What does Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) mean for energy storage investors—and why is tax deductibility worthwhile?
Excerpt
Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) requires all new battery storage systems with a charging capacity exceeding 4.2 kW to be grid-responsive—and in return offers reduced grid fees, a guaranteed grid connection, and access to new revenue models. Dimming by the grid operator affects only grid consumption; self-consumption of self-generated solar power remains completely unaffected. This article provides all the information on what the three modules specifically entail, how §118 EnWG enables additional savings, and what investors need to consider during construction.
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The EnWG battery storage regulations require all new energy storage systems with a charging capacity exceeding 4.2 kW, effective January 1, 2024, to be controllable by the grid operator in a grid-oriented manner. In return, this offers reduced grid fees averaging approximately €165 per year nationwide, and grid connection may no longer be denied. The curtailment applies exclusively to electricity drawn from the grid—self-consumption of self-generated solar power remains completely unaffected. In combination with the exemption under Section 118 of the EnWG (EnWG Amendment 2025), new revenue opportunities arise for PV+storage projects that can significantly improve profitability.
Table of Contents
What is Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG)—and who does this provision apply to?
What the Federal Network Agency's 2023 ruling has fundamentally changed
Three Modules for Reducing Grid Fees: What Are the Benefits and How Much Do They Save?
What the 4.2-kW limit for battery storage and electricity storage actually means
Section 14a and Solar Power Systems: How Self-Consumption and Feed-In Interact
Anyone investing in a PV system with battery storage today will inevitably encounter Section 14a—a central pillar of German energy law governing the integration of controllable consumption devices into the power grid. Since January 1, 2024, this regulation has fundamentally changed the requirements for all new controllable consumption devices: Electricity storage systems, heat pumps, wall boxes, and charging points for electric vehicles are now subject to uniform federal requirements regarding controllability and grid connection. The law may sound technical, but it has direct implications for electricity costs, connection rights, and revenue opportunities—and thus for every serious investment decision in the energy sector and the energy transition.
The market reflects just how strong the interest is: According to BSW Solar, nearly 600,000 new battery storage systems were commissioned in Germany in 2024—including residential, commercial, and large-scale systems combined . The number and capacity of all installed energy storage systems thus increased by nearly 50% within a single year . At the same time, grid operators received a total of 9,710 connection requests in 2024—clear evidence of how strongly this regulation is already shaping the market. for battery storage systems starting at the medium-voltage level—with a total applied-for capacity of around 400 GW and a storage capacity of around 661 GWh (Federal Network Agency, November 2025). Section 14a is thus no longer a niche regulation, but rather the regulatory foundation of a mass market affecting millions of consumers and businesses—and the industry’s focus has shifted accordingly: from the question of “if” to “how.”
This article is intended for investors who are investing in or planning to invest in PV systems with storage—as well as for commercial businesses considering installing their own systems. It provides all the relevant information on the regulations step by step—without legal jargon, using concrete figures. For more information on how battery storage generally fits into investment calculations today, see the article on PV Storage and Co-location 2026.
1. What is Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG)—and who does this provision apply to?
Section 14a is the key provision in the Energy Industry Act governing grid-oriented control of controllable consumer devices. This includes battery storage systems, electricity storage systems, heat pumps, wall boxes, and air conditioning systems with a connected load exceeding 4.2 kW. In return, operators receive reduced grid fees and a guaranteed grid connection.
Section 14a is titled in full “Grid-oriented control of controllable consumption devices and controllable grid connections.” The section is part of the Energy Industry Act—the central piece of legislation in German energy law—and authorizes the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) to issue uniform federal rules for integrating flexible loads into the energy system. The overarching goal is grid stability: At a time when electrification and the energy transition are massively accelerating the rise of controllable consumers, the grid needs ways to manage demand.
In addition, Section 11c (inserted by the 2025 EnWG Amendment) establishes that the construction and operation of energy storage facilities are in the overriding public interest and serve public safety and public health. This priority in the balancing of interests significantly strengthens the position of battery storage systems in permitting procedures—similar to the provision for renewable energies in Section 2 of the EEG. Previously competing interests, such as nature conservation or landscape protection, must be weighed against this standardized interest; only matters of national defense and alliance defense remain expressly exempt.
Which devices and systems fall under Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG)?
Paragraph 3 of the section explicitly defines taxable consumer equipment (SteuVE). The determining factor is an electrical connected load exceeding 4.2 kW in the low-voltage grid:
Energy storage — what matters is the maximum charging power in kW, not the capacity in kWh
Private and semi-public wall boxes for electric vehicles in the transportation sector
Heat pumps, including electric heating elements — a key aspect of the electrification of the heating and thermal energy supply
Permanently installed air conditioning and refrigeration systems
Night-storage heaters (grandfather clause for older systems)
An important clarification applies to energy storage systems: The decisive factor is the maximum charging power in kW, not the capacity in kWh. Even if a device is programmed to store only solar power, it is considered a SteuVE—a software-only limitation below 4.2 kW is not recognized as an exception. This applies to both home storage systems and large-scale commercial storage systems in the low-voltage grid—regardless of the type of installation.
Equipment with a capacity of less than 4.2 kW must still be reported to the grid operator, but is not subject to the control requirement and does not qualify for a reduction in grid fees.
2. How the Federal Network Agency’s 2023 ruling has fundamentally changed things
In its ruling BK6-22-300 of November 2023, the Federal Network Agency replaced the old "shutdown" principle with the new "dimming" principle. Grid operators may now only reduce the power of controllable consumer devices to a minimum of 4.2 kW—never completely cutting it off. Participation is mandatory for new installations, thereby legally securing their grid connection.
A comparison between the old and new systems shows just how fundamental the changes brought about by energy law are:
Old (prior to 2024): Voluntary participation — separate metering point required — complete disconnection possible — grid fees set individually by each grid operator — grid connection could be denied if grid overload was imminent
New (effective 2024): Mandatory for all new systems over 4.2 kW — a separate electricity meter is now required only for Module 2 — dimming to a minimum of 4.2 kW, no complete shutdown — a uniform national grid fee formula — connection for controllable loads can no longer be denied
Dimming Instead of Shutting Down: How It Works and What It Means for Investors
The grid operator sends a signal via the iMSys to the control box, which limits the system’s power consumption to 4.2 kW. This activation must occur within 5 minutes of a grid overload being detected. The dimming phase may last a maximum of 2 hours per calendar day —a deliberate limit that maintains grid stability without placing a disproportionate burden on operators. Starting March 1, 2025, there will also be a documentation requirement for all dimming operations.
When there are multiple controllable appliances connected to a single utility connection, the guaranteed minimum capacity is cumulative: If a wallbox, heat pump, and storage unit are installed, at least 3 × 4.2 kW = 12.6 kW is available for these systems—in addition to the unlimited supply of standard household electricity. The combination of multiple devices introduces new considerations regarding the design of the grid connection and the operation of the EMS—for consumers with multiple controllable devices, an EMS is recommended from the outset.
Until the smart meter gateway is fully deployed, many grid operators are temporarily using static control via a timer—but for consumers with new systems, this does not affect the immediate reduction in grid fees. The rollout’s implementation thus remains one of the key outstanding challenges in the implementation of Section 14a.
⚠️ Note: Technical details are based on Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) specifications BK6-22-300 dated November 27, 2023, and BK8-22/010-A. Individual parameters may vary if the Federal Network Agency makes changes. As of April 2026.
3. Three Modules for Reducing Grid Fees: What Are the Benefits and How Much Do They Save?
The Federal Network Agency offers three modules to implement Section 14a. Module 1 is the standard flat-rate solution, offering average electricity cost savings of around €165 per year—without a separate electricity meter. Module 2 is worthwhile for those with high grid consumption. Since April 2025, Module 3 has enabled additional savings through time-variable grid fees.
Module 1 — The Standard Flat Rate (recommended for PV + storage)
The flat rate is automatically assigned upon registration and does not require a separate electricity meter. The nationwide formula for calculating the grid fee reduction is as follows:
€80 + 3,750 kWh × local rate × 0.2
The €80 consists of:
€50 for the smart metering system (iMSys)
€30 for the tax box (tax hardware)
The second term takes into account the grid operator-specific energy price—the reduction in grid fees varies by region. In practice, this results in the following values:
Range: €110 to €200 gross per year
Average in Germany: approx. €165 gross per year in electricity savings
Example (rate of 8.65 ct/kWh): 80 € + 3, 750 × 0.0865 × 0.2 = approx. 144.88 € gross/year
The flat rate is paid regardless of actual grid consumption —which makes Module 1 particularly advantageous for PV+storage systems that cover most of their storage needs with electricity from their own PV system and draw little electricity from the grid.
Module 2 — 60% discount on the grid access charge
Module 2 reduces the SteuVE’s grid access charge to 40% of the standard rate and eliminates the base fee for the SteuVE meter. It requires a separate meter (additional cost: approx. €25/year plus installation) and often a second electricity contract with a double base fee.
Specific example calculation for a wallbox with 6,500 kWh/year of grid consumption at 8.7 cents/kWh:
Savings on electricity charges: 6,500 kWh × 8.7 cents × 60% ≈ €339 net
Less meter costs (approx. €25 net): Net savings of approx. €314
Gross savings, including the base grid fee: approx. €580–930 per year per grid operator
Module 2 is only worthwhile if the controllable consumption device draws approximately 4,500–7,500 kWh per year from the grid. For battery storage systems and energy storage systems with low grid charging requirements, Module 1 is a more attractive option.
Module 3 — Time-Varying Grid Fees (effective April 2025)
Module 3 has been available since April 1, 2025, as a supplement to Module 1. It requires iMSys to be installed. It introduces three pricing tiers—high, standard, and low—that create incentives for shifting load to times when the grid is less strained, thereby contributing to grid stability.
According to a Federal Council publication: potential savings of up to €1,500 per year when combined with a dynamic electricity rate and EMS
Requirement: The smart meter gateway (iMSys) must be installed
This module can only be selected as a supplement to Module 1; it cannot be taken as a standalone module
⚠️ Note: All grid fee rates vary by grid operator. Sample calculations are based on Q1 2026 market data (Federal Network Agency, Netze BW, SpotmyEnergy). Please contact your grid operator for current rates. As of April 2026.
4. What the 4.2-kW limit for battery storage and electricity storage actually means
The 4.2-kW peak load limit applies exclusively to the purchase of electricity from the grid. Self-generated PV electricity and the storage of solar power in battery storage systems remain completely unaffected. Discharging the storage system is also not covered by Section 14a.
When dimming, the grid operator limits grid consumption to a maximum of 4.2 kW. The following applies to operators of colocation projects:
Not affected: self-consumption of PV electricity, storage of self-generated energy, discharging the storage system, feeding electricity into the grid
Affected: Charging from the public grid (e.g., for night-time arbitrage or dynamic rates)
Benefit of an EMS: An intelligent energy management system can utilize PV power without limitation and almost completely offset the dimming effect during operation
Practical example: Heat pump with PV support during a dimming phase
Heat pump with a rated output of 8 kW; PV system produces 5 kW:
Without dimming: 8 kW is supplied as needed from the grid and/or PV
With dimming (Section 14a active): Grid consumption limited to 4.2 kW + 5 kW PV = 9.2 kW available — Heat pump continues to run without restriction
In practice, power reductions are considered to be extremely rare exceptions. Normal household electricity remains available without restriction and is fully accessible to consumers at all times—this provision applies exclusively to the operation of the defined controllable electrical appliances.
Consider technical requirements and compatibility during construction
Not all inverters meet the technical requirements for step-by-step dimming. Relay-based control systems shut down some hybrid inverters completely instead of reducing their output. Anyone investing in new systems should have the inverter’s §14a compatibility and the design of the control box verified during the construction phase. At Logic Energy, this is part of our standard project planning.
5. Section 14a and Solar Power Systems: How Self-Consumption and Feed-In Interact
Battery storage systems have a dual legal status: when charging from the grid, they are considered controllable consumption equipment; when discharging, they are considered part of the generation system. The use of self-generated solar power for storage is completely unaffected by Section 14a—the two regulatory areas complement each other.
The dual role of battery storage systems creates two independent revenue streams that reinforce each other when combined:
Section 14a (Charging / Grid Connection): Reduced grid fees through Modules 1, 2, or 3 — guaranteed connection to the grid — access to time-of-use rates for cost-effective electricity storage
EEG Page (Discharge / Generation): Feed-in tariff under the EEG or revenue from direct sales — Optimization of self-consumption — Arbitrage potential when electricity prices are negative
This section does not directly affect the EEG feed-in tariff. However, there is a technical link: If a smart meter gateway is installed due to Section 14a, the PV system must also be made remotely controllable in accordance with Section 9 of the EEG—this is a technical requirement of the law, not a restriction on revenue from generation facilities. For commercial enterprises, this creates new options for managing their energy procurement and consumption.
If you’d like to learn more about the specific revenue streams generated by PV+storage combinations, you’ll find a detailed analysis in our article on PV-storage arbitrage during periods of negative electricity prices.
6. Section 118 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) — Exemption from grid fees: A second incentive for investors
Section 118(6) exempts electricity storage facilities that become operational by August 4, 2029, from grid fees for the electricity they purchase for a period of 20 years—provided that this electricity is fed back into the grid. The 2025 amendment to the Energy Economy Act (EnWG) introduces, for the first time, a proportional exemption for mixed-use storage facilities through a change in the law.
The exemption under Section 118(6) is the more strategically significant lever for commercial energy storage systems and large-scale storage facilities. The key points of the regulation:
Commissioning deadline: August 4, 2029
Exemption period: 20 years from the date of commissioning
Requirement: Stored electricity is fed back into the grid
Changes resulting from the 2025 Amendment to the Energy Industry Act: The wording has been changed from “if” to “to the extent that” — proportional exemptions are now possible for multi-use storage facilities and customer installations with mixed operating modes
V2G Equivalence: Bidirectional charging points for electric vehicles are treated as equivalent under Section 21 of the Energy Act
According to the Research Center for Energy Economics (FfE), the combination of these two regulations—reduced grid fees under Section 14a for electricity consumption and an exemption under Section 118 for electricity export—can result in a refund of more than 20 cents per kWh when input tax deductions and electricity tax exemptions are factored in.
Building Law: Section 35 of the German Building Code (BauGB) — Special Treatment for Battery Storage Systems in Outlying Areas
In parallel with the §118 reform, the 2025 amendment (in effect since December 23, 2025) has fundamentally improved building regulations for large-scale storage facilities. On December 4, 2025, the Bundestag adopted the final version of §35(1)(11) and (12) of the BauGB:
No. 11 (Co-location): Battery storage systems that are physically and functionally connected to an existing renewable energy facility are given priority for outdoor connection— with no minimum capacity requirement.
No. 12 (Stand-alone): Stand-alone battery storage systems are given priority if they have a rated capacity of at least 4 MW, are located within a maximum radius of 200 meters from a substation or power plant with a capacity of ≥ 50 MW, and do not exceed a maximum footprint of 50,000 m².
After years of a “patchwork” of differing regulatory decisions, this provision establishes uniform legal certainty nationwide for project developers and investors. At the same time, Section 11c of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) establishes a priority for balancing considerations in favor of all energy storage facilities in regulatory proceedings—with the goal of achieving a nearly greenhouse gas-neutral electricity supply by 2045.
Important note: There are uncertainties and unresolved issues
In its December 2025 analysis, the FfE explicitly warns of significant uncertainties regarding implementation: The Federal Network Agency has the authority to grant exemptions and may issue its own regulations regarding the structure of the exemption at any time. There is no legitimate expectation that the §118 exemption will remain in effect permanently—particularly for mixed-use storage facilities, where the technical classification has not yet been definitively resolved. Investors should consult with an attorney specializing in energy law to clarify these issues.
The wide-ranging changes introduced by this amendment—ranging from the special building code provisions under Section 35(1) of the German Building Code (BauGB) for storage facilities in rural areas to energy sharing—are explained in detail in the article on the 2025 Energy Industry Act (EnWG) amendment for PV investors.
7. Timeline, Transition Periods, and Smart Meter Rollout
The new Section 14a regulation has been in effect since January 1, 2024. Existing systems without a Section 14a contract are permanently protected. The expansion of the smart meter rollout remains the Achilles’ heel: By the end of 2025, only 23.3% of all mandatory installations had an iMSys—the Federal Network Agency initiated regulatory proceedings against 77 metering point operators in March 2026.
An overview of the key deadlines:
January 1, 2024: New Section 14a regulation takes effect. All new metered consumer devices rated at over 4.2 kW must be metered. Both payment modules are available.
March 1, 2025: The documentation requirement for grid operators and plant operators takes effect.
February 25, 2025: Solar Peak Act takes effect — Smart meters required for new PV systems of 7 kW or more; 60% feed-in limit without iMSys.
April 1, 2025: Module 3 (time-varying grid fees) becomes available — requires a smart meter gateway.
December 31, 2028: End of the transition period for existing systems with an old §14a contract; after that, automatic transition to the new system.
August 4, 2029: Final deadline for commissioning to qualify for the §118 grid fee exemption (20 years).
Grandfathering and the risk of expansion
Existing systems without a current §14a contract enjoy permanent grandfathering—there is no obligation to participate, and a voluntary switch to the new system is possible at any time (no switching back). Note: If an existing system is expanded in such a way that the total charging capacity exceeds the 4.2-kW threshold for the first time, the grandfathering protection for the entire system is revoked. Planned system expansions—such as adding a storage unit or a wallbox—should be checked in advance for their §14a relevance. A new connection for heating or charging infrastructure can also affect grandfathering if it causes the total charging capacity to exceed the 4.2-kW threshold.
Current Status of Smart Meter Rollout
The rollout of smart metering systems is falling short of expectations:
As of Q4 2025: Only 23.3% of the approximately 4.7 million vehicles subject to mandatory installation had an iMSys installed
Overall rate: Only about 5.5% of all approximately 56.5 million utility connections in Germany have a smart meter
Federal Network Agency: In March 2026, regulatory proceedings were initiated against 77 metering point operators
As a temporary measure, grid operators are using static time switches—which will be permitted until the end of 2028; downloads and technical specifications for the control box are provided on a grid-operator-specific basis
The grid fee reduction is already being granted—even without an installed iMSys
For detailed information on the smart meter mandate and its financial implications for PV system owners, see our article on the 2026 smart meter mandate.
8. Overview of Opportunities and Risks
All in all, the regulation is positive for PV+storage investors: the guaranteed grid connection, the fully exempted self-consumption, and the flat-rate electricity cost savings outweigh any drawbacks. Risks exist regarding technical compatibility, construction costs, and the Federal Network Agency’s (BNetzA) authority to grant exemptions under Section 118 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).
Opportunities for PV+Storage Investors
Guaranteed connection — no more risk of delays caused by the network operator
Self-consumption and storage of PV electricity remain completely unaffected —the strongest argument for investors with their own generation facilities
Standard flat rate: Grid fee reduction of approximately €110–200 per year — directly lowers electricity costs, regardless of grid consumption
EMS optimization makes the 4.2-kW limit largely irrelevant in practice when combined with PV generation
Module 3 + dynamic electricity rate + iMSys: Potential savings of up to €1,500 per year
§118: Potential reimbursement of over 20 cents per kWh for electricity fed into the grid from energy storage systems
Access to new business models in the energy sector: Energy Sharing (starting in June 2026), Vehicle-to-Grid with electric vehicles, heat and charging management via EMS, virtual power plants, and instantaneous reserve markets
A growth market with momentum: In its 2023 Scenario Framework, the Federal Network Agency forecasts a total installed capacity of 23.7 to 24.2 GW of large-scale battery storage by 2037—and between 43.3 and 54.5 GW by 2045. BSW Solar sums it up — and leading energy economists share this view: Battery storage is “the fastest, cheapest, and most effective tool for integrating solar energy into the electricity market and the power grid” (BSW Solar, January 2025).
Risks Investors Should Be Aware Of
Technical compatibility: Not all inverters support step-down dimming—check before construction
Conversion costs: Depending on the existing setup, costs may be incurred for hardware, meters, and conversion work
Loss of grandfathering status: System expansions exceeding 4.2 kW of charging capacity result in the loss of grandfathering status for the entire system
§118—Uncertainties: The Federal Network Agency’s authority to grant exemptions may limit the exemption from grid fees for customer installations with mixed use
Rollout delays: The full benefits of Module 3 can only be realized once the rollout is complete nationwide
Federal Court of Justice ruling, July 2025 (Case No. EnVR 1/24): Grid operators may charge construction cost subsidies for grid-connected battery storage systems — Plan for one-time connection costs
⚠️ Note: Profitability calculations are based on typical market data from Q1 2026 and vary depending on location, utility provider, and system size. We recommend conducting a customized calculation before making an investment decision. As of April 2026.
At Logic Energy, regulatory requirements such as Section 14a are incorporated into the project planning and construction of PV systems from the very beginning. Learn more about PV investments →
The amendments to the Energy Industry Act fundamentally change the investment logic for electricity and battery storage systems and controllable loads in Germany—primarily to the benefit of PV+storage investors. The new dimming principle replacing the old disconnection principle, the guaranteed grid connection, and the reduced grid fees are tangible improvements. For the energy system as a whole, the regulation is a central pillar of the energy transition: It creates the infrastructure for integrating millions of controllable consumers—from heat pumps and wall boxes to large-scale storage systems—into the power grid, thereby strengthening grid stability in the course of electrification.
The key takeaway: Self-consumption and the storage of self-generated solar power from one’s own generation systems are not subject to regulatory restrictions. The 4.2-kW limit applies exclusively to energy purchased from the grid—those who operate their system with an EMS will hardly notice the reduction—and those who know how to choose the right modules will save money right from the start. The greatest potential for value creation arises from the combination of Module 3, dynamic electricity rates, and the §118 exemption—an ecosystem that will reach its full potential once the smart meter rollout is complete.
For investors, this means that the regulation is not a risk, but rather a regulatory framework that safeguards storage investments and opens up new revenue streams in the energy sector—particularly in light of the transition to the CfD system starting in 2027, which is analyzed in detail in our article on the 2027 CfD mandate.
Legal Notice: This article is intended solely for general informational purposes and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. All savings and return figures are based on typical market data and industry estimates (as of Q1/Q2 2026) and are not a guarantee of future results. Legal regulations—in particular Sections 14a and 118 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) as well as EEG feed-in tariffs—are subject to change at any time; the currently valid version shall apply. For your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney or tax advisor. All information is provided without warranty. As of April 2026.
Anyone investing in a solar power system with battery storage today benefits from energy industry regulations that guarantee grid connection, lower electricity costs, and open up new sources of revenue through reduced grid fees and the §118 grid fee exemption. The process from application to the first grid fee credit is shorter than often assumed. The question is not whether, but how this is factored into the calculation.
Logic Energy designs and builds commercial PV systems with integrated energy storage—from planning and §14a-compliant design through to commissioning, we view this regulation as an integral part of every project—from §14a-compliant system technology and EMS design to long-term revenue sharing. Contact us: We’ll review your specific storage project free of charge and show you exactly what §14a and §118 EnWG mean for your calculations.
FAQ
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Existing systems that do not currently have a §14a contract are permanently exempt from new regulations and do not need to be re-registered. However, if existing systems are expanded in such a way that the total charging capacity exceeds 4.2 kW for the first time, the exemption no longer applies—even for the existing components.
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No. Since the Federal Network Agency’s ruling on November 27, 2023, the grid operator may only reduce the power of controllable consumer devices to a minimum of 4.2 kW—complete shutdown is no longer permitted. The maximum dimming period is 2 hours per calendar day.
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No. This provision applies exclusively to grid consumption. Solar power generated by your own PV system is completely exempt from the 4.2-kW limit. With a smart energy management system (EMS), the impact on the operation of a PV+storage system is minimal in practice.
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For PV+storage systems with low grid consumption, the simplest option is usually the best choice: it directly reduces electricity costs by approximately €110–200 per year, regardless of actual grid consumption. Module 2 is only worthwhile if the controllable consumption device draws approximately 4,500–7,500 kWh/year from the grid—for example, in the case of heavily used wallboxes for electric vehicles.
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No. The two regulations are completely independent of one another from a legal standpoint. The technical link is that the gateway required for iMSys installation must also enable remote control of the PV system—this is a technical requirement of the law, not a restriction on the remuneration for power generation systems.
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Until the smart meter gateway is installed, grid operators may temporarily use static control via a timer (permitted until the end of 2028). However, the connection and the reduction in grid fees are already being granted. In March 2026, the Federal Network Agency initiated regulatory proceedings against 77 non-compliant metering point operators to accelerate the rollout.
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Yes. The regulation applies to all low-voltage connections—both residential and commercial. The 4.2-kW threshold refers to the maximum charging capacity of the storage unit. For commercial facilities with multiple controllable consumption devices—such as wallboxes for the transportation sector and heat pumps for heating—the guaranteed minimum power budgets for each unit are added together.
References
Laws on the Internet – Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG): Grid-oriented control of controllable consumer devices and controllable grid connections — currently valid version, as of April 2026
Federal Network Agency – Decision BK6-22-300 (Decision Chamber 6): Integration of controllable consumption devices, November 27, 2023
Federal Network Agency – Integration of controllable consumption devices — Information Portal, as of April 2026
SMA Solar – Section 14a: Everything You Need to Know Right Now — A Manufacturer’s Perspective, 2025
Research Center for Energy Economics (FfE) – New Grid Tariff Privileges for Storage Systems and Charging Points: Are the Exemptions on Thin Ice? — December 2025
SpotmyEnergy – Grid Fees Under Section 14a: Definition, Modules, Sample Calculations, As of 2026
Finanztip – Explanation of Section 14a on Taxable Consumer Facilities, as of 2026
Energymarket Solutions – Reduced Grid Fees under Section 14a: FAQs on Modules 1, 2, and 3, 2026
Laws on the Internet – Section 118 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG): Transitional Provisions — Currently Effective Version
EWE NETZ – Explanatory Notes on the Relevance of Storage Facilities Under Section 14a, as of January 2025
Federal Council – Printed Paper 383/1/25: Regarding Section 14a, Module 3, and time-varying grid fees, September 15, 2025
Netze BW GmbH – Regulation §14a — Practical Information for Plant Operators, as of 2026
German Solar Industry Association (BSW Solar) – Battery storage capacity to increase fivefold within five years, January 2026
ABO Energy – Federal Court of Justice Approves Construction Cost Subsidy for Battery Storage, July 2025
German Solar Industry Association (BSW Solar) – Storage capacity to grow by 50 percent by 2024: nearly 600,000 new battery storage systems, January 2025
Federal Network Agency Press Release – 9,710 connection requests for battery storage in 2024, ~400 GW / 661 GWh, November 2025
Federal Network Agency Electricity Storage FAQ – Forecast for Large-Scale Battery Storage: 2037: 23.7–24.2 GW; 2045: 43.3–54.5 GW (2023 Scenario Framework)
Gleiss Lutz – Section 35(1)(11) and (12) of the German Building Code (BauGB): Special Status for Battery Storage Facilities in Rural Areas, December 2025
Maslaton Law Firm – Section 35 of the German Building Code (BauGB): Restriction of Privileges, December 4, 2025, December 2025
Becker Büttner Held (BBH) – Section 11c of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG): Overriding Public Interest and New Regulations on Battery Storage 2024/2025, February 2025
