The four transmission system operators (TSOs) 50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT and TransnetBW have published the new Electricity price components 2025 and levies under the EEG and other levies. These are intended to finance the ongoing expansion of renewable energies and the modernization of the energy infrastructure. The EEG financing requirements forecast for 2025, the amount of the KWKG levy, the offshore grid levy and the surcharge for special grid usage were announced by the TSOs on 25 October 2024. These will flow into the New regulation for the distribution of grid costs and in electricity prices.
EEG financing requirement & deduction amount for 2025
The TSOs have estimated the EEG financing requirements for 2025 at 17.03 billion euros has been set. This does not yet include the EEG account balance, which is forecast to be around €0.5 billion as at December 31, 2024. The total amount will be used to promote renewable energies 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 energies by offering suppliers Fixed remuneration prices which are settled via the EEG account. Operators of plants such as wind power or solar energy receive a fixed remuneration per kilowatt hour fed into the grid. The TSOs sell this electricity on the exchange, whereby the proceeds are usually lower than the remuneration paid. The difference is made up by subsidies. From 2025, this subsidy will be financed from the federal budget, meaning that consumers will be indirectly involved through taxpayers' money.
The Deduction amount in accordance with Section 53 (4) EEG for subsidized plants was set for 2025 at 0.715 ct/kWh has been set. This reduced rate enables certain plant operators who have already fallen out of the EEG subsidy to consume their self-generated energy at a lower cost. The regulation relieves the burden on 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 levyThe levy for the promotion of combined heat and power generation (KWKG) amounts to 0.277 ct/kWh. The KWKG levy supports the expansion of combined heat and power plants that generate both electricity and heat and are therefore particularly efficient. This technology plays a key role in energy efficiency and security of supply, particularly in cities and conurbations.
- Offshore grid levy: The offshore grid levy in 2025 amounts to 0.816 ct/kWh and covers the costs of connecting offshore wind farms. The connection of wind farms in the North Sea and Baltic Sea is an important factor in achieving Germany's climate targets. This contributes to grid stability and security of supply by feeding in large quantities of renewable electricity.
- Surcharge for special grid usage: The surcharge for special grid usage was reduced to 1.558 ct/kWh has been set. This levy applies to grid operators that are particularly affected by a disproportionate expansion of renewable energies. According to a ruling by the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), all grid operators had to determine by October 15, 2024 whether they are affected by an above-average expansion of renewable energies. For this purpose, a key figure is used that relates the connected generation capacity from renewable energies to the consumption load in the grid area.
Grid operators with an above-average load receive financial compensation. These relief amounts are financed by the new nationwide "surcharge for special grid usage". This surcharge will be introduced for the first time in 2025 for New regulation for the distribution of grid costs is levied. This is intended to allow all electricity consumers to participate fairly in the regionally varying grid expansion costs that arise due to the special requirements and burdens in certain grid areas.
Electricity price components 2025: impact on consumers & industry
The total of these levies and charges results in a Increase in the electricity priceHowever, it is also a key means of financing the German energy transition. The EEG surcharge and the reduced deduction amount for self-suppliers create Incentives for the increased use of renewable energies and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The KWKG levy promotes the efficient generation of electricity and heat, while the offshore grid levy and the surcharge for special grid usage specifically support the expansion of infrastructure and grid 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.