While this is still being discussed in Germany, it is already a reality in the Netherlands: the payment of fees for feeding solar power into the grid. Now, the draft of the Austrian Electricity Industry Act (ElWG) also provides for additional grid fees for feeders. »A current problem for many households is rising grid costs. In the future, electricity producers will also have to pay part of the grid fees, thereby assuming part of the burden on households. This will ease the burden on people and businesses and ensure greater fairness,« according to a statement from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Economy. The law is the »biggest energy reform in 20 years,« according to State Secretary for Energy Elisabeth Zehetner (photo).
The Photovoltaic Austria association criticizes the planned grid fees for feeders: »The plan to introduce additional grid fees for feeders is not only extremely short-sighted, but also highly risky in terms of energy economics,« warns Vera Immitzer, managing director of the Photovoltaic Austria association. »This would eliminate the flexibility in the electricity system that the entire energy industry agrees is necessary. Who will still provide flexibility if doing so is penalized with additional costs?«
Criticism has also been directed at the »vague statements on so-called peak capping.« In the event of impending grid overload, PV systems would only be allowed to feed in up to 60 percent of their output.
The association also fears that the planned law could drive up electricity prices. Austria already has the second-highest feed-in component in the entire EU. While electricity imports from other EU countries are exempt from levies and thus remain cheaper, domestic producers would be subject to additional charges.
© PHOTON
press release Austrian Federal Ministry of Economy
press release PV Austria
