The Bundesnetzagentur published the final draft of its network-charge reform AgNes on 6 August 2026 and consulted it until 18 September 2026. The new system, with capacity-based charges, charges for generators and storage and a prosumer surcharge, is to be billed from 1 January 2029. The authority wants to adopt it by the end of 2026, with publication planned for 1 January 2027.
For battery storage the key issue is grandfathering. Today batteries are exempt from network charges until 4 August 2029 (§ 118 (6) EnWG). Under the draft a project keeps a 20-year exemption only if its final investment decision is taken before the decision is published and the battery is commissioned by 4 August 2029. The FID counts once binding orders cover at least half of the investment volume and cannot be cancelled without significant loss; operators must prove it to their grid operator by 31 March 2027. Later projects get no protection.
For installers: storage customers who want the full exemption should place binding, non-cancellable orders for at least 50 % of the project value before the end of 2026 and document the decision, a strong argument for closing battery deals and securing delivery slots now.
An information digest prepared from official announcements and industry press; conditions change — always check the official source and the date of the entry before advising a customer.
