Federal Network Agency regulates the integration of e-mobility and heat pumps

The Federal Network Agency has established regulations on how controllable consumption devices such as heat pumps and charging stations for electric cars can be safely and promptly integrated into the power grid.

"We are making provisions to ensure that heat pumps and charging stations for electric cars can be connected quickly and operated safely. We want everyone to be connected while maintaining a secure grid for all," explained Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency. 

A network operator is now no longer allowed to refuse the connection of controllable consumption devices by citing potential bottlenecks. Müller anticipates that interventions by the network operator will remain the exception. He sees the final regulation as strengthening consumers' ability to independently coordinate reductions and take into account self-generated electricity. 

"Consumers will hardly notice interventions most of the time because a basic electricity supply is ensured. If bottlenecks arise, the network must be expanded. We will pay attention to this," promises Müller, praising the open and constructive discussion of the regulations in recent months with all stakeholders.

Electrification of Transport and Heat Essential

The electrification of the transport and heat sectors significantly reduces CO2 emissions, according to the Federal Network Agency's conviction. Therefore, they support a comprehensive expansion of e-mobility and heat pumps. Controllable consumption devices such as heat pumps and private charging stations for electric cars have higher power requirements than most household appliances. Also, controllable consumption devices tend to draw electricity simultaneously. The low-voltage network can accommodate individual new applications. However, most of the low-voltage networks are currently not designed for a rapid increase in demand, according to the findings. Therefore, the grids need to be optimized, digitized, and expanded at a high pace.

Stabilizing the Grid in Its Current State

Where this grid optimization has not yet taken place, the Federal Network Agency is making provisions with its regulations to accelerate the transport and heat transition and ensure supply security even in the low-voltage sector. Slight adjustments were made in the final draft.

• The network operator may no longer refuse or delay the connection of new heat pumps or private charging stations for electric cars by citing possible local overload of its network.
• In return, if there is a risk of acute damage or overload of the network, the network operator may reduce the load by temporarily "dimming" the electricity consumption of controllable consumption devices.
• This measure must be derived from objective criteria of network condition assessment.
• The network condition assessment represents the current network load based on real-time measurements. To this end, a rapid digitization of the low-voltage networks, including the collection of real-time measurements, is necessary.
• A minimum power must always be available so that heat pumps can be operated, and electric cars can continue to be charged. During the period of actual overload, network operators may reduce the load to up to 4.2 kW.
• This allows heat pumps to continue operating, and electric cars can usually be recharged for 50 kilometers of range in two hours. Regular household electricity is not affected by this. The special requirements of large heat pumps will be considered.

The Federal Network Agency assumes that interventions will only be necessary in exceptional cases and will be associated with no significant loss of comfort. Complete shutdowns of controllable consumption devices are no longer permitted.

Consumers will have a choice in the future

The agency is increasing the options available to consumers in its regulations. They can have individual systems directly controlled by the grid operator. Alternatively, they can choose to receive from their grid operator a value for allowable power consumption that must not be exceeded overall. In this case, they independently coordinate the reduction through an energy management system for several controllable consumption devices.

"Self-generated energy quantities can be accounted for. For example, a wallbox can draw more power if it comes from one's own solar system. The goal is to avoid regular grid-oriented control measures. The grid operator is therefore obliged to expand the grid in a forward-looking and demand-oriented manner," outlines the Federal Network Agency.

The regulations will apply from January 1, 2024. For existing systems for which an agreement to control by the grid operator exists, the Federal Network Agency provides for transitional arrangements. Existing systems without such an agreement will remain permanently exempt. Night storage heaters are to be permanently excluded from the new regulations.