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Opening of proceedings and publication of key elements for the determination of a regulatory framework for electricity transmission system operators [GBK-25-01-1#2]

The Bundesnetzagentur’s Grand Ruling Chamber for Energy has opened proceedings for the determination of a regulatory framework for electricity transmission system operators in accordance with section 29(1) in conjunction with sections 21 and 21a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). The proceedings were opened on 5 March 2025 [GBK-25-01-1#2].

The responsibility of the Grand Ruling Chamber derives from section 59(3) sentence 3 in conjunction with section 54(3), section 21 and section 21a EnWG.

The aim of the determination is to describe and substantiate the key components of the regulatory system for calculating the electricity transmission system operators’ costs and revenues.

The Bundesnetzagentur presented its initial thoughts on possible changes to the regulatory framework in a key elements paper.

The Grand Ruling Chamber plans to hold an event to present the key elements paper on a date to be announced online shortly.

Opening of proceedings for a determination on methods for calculating a standardised rate of return on capital [GBK-25-02-3#1]

The Bundesnetzagentur’s Grand Ruling Chamber for Energy has opened proceedings for a determination on methods for calculating a standardised rate of return on capital in accordance with section 29(1) in conjunction with section 21(3) sentence 4 para1 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). The proceedings were opened on 16 January 2025 [GBK-25-02-3#1].

The aim of the determination is to set the gearing ratios in a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) method and to lay down and describe methods for calculating the cost of equity and cost of debt using a WACC method.

Opening of proceedings and consultation on the key elements paper relating to the methodology determination for quality regulation and the methods for incentive mechanisms for quality of supply in energy supply networks [GBK-24-02-1#4]

The Grand Ruling Chamber for Energy opened proceedings for the determination of the future design of the methods for quality regulation for the operators of electricity and gas distribution systems in accordance with section 29(1) EnWG in conjunction with sections 21 and 21a(3) sentence 2 para 5 EnWG. The proceedings were opened on 14 October 2024 [GBK-24-02-1#4].
The first step was to publish a Key elements paper – methods for incentive mechanisms for quality of supply in energy supply networks (German) (pdf / 469 KB) relating to the Bundesnetzagentur's current plans. Comments on the paper can be submitted until 29 November 2024. The comments received will be published online after the submission deadline. An expert dialogue on this topic is being held on 29 October 2024.

On the basis of the comments received and the expert dialogue the Grand Ruling Chamber will draw up a draft determination which it will then also put out for consultation.

Opening of proceedings and consultation on the future design of the general sectoral productivity factor for electricity distribution system operators and gas distribution and transmission system operators [GBK-24-02-3#4]

The aim of these determination proceedings is to work out the future rules for determining the general sectoral productivity factor for the system operators concerned.

The Grand Ruling Chamber for Energy opened the proceedings on 28 August 2024 [GBK-24-02-3#4].

The first step was to publish a Key elements paper for the methodology determination for the general sectoral productivity factor (German) (pdf / 210 KB) setting out the Bundesnetzagentur's current plans. The original deadline for responses of 30 September 2024 was extended until 14 October 2024. The comments received will be published online after the submission deadline. An expert dialogue on the topic is being held on 2 September 2024. Details can be found here.

On the basis of the comments received and the expert dialogue the Grand Ruling Chamber will draw up a draft determination which it will then also put out for consultation.

Opening of proceedings and consultation on the future methodology for the base levels for electricity and gas [GBK-24-02-1#3 (electricity) and GBK-24-02-2#3 (gas)]

The aim of the determination proceedings is to design the arrangements for determining the base levels used to set the revenue caps and to lay down basic cost examination mechanisms for approving tariffs in accordance with section 23a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).
The Grand Ruling Chamber for Energy opened the proceedings on 19 July 2024 [GBK-24-02-1#3 (electricity distribution system operators) and GBK-24-02-2#3 (gas distribution and transmission system operators)].
The first step was to publish a Key elements paper for the methodology determinations for the base levels (German) (pdf / 280 KB) relating to both the electricity and gas sectors. Comments on the paper can be submitted until 30 August 2024. The comments received will be published online after the submission deadline.
The Grand Ruling Chamber will evaluate the comments and draw up two draft determinations (one for each of the sectors), which it will then also put out for consultation.