Netzstroms

Netzstrom, or mains electricity, is the electrical energy supplied by the public power grid to end users. It is the standard source of energy for households and businesses when local generation is insufficient, and it is distinct from energy produced on-site or stored in local devices.

Technically, Netzstrom in Germany and much of Europe is delivered as alternating current with a nominal voltage of about 230 volts and a frequency of 50 hertz. The voltage and frequency are regulated by national grid operators to maintain stability. The electrical service is connected through a meter and protection equipment at the point of common coupling, and the waveform is typically sinusoidal. Availability depends on the reliability of the distribution network and the capacity of generation sources connected to the grid.

Economically, the use of Netzstrom is billed by energy suppliers and includes components such as the energy price, network charges, taxes, and levies. In addition to consumption, customers may incur fixed fees for metering and grid access. In systems with local generation, such as solar panels, Netzstrom is the energy drawn from the grid when generation does not meet demand; excess locally produced electricity can be fed back into the grid under applicable tariffs or net metering arrangements (Netzeinspeisung).

Safety and regulation are governed by national standards and grid codes. Electrical installations must comply with safety standards (for example, VDE/IEC in Germany), and consumer equipment is protected by devices such as residual current breakers and circuit breakers to mitigate risk from shock or faults.

See also: prosumers, Netzeinspeisung, Eigenverbrauch, grid integration.