1. Energy transition presents power grids with new challenges

So far, the system has primarily responded with classic network expansion. New lines, transformers and network reinforcements are intended to avoid bottlenecks and ensure security of supply. However, these measures are costly, time-consuming and often encounter acceptance problems. Against this background, alternative approaches to network control are becoming increasingly important.

2. Dynamic network charges as a new control instrument

This is precisely where dynamic network fees come into play. Unlike classic, static network fees, they reflect the actual status of the network. Prices that depend on time and network status signal when electricity consumption makes sense from a network perspective and when there is a risk of bottlenecks. This gives consumers concrete economic incentives to flexibly adjust their consumption.

As a result, network fees are developing from a purely administrative cost component into an active control instrument. They supplement technical measures in network operation with market signals and enable more efficient use of existing infrastructure.

3. Grids & Benefits examines practical viability

The “Grids & Benefits” innovation project investigated whether and how dynamic network fees work under real conditions. The aim was to practically analyze the effect of dynamic price signals on consumer behavior, network utilization and system costs.

The focus was on applications with high flexibility potential. This particularly includes electric vehicles, whose charging processes can be postponed without causing any loss of comfort for the users. Other flexible consumers and storage solutions were also taken into account.

4. Electromobility as a lever for flexibility

In the pilot phase, public charging points and private households received dynamic network fees that were communicated quarter-hourly in advance. The prices were based on the expected network utilization and made bottlenecks and free capacities transparent. This also made the importance of dynamic network fees for the control of the electricity network understandable.

Intelligent charging solutions use this information automatically. Charging processes were specifically shifted to time windows with low network load. The results show that dynamic network fees can also be implemented in everyday life and do not require manual control by users.

5. Measurable effects on networks and costs

The evaluation of the pilot phase shows clear effects. Load peaks fell noticeably, while the utilization of the networks became more evenly distributed. This makes it possible to defuse critical load situations and reduce the need for short-term interventions in network operations.

At the same time, participating consumers benefited from lower costs. The combination of financial advantages and automated control led to a high level of acceptance of dynamic network fees.

“Dynamic network fees make network bottlenecks transparent and set clear economic incentives to provide flexibility where it is systemically needed,” says Johanna Bronisch, who is the project manager at UnternehmerTUM.

The statement makes it clear that consumers can take an active role in the electricity system. Instead of passive buyers, they become actors whose behavior contributes to the stabilization of the networks without having to accept restrictions in everyday life.

6. Technical requirements and regulatory issues

Despite the positive results, the widespread use of dynamic network fees remains challenging. What is required are powerful IT systems, precise load forecasts and standardized interfaces between network operators, energy suppliers and end customers.

There is also a significant need for regulatory adjustments. The existing network fee regime in Germany is largely based on static models. Time and network status-dependent price signals have so far received little attention. For a broad rollout, a clear legal framework is needed that enables innovation and ensures social balance.

7. Prospects for a sustainable electricity system

In the long term, dynamic network fees could make an important contribution to reducing system costs. Instead of covering the increasing need for flexibility exclusively through network expansion, existing scope can be used in a targeted manner.

The experiences from “Grids & Benefits” show that energy transition, security of supply and economy connect with each other. Dynamic network fees create the basis for an electricity system that is not only efficient but also adaptable.