Atypical Grid Utilization – Reducing Grid Fees with Industrial Storage

Atypical Network Usage – a Topic at The smarter E That Moved Everyone

Almost two weeks ago, we were at The smarter E Europe in Munich. After many exciting discussions with installers, project developers, and manufacturers, it quickly became clear: One topic is currently preoccupying the sector – atypical network usage.

What’s behind it? Who can participate? And is it even worth it? Here’s a compact overview – no energy-nerd prerequisites required.

What Does Atypical Network Usage Mean?

Atypical network usage is an instrument for grid stabilization – and for reducing network charges.

The Idea: Companies that manage to lower their power consumption precisely when the grid is most heavily loaded are rewarded with reduced network charges. For this purpose, the network operator defines so-called high-load time windows for each voltage level and season. These windows are based on the expected annual peak loads – that is, the critical hours in the network.

The Principle: If a consumer reduces their peak loads during these high-load time windows, their individual share of network charges decreases. Thus, companies that can strategically manage their power consumption benefit.

Who Can Participate in Atypical Network Usage?

The model is exclusively for larger electricity consumers. The main participation requirements are:

1. Load shifting potential of over 100 kW:
   Only companies with correspondingly large consumption loads qualify. Private individuals and smaller commercial enterprises are excluded.

2. At least €500 in network charge savings per year:
   The potential savings must exceed this threshold. The maximum reduction is capped at 80% of the network charge.

3. Compliance with the so-called significance threshold:
   The load reduction in the high-load time window must be significant compared to the annual peak load – depending on the voltage level (e.g., 20% in the medium voltage network).

Practical Example: Plastic Company Reduces Peak Loads with Battery Storage

A practical example: a plastics processing company with an annual peak load of 675 kW is connected to the medium voltage. The high-load time windows in winter are between 10:15 and 19:00.

Initial Situation:
On January 2, the company's peak load (black line) is within the high-load time window. Without measures, the company would not benefit from atypical network usage.

Solution Approaches:
The company has two options to reduce its peak loads in this time window:

• a) through smart production planning

• b) through the use of battery storage

In our example, battery storage was used to reduce electricity consumption during critical hours.

The Result:
The peak load was reduced by 268 kW – to a new peak of 407 kW (red line). At a capacity price of around €180/kW, savings amount to over €48,000 – well above the required threshold.

The significance threshold (20% at medium voltage) is also met. The company thus qualifies for atypical network usage.

Battery Storage Pays Off – Even Beyond Atypical Network Usage

The payback periods for battery storage in the context of atypical network usage are often under five years.

Since high-load time windows usually occur only in the winter months, the storage can be used for self-consumption optimization or market price-oriented use during the rest of the time – generating further revenue.

Conclusion:
Atypical network usage is not just an exciting tool for grid relief, but also a lucrative business model for larger consumers – especially in combination with battery storage.