The four transmission grid operators (ÜNB) 50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT and TransnetBW have set the new electricity price components for 2025 and levies under the EEG and other levies. These are intended to finance the continued expansion of renewable energy and the modernization of the energy infrastructure. The estimated EEG financing requirement for 2025, the amount of the KWKG levy, the offshore network levy and the surcharge for special network use were announced by the ÜNBs on October 25, 2024. These will be included in the new regulation regarding the distribution of network costs and in the electricity prices starting in January 2025.
EEG financing requirement & deduction amount for 2025
The UBN has set the EEG financing requirement for 2025 at 17.03 billion euros. This figure does not yet include the EEG balance sheet, which is forecast at approximately 0.5 billion euros as of December 31, 2024. The total amount will be used to support renewable energy in Germany in order to ensure a climate-friendly and independent energy supply in the long term.
The EEG subsidy supports the expansion of renewable energy by guaranteeing fixed remuneration prices to providers that are charged via the EEG account. Operators of plants such as wind turbines or solar energy receive a fixed remuneration per kilowatt-hour supplied. The utility companies sell this electricity on the stock exchange, with the proceeds usually being less than the paid remuneration. The difference is offset by subsidies. From 2025, this funding will be financed from the federal budget, so that consumers are indirectly involved through tax money.
The withdrawal amount under § 53, paragraph 4 of the EEG for decommissioned plants was set at 0.715 ct/kWh for 2025. This reduced rate allows certain plant operators who have already fallen out of the EEG subsidy to consume their self-generated energy more cost-effectively. The regulation relieves operators who cover their electricity supply independently and with renewable energy sources.
Further levies & charges of the electricity price components 2025
In addition to the EEG levy, other levies contribute to the financing and stabilization of the energy supply:
- KWKG surcharge: The surcharge for promoting combined heat and power generation (KWKG) is 0.277 ct/kWh. The KWKG surcharge supports the expansion of combined heat and power generation plants that generate both electricity and heat and therefore operate particularly efficiently. This technology plays a crucial role in energy efficiency and security of supply, especially in cities and urban areas.
- Offshore grid surcharge: The offshore grid surcharge amounts to 0.816 ct/kWh in 2025 and covers the costs for the connection of offshore wind farms. The connection of wind turbines in the North and Baltic Seas is a significant factor in achieving Germany’s climate goals. This contributes to grid stability and security of supply through the injection of large amounts of renewable electricity.
- Surcharge for special network use: The surcharge for special network use has been set at 1.558 ct/kWh. This fee applies to network operators that are particularly burdened by an overproportionate expansion of renewable energy sources. According to a determination by the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), all network operators had to determine by October 15, 2024 whether they were affected by an above-average expansion of renewable energy sources. A metric is used for this purpose that compares the connected renewable energy generation capacity to the load on the network area.
Network operators with above-average load receive financial compensation. These relief amounts are funded by the new nationwide „premium for special network use.“ This surcharge will be levied for the first time in 2025 for the new regulation on the distribution of network costs. This is intended to ensure that all electricity consumers are fairly involved in the regional differences in network expansion costs arising from the special requirements and loads in certain network areas.
Electricity price components 2025: impact on consumers & industry
The total of these levies and taxes leads to an increase in the electricity price, but is also a central means of financing the German energy transition. The EEG levy and the reduced deduction for self-consumers create incentives for increased use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil energy sources. The KWKG levy promotes the efficient generation of electricity and heat, while the offshore grid levy and the surcharge for special network use specifically support the expansion of infrastructure and network stability.
Stability for the electricity grid through electricity price components 2025
The levies and charges set for 2025 reflect the comprehensive efforts to ensure a sustainable and resilient energy supply in Germany. The EEG financing requirement of 17.03 billion euros and the supplementary levies strengthen the expansion of renewable energies and grid connection. They make a decisive contribution to the modernization of the energy infrastructure, which is necessary for a sustainable, reliable and cost-efficient power supply.