 14a EnWG. Existing agreements remain unchanged.

As compensation for allowing the grid operator to dim your controllable consumption device when the grid faces stability problems, operators receive a reduction in grid charges. This reduction is credited on the next consumption bill and is not a direct price change in the electricity tariff.

There are three modules for calculating the reduction in grid charges.

Module 1 provides a flat-rate reduction in grid charges defined by the respective grid operator. It consists of an annual gross reduction of 80 euros plus a grid-operator-specific stability premium. This module is the standard option when the device is commissioned and also applies without a separate meter. That means you do not even need to contact us for it: by registering your controllable consumption device, you automatically benefit from Module 1. The reduction applies per meter, regardless of the number of controllable devices behind it. The reduction is capped and cannot fall below zero.

Module 2 requires a separate meter and grants a reduction of the working price to 40% of the grid charges per consumed kWh. The base price for the grid charge is also waived. This module must be actively selected and is not available in the basic supply.

Module 3, available from April 1, 2025, requires an intelligent metering system and combines a flat-rate reduction under Module 1 with a time-zone-based working price. Here, too, the reduction is capped and cannot fall below zero.

It is possible to switch between the modules at any time, but this requires the grid operator's approval and only takes effect from the confirmation date.