Electricity is becoming significantly more expensive due to network fees

2023-11-01 18:30:04

Despite billions in subsidies from the federal government, network fees for electricity will rise significantly in the coming year. According to preliminary information from the network operators, they are increasing by eleven percent on average nationwide, as the comparison portal Check24 announced on Wednesday. For a model household with a consumption of 5,000 kilowatt hours, the electricity costs increase from an average of 425 to 472 euros per year.

The federal government had agreed to extend the state subsidization of electricity prices via the nationwide uniform fees for the transmission networks. 5.5 billion euros are available for this from the Economic Stabilization Fund (WSF). Because of the subsidy, the four transmission system operators plan to only increase their fees by two percent despite cost increases.

In addition to the costs for the transmission networks of the four major operators 50Hertz, Amprion, Tennet and Transnet BW, the network fees also consist of the fees for measurements and measuring point operation as well as the locally different fees for the distribution networks. Fee increases by regional network operators are now leading to further price increases. Taken together, network fees account for almost a quarter of the electricity price for households.

Bavaria was particularly affected

According to Check24, the biggest price increases at the turn of the year are likely to be in the south. According to preliminary information from the distribution network operators, an average increase in network fees of 17 percent can be expected in Bavaria. For the model household this would amount to 66 euros per year.

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For gas, however, a slight decline in network fees is expected. “One reason for this is the standardized fees charged by the transmission system operators,” explained Steffen Suttner from Check24. In addition, slightly decreasing surcharges would be passed on to consumers.