Ausgleichsenergiepreise

Ausgleichsenergiepreise, also known as balancing energy prices, are a crucial component of electricity market operations in many European countries, particularly Germany. They represent the cost of energy used by transmission system operators (TSOs) to maintain the stability and balance of the power grid in real-time. Electricity generation and consumption are constantly fluctuating, and any imbalance must be immediately corrected. TSOs achieve this by procuring or releasing balancing energy from or to market participants who can provide it on short notice.

These prices are determined by the specific imbalances in the grid at any given moment. If there is a shortfall in generation (demand exceeds supply), TSOs will buy balancing energy, typically at a higher price. Conversely, if there is a surplus of generation (supply exceeds demand), TSOs will sell balancing energy, usually at a lower price. The actual price is often derived from bids submitted by generators and consumers capable of providing or absorbing these imbalances. These mechanisms ensure that the grid frequency remains within acceptable limits, preventing power outages. Ausgleichsenergiepreise incentivize market participants to accurately forecast their generation and consumption and to offer flexibility services.