Low prices in electricity wholesale are putting network operators under pressure. In a letter to the federal government, they are demanding an additional 7.8 billion euros to ensure the expansion of the networks and the promotion of renewable energies.
The operators of the German electricity transmission networks are demanding additional funds from the federal government. It is said to be worth 7.8 billion euros, according to a letter from the heads of the four transmission system operators to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The “Handelsblatt” first reported on this. The letter is also available to the dpa news agency.
Companies see “urgent Need for discussion”
According to the network operators 50Hertz, Amprion, Tennet and Transnet BW, there is a “very urgent need to adjust advance payments” for the months of February and March. Otherwise, companies face a “lack of liquidity” from July.
There is an “urgent need for discussion to discuss solutions,” Handelsblatt quotes from the letter. According to the dpa, it must be ensured that there are no significant impacts on the financing and implementation of the urgently needed network expansion.
Network operators report shortfalls
Specifically, it is about a need for financing according to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). The transmission system operators 50Hertz, Amprion, Tennet and Transnet BW maintain a so-called EEG account to process the EEG support system.
There, the network operators offset the income from the marketing of EEG electricity against the EEG subsidies, which they pay out to the individual system operators. Previously, differences between expenses and income were financed by electricity customers via the EEG levy. However, the EEG levy was abolished. Since 2022, the monthly advance payments have come from the federal budget.
However, according to the network operators, deficits have now developed in the EEG accounts. According to “Handelsblatt”, the difference between the income from the sale of EEG electricity and the payments of EEG remuneration to the system operators is increasing due to a falling price level in electricity wholesale. This increases the need for financing.
Higher Advance payment necessary
According to research by the “Handelsblatt”, the additional 7.8 billion euros that the network operators are now claiming is made up of two elements. On the one hand, there is a residual claim from 2022 and 2023 amounting to 3.4 billion euros.
The network operators would justify the remaining amount of 4.4 billion euros with updated calculations that take current energy industry developments into account and, in the network operators’ opinion, require a higher advance payment.