Mehrtarifsysteme

Mehrtarifsysteme, often translated as multi-tariff systems or time-of-use pricing, are pricing structures where the cost of electricity varies depending on the time of day, day of the week, or season. The primary goal of these systems is to incentivize consumers to shift their electricity consumption away from peak demand periods and towards off-peak periods. This helps to balance the load on the electricity grid, reduce the need for expensive peak power generation, and can lead to lower overall costs for both consumers and energy providers.

There are typically two or three different tariff periods within a Mehrtarifsystem. The "peak" or "Hochlastzeit" period corresponds to times of highest electricity demand, usually during weekdays in the late afternoon and early evening. This period has the highest electricity price. The "off-peak" or "Niedriglastzeit" period occurs when demand is lowest, such as overnight or on weekends, and has the lowest electricity price. Some systems also include an intermediate "shoulder" or "Zwischenlastzeit" period with a moderate price.

Implementing Mehrtarifsysteme requires smart metering technology that can accurately measure and record electricity consumption at different times. Consumers can benefit by adjusting their appliance usage, such as running dishwashers or washing machines during off-peak hours, to reduce their electricity bills. For energy suppliers, these systems can improve grid stability and reduce operational expenses by minimizing the strain on infrastructure during peak times.