Atypical grid usage
Atypical grid usage enables companies to reduce grid fees and thus costs in a targeted and permanent manner by shifting electricity consumption away from peak load periods and applying for an individual grid fee.
What is atypical network usage?
Atypical grid usage describes a consumption pattern in which the highest electricity consumption of a company deliberately takes place outside the peak load time window in which the grid is under particular strain. This makes it possible to reduce the load on the electricity grid and apply for individual – significantly lower – grid charges in accordance with Section 19 (2) StromNEV (Electricity Grid Charges Ordinance). Grid operators are obliged to offer an individual grid fee if the maximum load of a company deviates significantly from the general maximum load in the grid. Grid fees can fall by up to 90% with atypical grid usage.
Strategic load shifting and peak shaving with the help of battery storage play a key role in atypical grid usage.
Benefits of optimizing own consumption
Requirements for an individual network fee
- Significant deviation: The annual peak load of a local consumer must be significantly lower during peak load periods than outside these periods, with a difference of at least 100 kW.
- Materiality threshold: The percentage difference between the annual peak load and the load during the peak load period must reach a statutory threshold—in the medium-voltage grid, this is usually at least 20%.
- Application to the network operator: Companies must provide evidence of atypical usage and submit their application by September 30 of the previous year at the latest.
How is atypical grid usage made possible?
- Battery storage in combination with PV systems or combined heat and power plants (CHP) help to reduce peak loads and thus minimize grid consumption.
- Peak load optimization: Energy-intensive processes are specifically carried out outside peak load times.
- Energy management systems (EMS), such as those at Voltfang or external EMS, control loads automatically according to seasonal and time-of-day requirements.
Practical case studies: Voltfang in action
Discover in our practical case studies how companies from industry, retail, and logistics are successfully using Voltfang battery storage systems. Learn more – from detailed load profile analyses and impressive cost savings to the innovative technologies behind them.
FAQs on atypical grid usage
The annual peak load in the peak load time window must be significantly (at least 100 kW) below the absolute annual peak load. In addition, a materiality threshold (e.g. 20%) is prescribed depending on the voltage level.
Grid operators usually publish their respective peak load time windows as a PDF or table on their website. The peak load time windows are published every year by October 31 and are valid for the following year.
Alternatively, you can also find the overviews at the BDEW or on specialized energy portals.
The reduction in grid charges can amount to up to 90% – with typical savings of several tens of thousands of euros for medium-sized and large companies.
Yes, battery storage systems can be used not only for atypical grid usage, but also for optimizing self-consumption or optimizing on the basis of dynamic electricity tariffs.
Amortization depends on the size of the company, savings potential and multi-use operation. Typical periods are between 3 and 8 years with consistent load reduction and additional use of operational potential.
Our use cases for increasing energy efficiency
Every company has individual power supply requirements. Depending on the circumstances, one or more use cases may apply to the use of commercial storage systems. Our team of experts can help you identify the right use cases and tailor them to your data to ensure optimal energy efficiency.
Top topics from our blog
Want to find out more about battery storage?
Register now for our Voltfang newsletter and don’t miss out on exciting developments in the field of battery storage!