Austria’s energy regulator E-Control has approved a new framework for electricity network charges, the Systemnutzungsentgelte-Grundsatzverordnung (SNE-G-V), which will form the basis for tariff calculations from Jan. 1, 2027.
The reform increases the weighting of peak power demand, introduces time-variable energy charges and changes conditions for grid connections. It also provides reduced charges for battery energy storage systems (BESS) that help relieve pressure on the electricity network.
A central element is the gradual shift toward a 50:50 split between energy-based and power-based network charges over three years. Household grid costs are currently calculated largely according to electricity consumption, with around 90% based on energy use and 10% on a fixed charge.
Under the new structure, the highest 15-minute power demand recorded during each month will carry greater weight, giving consumers an incentive to avoid peaks and shift electricity use to cheaper periods.
Households and small businesses will have a transition period. Depending on the network area, the power-based charge can be introduced between Jan. 1, 2027, and July 1, 2028, by which time it is due to apply nationwide.
Time-variable network charges will also be introduced or continued. The Summer Low Energy Price (SNAP), first applied in spring 2026, runs from April to September between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During this period, the energy-based network charge was previously reduced by 20%. From October 2027, a Winter Low Energy Price (WiNAP) will apply from October to March between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Actual discounts will be set in the relevant tariff regulations. Access requires smart-meter data to be recorded at 15-minute intervals.
The reform also allows customers to agree to flexible grid connections, under which the network operator can temporarily restrict electricity consumption. Such interventions may occur no more than twice a day, for up to two hours each. Customers will receive lower network charges in return.
Grid connection charges will also be revised to favor locations with available network capacity or where additional installations help relieve pressure on the electricity system. Existing connections will not be subject to retrospective charges.
Investment barriers
Industry associations PV&B Austria, Windkraft Österreich and the Austrian Energy Storage Association argue that the provisions do not go far enough, particularly for battery storage. E-Control has outlined 10 options for reducing network charges for storage operators.
Depending on location and operating mode, these include reductions in grid connection and network loss charges, as well as longer-term reductions or exemptions from network use charges. Eligibility depends in particular on whether systems operate in a way that benefits the grid or meet specified requirements.
E-Control says the incentives are intended to favor storage systems that make efficient use of existing network capacity and avoid the need for additional grid expansion. The regulator argues that reduced network charges must be justified by a demonstrable benefit to the electricity system.
The associations, however, say the tariff design does not adequately recognize the grid-supporting functions of battery storage, weakening the economic incentives needed to accelerate deployment.
They are calling for battery storage to receive treatment more comparable to pumped hydro storage. Network charges have a substantial impact on project economics, they argue, and unsuitable tariff conditions could cause investments to be cancelled or delayed.
The associations have also criticized the consultation process. More than 1,000 pages of submissions were reportedly filed during the review, but industry experts were not involved in the final deliberations before the regulation was approved.
The Austrian Renewable Energy Federation (EEÖ) has also called for changes, arguing that the regulation makes it harder to use existing grid connections and creates financial barriers to storage investment. This could ultimately increase the need for additional network expansion, the federation warned.
E-Control says the revised tariff structure is intended to improve use of existing electricity networks and limit the need for additional infrastructure. Its calculations suggest that around €300 million in annual network costs could eventually be avoided. This would depend in part on battery storage systems and electric vehicles spreading their charging cycles more evenly throughout the day to reduce peak demand.
Storage associations question whether the proposed incentives will be sufficient. They want the tariff framework to give greater weight to the contribution battery systems make to reducing grid congestion. They also argue that changes promised for next year would come too late given the scale and urgency of investment needed.
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