Dynamic electricity tariffs are price models in which the electricity price adjusts to the current market prices on the electricity exchange at short intervals - typically hourly or quarter-hourly. In contrast to static tariffs with fixed prices per kilowatt hour, dynamic tariffs reflect the real fluctuations of the electricity market. These tariffs enable all consumers, especially industrial and commercial customers, to flexibly adjust their electricity consumption to current prices and thus potentially save costs.
Since January 1, 2025, energy suppliers in Germany have been obliged to offer dynamic electricity tariffs. This development is a direct response to the increasing Volatility of electricity pricescaused by the increased expansion of renewable energies and the move away from fossil fuels. The resulting phenomenon negative electricity prices not only offers economic benefits for companies, but is also intended to promote the integration of renewable energies into the electricity grid. Other key points are the optimization of self-consumption, intelligent networking and a reform of the German electricity market in the direction of Capacity market.
What are dynamic electricity tariffs?
A dynamic electricity tariff is based on the current market conditions in real time, based on the trading values of the European Power Exchange (EPEX SPOT)to which the electricity user has access. Pricing strictly follows the principle of supply and demand on the day-ahead and intraday markets. On the company side, digital and intelligent metering systems must be installed that constantly measure current consumption. This is the only way for companies to be able to adapt their electricity consumption to fluctuating electricity prices and actively manage their energy requirements.
The main difference to conventional tariffs with fixed prices over longer periods of time lies in the direct Passing on the exchange prices. This has the additional advantage of eliminating risk surcharges. This model offers considerable cost benefits, particularly for industrial and commercial customers with flexible loads, as peak loads can be shifted in a targeted manner (load shifting) and electricity can be used at times when prices are low or even negative. This is particularly lucrative when a lot of renewable energy is fed into the grid, such as on sunny or windy days. At the same time, dynamic tariffs increase the transparency of pricing and promote the integration of renewable energies by creating incentives to shift consumption to times of high feed-in from wind and solar energy.
Advantages of dynamic electricity tariffs for companies
Dynamic electricity tariffs offer industrial and commercial customers a range of significant benefits that go far beyond mere cost savings. First and foremost, these tariffs enable considerable optimization of energy costs. Companies can specifically shift their electricity consumption to times of low prices and thus significantly reduce their expenditure. Studies show that Savings of up to 30% This represents a considerable competitive advantage, particularly for energy-intensive companies.
The FlexibilityThe flexibility offered by dynamic tariffs is another key advantage. Companies can adapt their production processes and energy-intensive activities to price fluctuations. This promotes a Proactive energy management and enables more efficient use of resources. In addition, this flexibility supports the integration of renewable energies into the electricity grid, as consumers are motivated to use electricity when it is available in abundance and therefore cheap - typically at times of high solar or wind energy generation.
An often overlooked advantage is the Increased transparencythat dynamic tariffs entail. Companies gain detailed insights into pricing and can make informed decisions about their energy consumption. This promotes a better understanding of the energy market and enables more strategic planning of energy use.
In addition, companies that use dynamic tariffs can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and innovation. This can have a positive impact on the company's image and increase its attractiveness for environmentally conscious customers and investors. ESG conformity is becoming increasingly important and represents a key competitive advantage.
Finally, dynamic tariffs offer companies the opportunity to actively contribute to Grid stability contribute to the grid. By adapting their consumption to the availability of electricity in the grid, they help to reduce peak loads and improve the overall efficiency of the electricity grid. In the long term, this can lead to a reduction in grid costs, which benefits all consumers.
Challenges and risks
The greatest risk lies in the volatility of electricity prices. Price fluctuations require a well thought-out strategy from industrial and commercial customers who want to introduce dynamic electricity tariffs. While Favorable phases enable savings, can sudden price spikes lead to higher costs if consumption is not adjusted in good time. This can be particularly problematic for companies with less flexible production processes.
Another challenge lies in more complex energy management. Companies not only have to analyze their consumption patterns precisely using a metering infrastructure, but also design flexible operating processes in order to benefit optimally from price fluctuations. Helpful here are Energy management systemshow the CUBE EfficiencyUnit. They measure and analyze all of a company's consumers and compare them with the current electricity prices in real time in order to optimally control energy consumption. This minimizes personnel costs.
As operational processes in various companies cannot be fully adapted to fluctuating electricity prices, this can lead to tensions between energy efficiency and other operational priorities. These Flexibilization can become complex in some industries, provided that no Large-scale battery storage are available. Another risk is possible grid congestion if many companies take advantage of favorable electricity prices at the same time. Paradoxically, this could result in higher grid charges.
For which companies are dynamic electricity tariffs worthwhile?
Dynamic electricity tariffs are particularly interesting for companies that can control their energy consumption flexibly. These include above all Companies with customizable production timeswhich specifically relocate energy-intensive processes to times of low electricity prices. This allows savings of up to 30 % to be realized.
Companies with high power consumption also benefit, especially if their energy requirements lie in periods with fluctuating electricity prices. This applies in particular to energy-intensive but predictable processes such as Compressed air generation or Compressorswhich can be operated at favorable tariff times. Even companies that Electric vehicles, Heat pumps or other electrical Air conditioners They can charge or operate their vehicles and cooling and heating systems at times of low prices and thus also benefit from reduced grid charges.
Companies with an existing energy management system or monitoring tools for electricity consumption can make particularly efficient use of dynamic tariffs. In addition, companies with own energy generation or with Save This gives them an advantage if their own consumption is not fully covered. In this case, they can purchase any residual electricity they need at favorable prices. However, each company should check individually whether the benefits of a dynamic electricity tariff outweigh the cost of making adjustments, unless the option of Contracting exists.
The role of in-house power generation and battery storage
A decisive factor for success with dynamic electricity tariffs is the ability to generate and store some of the electricity required yourself. Photovoltaic systems play a central role here: they enable companies to use cheap solar power directly on site and thus become less dependent on grid electricity and its price fluctuations.
A battery storage system ideally complements the PV system by storing surplus solar power and making it available precisely when electricity prices are high. This allows companies to further reduce their dependence on expensive grid power peaks and optimize their own consumption. In addition, an intelligent energy management system helps to coordinate consumption and generation in real time.
Implementation of dynamic electricity tariffs
The successful introduction of dynamic electricity tariffs requires a careful analysis of energy consumption and the identification of flexibility potential. Energy-intensive processes must be evaluated and, if necessary, postponed. At the same time, a modern technical infrastructure is essential - this includes intelligent metering systems and a powerful energy management system for real-time data collection.
It is also important to train employees in order to create an understanding of the advantages of dynamic tariffs. Partnerships with experienced energy consultants facilitate the optimal use of price structures. Integration into operational processes requires coordination with production planning and IT. A gradual changeover, for example through pilot projects, enables optimization before the full rollout.
Regular monitoring helps to evaluate savings and process efficiency and improve strategies. This enables companies to reduce costs in the long term, increase their competitiveness and make their energy management more sustainable.
Conclusion: Maximum benefits through smart combination
Dynamic electricity tariffs offer industrial and commercial companies considerable opportunities to reduce costs and increase sustainability. These benefits can be maximized even further in combination with in-house electricity generation using photovoltaics and battery storage. Companies that invest in a smart energy solution at an early stage not only benefit financially, but also make an important contribution to the energy transition.
For companies that want to reduce their energy costs and operate more sustainably, it is worth carrying out a thorough analysis of their own consumption structure and consulting with experts in dynamic electricity tariffs and decentralized energy generation. Because only with the right strategy can the potential be fully exploited.