Section 14 a EnWG and its significance
Power reduction in the event of a fall
Blog article 12.03.2024The switch to renewable electricity generation plays an important role in achieving climate targets. But that's not all. At the same time, a large number of heat pumps and charging facilities for electric vehicles as well as battery storage systems will have to be integrated into the grid in the coming years. The use of the electricity grid is therefore increasing. And with it the risk of overloading.
Stabilizing measures are required to avoid such overload situations. One of these is set out in the amended Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG): since 01.01.2024, all consumer devices with an electrical output of more than 4.2 kW must be controllable to serve the grid. In addition to air conditioning systems, private charging stations and electricity storage units, this regulation also applies to heat pumps.
What does that mean in concrete terms?
MeaningAll newly installed heat pumps now require a communication interface to the grid operator. If there is a risk of overloading the power grid, the grid operator can use this interface to temporarily reduce the output of the appliance and thus ensure the stability of the grid.
This is a measure that may only be taken as a last resort in absolutely exceptional cases and is therefore extremely rare in practice. If it does happen, the network operator is obliged to reinforce its network accordingly so that it does not happen again.
Normal household electricity, on the other hand, remains completely unaffected.
Ready for §14a!
Ideally equippedWith Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps, you are on the safe side when it comes to §14a: thanks to their SG-Ready communication , Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps are ideally equipped for the new legal requirements .
Advantages for heat pump owners
Your advantagesThe new regulation provides heat pump owners with more security, as the entry into force of the paragraph also stipulates that grid operators may no longer delay or refuse the connection of a heat pump.
There is also a financial benefit: Anyone who installs a controllable heat pump from this year onwards or switches to a §14a contract will benefit from lower grid charges. There are three modules to choose from:
- Module 1: Flat-rate reduction of the grid fee from 90 to 160 euros/year
- Module 2: Percentage reduction in the energy price of the grid charges (3 to 4 cents per kilowatt hour) A separate metering point is required .
- Module 3: Time-variable grid charges with three tariff levels that are determined annually. This module can be selected from 01.04.2025 as a supplement to Module 1.
Whichever module is chosen, one thing is certain: thanks to this new regulation, heating with a heat pump is even more economical.
The law promotes the energy transition and at the same time ensures security of supply.
In other words
, heat pump owners are now making an even greater contribution to a sustainable energy supply and benefiting from clear advantages at the same time .
