Atypical network usage – Reducing grid fees with industrial storage

Atypical Grid Use – a Topic at smarter E that Concerns Everyone

Almost two weeks ago, we were at smarter E Europe in Munich. After many exciting discussions with installers, project developers, and manufacturers, it quickly became clear: One topic is currently particularly concerning the industry – atypical grid use.

What’s behind it? Who can participate? And is it even worth it? Here’s a compact overview – without any Energy Nerd prerequisites.

What does atypical grid use mean?

Atypical grid use is a tool for grid stabilization – and for reducing grid fees.

The Idea: Companies that manage to reduce their electricity consumption exactly when the grid is under the most strain are rewarded with reduced grid fees. For this purpose, the grid operator defines so-called peak 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 grid.

The Principle: If a consumer reduces their peak loads during these peak load time windows, their individual share of the grid fee decreases. Thus, companies that can strategically manage their electricity consumption benefit.

Who can participate in atypical grid use?

The model is aimed exclusively at larger electricity consumers. The most important participation requirements are:

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

2. At least €500 in grid fee savings per year:
   The potential savings must be above this threshold. The maximum reduction is capped at 80% of the grid fee.

3. Compliance with the so-called significance threshold:
   The load reduction in the peak 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: A Plastics Company Reduces Peak Loads with Battery Storage

An example from practice: A plastics processing company with an annual peak load of 675 kW is connected to the medium voltage. The peak load time windows in winter are between 10:15 AM and 7:00 PM.

Initial Situation:
On January 2, the company’s peak load (black line) is in the peak load time window. Without measures, the company would not benefit from the atypical grid use.

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

• a) through clever production planning

• b) through the use of a battery storage system

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

The Result:
The peak load could be reduced by 268 kW – to a new peak of 407 kW (red line). With a power price of about €180/kW, this results in savings of over €48,000 – well above the required threshold.

The significance threshold (20% for medium voltage) is also met. The company thereby qualifies for atypical grid use.

Battery Storage Makes Sense – Even Beyond Atypical Grid Use

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

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

Conclusion:
Atypical grid use is not only an exciting tool for relieving the grid but also a worthwhile business model for larger consumers – especially in combination with battery storage.