New network charges from 2027: Conscious electricity consumption could pay off more in the future.

Those who use electricity at off-peak times and coordinate larger appliances will be able to have a greater impact on their grid costs in the future. The reform, presented by E-Control on October 12, 2026, aims to reward flexible consumption and improve the efficiency of the electricity grid. The transition will begin in 2027 and will be implemented gradually.

What changes are there to network charges?

Network charges finance the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the electricity grid. They are a separate component of the electricity bill – in addition to the energy price, taxes, and levies.

In the future, two aspects will become more important: when electricity is consumed and how much power is drawn from the grid at the same time. In addition to time-dependent discounts, the highest average power consumption within a quarter of an hour per month should determine the service price.

Tuning larger devices and influencing costs

A high power peak occurs, for example, when the electric car is charging while other high-power devices are running at the same time.

Those who can coordinate these processes in terms of timing may be able to reduce their peak power consumption. This doesn't necessarily mean consuming less electricity: often it's enough to distribute the same demand more evenly.

A simplified example: To charge 22 kWh, an electric car needs two hours at 11 kW or four hours at 5.5 kW, assuming a constant charging power. The amount of electricity remains the same, but the required power is halved.

More favorable time windows in summer and winter

The existing Summer Low Labor Award (SNAP) offers from April to September between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. a discount of 20 % on the network energy charge.

New additions will be available from October 2027 the Winter-Nieder-Arbeitspreis (WiNAP)From October to March, between 11 PM and 5 AM also a discount of 20 % on the network energy charge apply.

This opens up additional possibilities, such as time-controlled charging of an electric car. It's important to note that the discount applies to the network energy charge, not the entire electricity bill.

The introduction will be phased in gradually.

Network operators can adjust the capacity price between January 1, 2027 and September 30, 2028 introduce. First, a cost allocation of 40 % performance share and 60 % work share planned. The second stage with 50 to 50 This will follow within a further period until the end of 2029. This division does not mean a blanket change to every single invoice.

What are the advantages of the reform?

More ways to save: In addition to electricity consumption, the coordination of larger appliances is becoming increasingly important. Those who are flexible can adjust their consumption patterns more effectively to favorable conditions.

Make better use of renewable energy: Shifting consumption to sunny midday hours is particularly well-suited to regional solar power generation. For members of an energy community, it can also be beneficial to consider the availability of jointly generated electricity.

Make better use of existing network capacities: Avoiding high peak loads allows for more efficient use of the existing infrastructure. E-Control expects this to reduce grid expansion costs.

Automatic controls are becoming more useful: Charging planning and energy management can help coordinate devices without constant manual intervention.

Additional discount for flexible network usage

Anyone who allows the network operator to implement an agreed-upon power limitation should be entitled to a Discount of 75 % on the relevant service price received. Today's report describes two daily time windows of two hours each for this purpose. The specific conditions of such an agreement must be observed.

What are the disadvantages and challenges?

Not every household can freely shift its consumption. Working hours, heating requirements, or operational processes can limit flexibility.

Furthermore, even a single high 15-minute peak can significantly impact the monthly power consumption. Therefore, low annual consumption alone does not guarantee low network costs.

Billing is also becoming more complex: electricity consumption, power output, and usage time must be considered together. Technical solutions can provide support, but they also incur costs. Whether, for example, a battery storage system is worthwhile must be calculated on a case-by-case basis.

What does this mean for members of an energy community?

Sharing regional electricity and avoiding peak loads can be effectively combined. Those who operate larger appliances when electricity is available within the community can improve shared energy use.

However, the actual savings depend on individual consumption, electricity allocation and applicable network tariffs. A favorable time window alone does not necessarily mean that as many devices as possible should be running simultaneously. Even then, the level of the reference benefit remains important.

According to today's reports, the specific network tariffs for 2027 will not be announced until later. in December published. Only then can the financial impact on individual households be reliably calculated.

As of October 12, 2026.

Source: Kleine Zeitung: Today's report on the presentation of the network charge reform

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