Section 14a EnWG: Important Questions About Reduced Grid Charges

Written by Laura
January 22, 2026

If you operate a heat pump, wallbox, or another steerable device, you can benefit from reduced grid fees. This helps support the energy transition and maintain grid stability.

What is §14a EnWG?

§14a EnWG regulates the integration and control of steerable devices into the electricity grid.

• Goal: Ensure grid stability, especially with the growing use of EVs and heat pumps.
• Since 01.01.2024, new devices (> 4.2 kW) must be reported to the grid operator and be controllable.
• The grid operator may temporarily reduce power or shift operation if the grid is overloaded.
• Devices installed before 01.01.2024 can participate voluntarily. Switching back to the old regulation is not possible.

⚡ Which devices are considered controllable?

Controllable devices are permanently installed and centrally controllable, for example:

• Wallboxes for your EV
• Heat pumps (including auxiliary or emergency heaters)
• Energy storage/battery systems
• Fixed air conditioning systems

Power: > 4.2 kW, connected to the low-voltage grid.

💚 Benefits for You – Modules and Grid Fee Reduction

If your device is controllable, you receive reduced grid fees, which are automatically applied to your invoice.

Module 1 – Flat Rate

• Fixed annual reduction, regardless of actual control
• No separate meter required
• Amount varies by region, depending on your local grid operator (e.g. price sheet, 2025, e-netz Südhessen AG, link here: Price Sheet)
• Standard module if no other module is chosen

Module 2 – Usage-Based Reduction

• Reduces grid energy price to 40%
• Basic grid fee is waived
• Requires a separate meter for the controllable device
• Must be actively chosen

Module 3 – Time-Variable Grid Fees

• Only available in combination with Module 1
• Energy prices are divided into three time tariffs: High (peak), Standard (mid), Low (off-peak) - each grid operator decides their own tariff times.
• Requires a smart meter
• Encourages shifting consumption to cheaper times and relieves the grid
• Reduction is applied in addition to the Module 1 flat rate

🛠️ How to Apply for Grid Fee Reduction

1. Contact your grid operator – your device is registered as steerable with the grid operator either by you or by the installer.
2. Or via your electricity supplier (e.g., Ostrom) – we request the desired module with the grid operator.
3. Price Sheet – the grid operator reviews the request and sends back the official price sheet with the applicable grid fee reduction.
4. Billing – reductions are automatically applied to your electricity invoice.

💡 Price Sheets

The amount of reduced grid fees is set each year in the official price sheets of your local grid operator.

If you’re unsure which module applies to your device or whether it’s correctly registered, contact us via chat or our contact form - always happy to help you out!