Energiewirtschaftsgesetz

The Energiewirtschaftsgesetz (EnWG) is a German federal law that provides the regulatory framework for the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity and gas. Its core aim is to ensure a secure, reliable, and affordable energy supply while facilitating competition and integration with the European energy market. The act governs licensing of energy suppliers and grid operators, access to transmission and distribution networks on non-discriminatory terms, and the setting of network usage tariffs. It also defines the duties of grid operators to maintain system reliability, handle balancing and grid security, and ensure safe metering and data handling.

Under the EnWG, network users and energy providers must obtain appropriate licenses, comply with network access rules, and publish transparent terms and conditions. The act provides for unbundling of network operations from energy supply activities as required by European law and designates the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) to supervise market behavior, approve tariffs, and enforce compliance. It also includes provisions on security of supply, outage management, contingency planning, and customer protection, including transparency requirements in contracts and metering arrangements.

The EnWG is complemented by broader EU energy regulations and national measures that address grid expansion, renewable energy integration, and energy efficiency. It has undergone substantive updates since its original enactment to reflect EU directives on internal energy markets, unbundling, and consumer protection, and it remains the central statute governing the German energy sector's regulatory framework.