The Atypical grid usage describes a special form of grid usage in which a consumer or company organizes its consumption times in such a way that it uses the Peak load times in the power grid avoids. This is typically achieved by shifting electricity consumption to times when the grid is less congested. In Germany, this type of grid usage is regulated, among other things, by Section 19(2), Sentence 1 of the Electricity Grid Tariff Ordinance (StromNEV) and offers eligible consumers the opportunity to receive reduced grid tariffs of up to 80 %. The goal is to increase grid stability and reduce grid expansion costs by achieving a more even load on the power grid.
In contrast to the Band load and band current-Regulationwhich rewards electricity consumption that is as constant as possible, atypical grid usage is therefore a second grid fee saving model for companies in accordance with Section 19 StromNEV. In the context of the energy transition and the increasing feed-in of volatile renewable energies, such a flexible consumption pattern is becoming increasingly valuable for overall grid stability. The current Electricity Grid Charges Ordinance therefore stipulates that companies with grid-demanding behavior must be granted a grid charge reduction of at least 20 % by the grid operators. Around 400 German companies currently benefit from individual grid charges based on atypical grid usage.
Requirements for atypical grid usage
The prerequisite for atypical grid usage is the avoidance of peak loads during peak load windows. The consumer must therefore control their electricity consumption in such a way that they draw significantly less electricity during the peak load times defined by the grid operator. This High load time window is determined by each grid operator for each grid and transformer level according to a standardized calculation method of the Federal Network Agency. From the quarter-hour annual load cycle of the company, a Maximum value curve of the consumption and by 5 % reduced. This results in the peak load time windows, which must now be undercut so that the reduced grid charges can be applied for from the respective grid operator.
During the peak load window, the consumer's maximum load must be a sufficient distance from its absolute annual maximum load. This ensures that the consumer's maximum load deviates significantly from the forecast annual maximum load of the other electricity withdrawals. Depending on the grid level, certain Percentage minimum distances (materiality thresholds) must be complied with. In addition, a minimum displacement potential of 100 kW required. This materiality distance describes the difference between the highest load of the end consumer in the peak load time window and its absolute maximum annual load.
Measures for the implementation of atypical grid usage
Companies can take various measures to achieve atypical grid usage and thus benefit from a reduced fee. One important strategy is the Load managementwhich enables both load shifting (Load shifting) as well as the peak load reduction (Peak Shaving). This involves shifting energy-intensive processes to times outside the peak load time windows or temporarily reducing energy consumption during peak load times. In addition, by implementing energy-efficient technologies and Processes and the optimization of production processes can reduce overall energy consumption.
The Own energy generation and storage plays an important role. The use of combined heat and power plants, solar systems or other decentralized energy generation units can minimize grid consumption. The installation of Battery storage makes it possible to store energy during low-load periods and use it during high-load periods. Intelligent control systems and energy management systems (EMS) for monitoring and optimizing energy consumption also help to adjust the load profile.
Furthermore, companies can adjust their energy supply contracts in order to Flexible tariffs that reward load shifting and negotiate special conditions for atypical grid usage with energy suppliers. Participation in demand response programs offers an additional opportunity, as companies are remunerated for reducing their consumption during high grid load times.
Advantages of atypical grid usage for companies
The main advantage of atypical grid usage for companies lies in the Reduction in grid fees. Depending on the network operator and individual contract, this amounts to, between 20 and 80 %.
In general, their amount depends on the voltage level at which the electricity is drawn, whereby there are differences between high, medium and low voltage. The grid fees are made up of a performance price and a working price. The demand charge is calculated on the basis of the highest power consumed within a certain period, taking into account the highest quarter-hourly power.
The energy price, on the other hand, is charged on the actual amount of energy consumed and varies depending on the distribution grid operator and voltage level. This means that the grid fees vary greatly from region to region, as they are set by the respective grid operators and approved by the Federal Network Agency based on the specific costs of grid operation in the region.
Advantages of atypical grid usage for the electricity grid
For the grid operator, the atypical grid usage of a customer means a Relief for your network. In particular, the acute pressure to expand the electricity grid is alleviated by a more even load. In addition, incentives are created for consumers to optimize their load distribution and Flexible consumption strategies to develop.
This is precisely what the planned reforms of the Growth initiative and the German energy market. Typical use cases include industrial companies that can organize their production times flexibly, the use of battery storage systems to avoid electricity consumption at peak load times and automated load management systems that control electricity consumption in real time.
Conclusion on atypical grid usage
Atypical grid usage represents an effective strategy for increasing grid stability and reducing grid expansion costs by promoting more uniform utilization of the power grid. By avoiding peak load times, companies can significantly reduce their grid fees. This form of grid usage is gaining increasing importance in the course of the energy transition and the increased feed-in of renewable energies. In contrast to baseload regulation, which is also stipulated in § 19 StromNEV and will likely expire around 2026, atypical grid usage will be further strengthened in the future. The exact form remains to be seen. More on the status of the grid fee reform in our article. AgNes-Interim Report 2026.
In addition to the financial benefits for companies, atypical grid usage also helps to relieve the burden on the public electricity grid. It reduces the pressure to expand the grid and creates incentives for consumers to develop flexible consumption strategies. These measures are essential for the planned reforms of the German energy market and promote a sustainable and stable energy supply.