German energy companies and Bundesrat propose grid connection reforms

A group of 17 renewable energy companies, known as the ‘Energiewende-Digitalisierungs-Allianz’, has proposed a counter-draft to the German government’s grid connection package. The alliance argues for mandatory digital and uniform procedures for grid connections and operations to accelerate processes and reduce costs. They advocate for digital connection portals, standardized interfaces, and clear deadlines for grid operators, while also proposing that customers be able to claim financial compensation for violations of legal standards.

Separately, the German Bundesrat has introduced a draft to amend the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) to end the ‘first-come, first-served’ principle for grid connections. The Bundesrat suggests that grid operators must offer flexible connection agreements upon request and reserve capacity for flexibilities, such as storage and flexible loads, for three years at specific connection points to reduce redispatch needs. The German federal government has responded that its own grid connection package aims to achieve similar goals.