RA­MEN

• VKU's model for an OPEX markup

The Grand Ruling Chamber for Energy opened proceedings for the determination of a regulatory framework and methods for incentive regulation for electricity and gas distribution system operators and gas transmission system operators (RAMEN) for the period following the expiry of the Incentive Regulation Ordinance, Electricity Network Tariffs Ordinance and Gas Network Tariffs Ordinance in accordance with section 29(1) in conjunction with sections 21 and 21a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) [GBK-24-01-3#3].

The aim of the determination is to describe and substantiate the key elements of the regulatory system. The key elements include the length of the regulatory period, the question of whether or not to have efficiency benchmarking and a productivity factor, and the description of and reasoning behind the regulatory formula. This creates the basis for further, more detailed methodology determinations. The aim is also to retain key elements of the current regulatory system that have proven effective.

The responsibility of the Grand Ruling Chamber derives from section 59(3) sentence 2 in conjunction with section 54(3), section 21 and section 21a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).

The Bundesnetzagentur presented its initial thoughts on possible changes to the regulatory framework in a key elements paper, which was published on 18 January 2024 and discussed at a public inaugural event on 2 February 2024. The business groups concerned and other interested parties had the opportunity to comment on the key elements paper until 29 February 2024.

The responses have now been assessed. The Bundesnetzagentur plans to publish the comments on its website after removing any trade and business secrets or personal data.
Further information on transparency can be found here.

The Grand Ruling Chamber opened the proceedings on 7 May 2024 with a view to publishing a draft determination for consultation in the fourth quarter of 2024 and concluding the determination proceedings in 2025 [GBK-24-01-3#3].

The next step was to hold an open expert dialogue enabling an in-depth discussion of various points raised in the responses to the key elements paper, including possible OPEX adjustment models. Further information about the expert dialogue and the topics can be found on the calendar pages.

The expert workshop took place as a hybrid event on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 May 2024. Interested stakeholders and representatives of academia were able to pre-register and join the meeting online via Webex.

VKU's model for an OPEX markup

The VKU (Verband kommunaler Unternehmen e.V.) presented a model for an OPEX markup using the efficiency benchmarking SFA coefficients (PDF, 433 KB) to the Bundesnetzagentur on 16 July 2024. The presentation followed the open expert dialogue on 27-28 May 2024 at which the VKU stated that its deliberations were ongoing. The Bundesnetzagentur is currently carrying out an internal assessment of the model. If the Bundesnetzagentur decides to include the model in further stages of the RAMEN determination proceedings [GBK-24-01-3#3], it will hold an open expert dialogue on the topic at which all stakeholder groups will be able to put forward their questions.
Note: the slides published do not include the presentation slides containing company data.