Netznutzungsentgelte

Netznutzungsentgelte are charges paid for the use of electricity or gas networks. They cover the costs incurred by network operators for the transport of energy from producers to end customers, including planning, operation, maintenance, grid expansion, metering, and system services necessary for security of supply. The tariffs are calculated by the respective network operators and are regulated to reflect the costs caused by each user. The charges are typically passed on to energy suppliers and thus to end customers and appear on the electricity or gas bill as a separate line item.

In the electricity sector, Netzebene is subdivided into the transmission network and the distribution networks. In the gas sector, similar charges apply for the gas transport network and the distribution network. The tariff structure usually comprises fixed components (for capacity or availability) and variable components (based on actual consumption or contracted capacity). The exact amounts depend on the region, the network operator, and the customer category (household, small business, industry).

Regulation and oversight are provided in Germany by the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), which approves and supervises tariff calculations and ensures competition and reliability in the grid infrastructure. Tariffs may change from year to year in response to network investment needs, cost developments, and regulatory decisions. For end customers, Netznutzungsentgelte are a primary, but separate, element of the price for electricity or gas, alongside energy costs and other surcharges.