The most important information about Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG)

According to § 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), grid operators are permitted to temporarily curtail the power consumption of all controllable devices if there is a risk of grid overload. This is referred to as grid-supportive control. In return, consumers are granted a reduced grid fee.

Until now, Section 14a applied voluntarily to controllable consumption devices such as wallboxes, heat pumps or night storage heaters. The new provisions of Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) apply to all consumption devices with a grid connection capacity of more than 4.2 kW that were put into operation after 1 January 2024.

The following are not affected:  

• Normal household consumption (e.g. lighting, refrigerators)  

• Controllable consumers with a grid connection capacity of less than 4.2 kW  

• Night storage heaters (the previously applicable regulations remain in force permanently)

Under Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG), you currently have the option to choose between three different modules that allow you to benefit from reduced grid charges:

Module 1: Flat-rate reduction of the grid charge

This is the standard module. Your grid charge is reduced by a flat-rate amount (which varies depending on the grid operator), while all other charges remain the same. No separate meter is required for your heat pump with this module.

Module 2: Percentage reduction of the grid charge

You must actively choose this module. The basic grid charge is reduced to €0, and the working price component of your grid charge is reduced by 60%. A prerequisite for this module is a separate meter.

Module 3: Module 3 can be selected as an add-on to Module 1. In addition to the flat-rate reduction from Module 1, a time-variable charge is applied within a day (peak tariff, off-peak tariff, standard tariff).

Existing installations: If your heat pump was commissioned before 01/01/2024, the basic grid charge will be reduced to €0 and the working price component of your grid charge will be reduced. The exact amount depends on the local distribution system operator. A separate meter is required.

Our tariff calculator will help you decide which module is suitable for you (LINK).

Consult with the electrician: Clarify whether your electrician will handle the registration of the heat pump with the grid operator on your behalf.

If using the household meter: To be on the safe side, it is advisable to additionally apply for the necessary control technology for power limitation with the grid operator. Also, obtain confirmation of participation in the flat-rate discount (“Module 1”).

If using a separate meter: Register the new meter with the grid operator as soon as possible after installation. Inform the grid operator that you wish to make use of the remuneration model “Module 2”. Also apply for the corresponding control device required for potential power reduction. This model allows for a percentage reduction of grid charges.

For controllable consumption devices that were put into operation from 01/01/2024 onwards, the grid operator may reduce the output to 4.2 kW in emergency situations, but not completely disconnect it. This means you will not experience any loss of comfort. For existing installations that were already in operation before this date, the grid operator is allowed to completely interrupt the power supply to the device – however, only at specified times.

Your heat pump must be controllable. The control is carried out either via direct control or through an energy management system. Which option you choose is decided in consultation with your grid operator. If your device falls under the new regulation, you will not experience any loss of comfort, as your device may only be throttled, not completely switched off.

Existing installations with control by the grid operator can continue to operate under the current agreement until 31 December 2028. In the case of a voluntary, earlier switch to one of the outlined modules, the change must be registered with the grid operator. Existing installations without control by the grid operator remain permanently exempt from the new regulations, but they can voluntarily enter into an agreement with the grid operator for grid-supportive control and benefit from the new grid fee reductions.

No, the evaluation is based exclusively on the power drawn from the public electricity grid. Self-produced electricity – for example from a PV system – is not included in the 4.2 kW performance limit. Multiple systems within the household can be coordinated via an energy management system (EMS). For example, a wallbox can continue to draw power even if it is being controlled by the grid operator – provided that the electricity comes from self-generation, such as a solar system. The crucial point is that the permitted power draw from the distribution grid is not exceeded.

Especially when, in addition to a photovoltaic system, other controllable consumers such as electricity storage units are operated, the integration of an energy management system can be useful. It's important to know: regular household electricity consumption must not be interfered with.