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Germany’s Energy Regulator Expects Power Bills to Hold or Ease in 2026 as State Covers Grid Fees

The agency urges cheaper grid expansion with fairer cost sharing, including higher contributions from rooftop solar operators.

Overview

  • Federal Network Agency chief Klaus Müller says rising renewable output and a €6.5 billion subsidy for network charges should prevent electricity price increases next year.
  • Berlin’s relief for grid fees follows warnings that network expansion is a key cost driver, with the regulator favoring more overhead lines over costly underground cables and stronger efficiency incentives.
  • Reports citing the economy ministry point to consumer relief of roughly 1.3 to 2.4 cents per kilowatt-hour from the grid-fee subsidy, compared with 2025 levels.
  • Germany’s gas supply is described as secure this winter thanks to LNG terminals and pipeline imports from Norway and neighbors, with storage around 60% overall and Rehden at about 28% but not seen as critical.
  • Gas prices are currently easing on weak demand, yet the regulator expects them to rise over time due to higher CO2 charges and gas network fees as fewer customers remain; an EU ban on Russian gas from end-2027 is not viewed as a supply risk.