The Belt load describes the constant, continuous demand for electrical power, which is always present while the Band current is the constant amount of electricity provided to meet this demand. Both variables are central to the planning and operation of electricity grids in order to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply. In the energy and electricity industry, both terms are used for both electricity generation and electricity consumption.
Differences between band load & base load
"Belt load" and "base load" are often used interchangeably, but there are differences, particularly in the context of energy generation and electricity consumption.
The band load refers to a Constant load over a certain period of time, which must be covered continuously. This term is often used to describe the constant output that a so-called base load power plant must supply in order to cover the continuous demand. The term band load also refers to the constant consumption of an electricity consumer. This includes all constant consumers of a company. For example, if a company produces 24/7 and never stops its machines and processes, this consumption counts as band load.
The Base load on the other hand, refers to the Minimum electrical loadthat is always present over a longer period of time. The term is often used to describe the constant demand for electricity that exists at all times of the day and night. Base load is therefore the Base load or lowest load, which must be constantly provided by power plants in order to cover the continuous demand of consumers. A company's base load is calculated, for example, from the electricity consumption of servers, IT infrastructure, heating, ventilation, security and monitoring systems or lighting, which are constantly switched on.
Favorable band current for companies due to band loads
Companies with high electricity consumption, which usually have a medium-voltage connection, generally conclude individual contracts with their electricity suppliers. It is still extremely advantageous if consumption is as constant as possible. This type of supply is known as band supply, and the electricity supplied is called band current. As the company's consumption is always the same, the electricity supply quantities are also Better planning for suppliers. This advantage is clearly reflected in the conditions of the electricity supply contracts. Belt power supplies have so far been less expensivealthough additional peak load electricity supplies may have to compensate for fluctuations.
Legal regulations for band current consumers
For the legislator, companies that purchase band electricity are characterized by "special usage behaviour". According to the Electricity Grid Charges Ordinance (StromNEV), such consumers must be granted an individual grid charge in accordance with Section 16. This is regulated in § Section 19 (2) StromNEV. Accordingly, companies with more than 7000, 7500 or even 8000 hours of use with the most constant electricity consumption possible receive grid fee reductions of up to 90 percent. The regulation is also known as "7,000-hour rule". A second option for companies to reduce their grid fees is the "Atypical grid usage"which is also regulated in Section 19 (2). Around 4,600 German companies currently benefit from these two grid fee savings models.
Criticism of the discount for band load & band current
The discounts for band load consumers and band electricity in accordance with Section 19 (2) StromNEV are listed under considerable criticismas they raise both economic and environmental concerns. One major point of criticism is that it conflicts with the increasingly volatile feed-in of renewable energies.
As the scheme rewards constant electricity consumption, energy-intensive companies do not need to adjust their consumption habits. There is no need to react flexibly to the supply of renewable energies. The high reductions in grid charges also encourage the use of existing flexibility and investment in renewable energy. energy-flexible technologies inhibited. This hinders the necessary flexibilization of electricity demand in the German energy system, which is required for the successful integration of renewable energies.
From an economic point of view, the regulation will Competitiveness of German industry as it slows down innovation and adjustments to the energy transition, critics warn. In addition, the grid fee rebates will lead to market distortion by favoring certain consumption profiles and disadvantaging others. According to experts, this could lead to inefficient investments and an unequal distribution of the costs of the energy transition.
The Security of supply is a critical aspect. By hindering flexible demand, the regulation could jeopardize security of supply, as the electricity grid is less able to respond to fluctuations in the supply of renewable energy. A constant demand for electricity means that fossil fuel power plants have to remain in operation for longer to cover the base load, which counteracts the decarbonization of the energy system.
Environmental policy the regulation contradicts the objectives of the Green Deals of the European Union, which is aimed at comprehensive decarbonization and the promotion of renewable energies. It prevents the necessary innovations and adjustments in production processes that are required to achieve these goals.
Overall, Section 19 (2) of the StromNEV is criticized because it hinders the adaptability of electricity consumption to the fluctuating feed-in of renewable energies, which has a negative impact on security of supply, the competitiveness of industry and the achievement of environmental policy goals.
What will happen with Section 19 StromNEV and the band load and band current privileges?
At the end of 2023, the European Court of Justice ruled that the respective Regulatory authorities of the member states more autonomy received. Germany complied with this ruling with an amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), which came into force at the beginning of 2024. Due to the criticism of the German Section 19 StromNEV and the fact that the EU Commission is not in favor of special discounts for industrial band-load customers, the Federal Network Agency would like to amend this regulation. Expire at the end of 2025 leave.
As part of the new Growth initiative of the German Federal Government and following the ECJ ruling granting the Network Agency more sovereignty, it announced at the end of July 2024 a Reform of grid fee discounts on. To this end, it published a key issues paper in which the band load and band power discounts are also up for discussion. Industry associations and energy-intensive companies have until September 18, 2024 to take part in the consultations. The Federal Network Agency must prove how it will implement the new autonomy in practice.