From January 1, 2025, energy suppliers in Germany are legally obliged to offer their customers dynamic electricity tariffs. These tariffs adjust electricity prices to the current exchange electricity prices almost in real time, which brings both opportunities and challenges for consumers.
What are dynamic electricity tariffs?
Dynamic electricity tariffs reflect the fluctuations in electricity prices on the electricity exchange. This means that the price per kilowatt hour (kWh) varies throughout the day, depending on supply and demand as well as the feed-in of renewable energies. In times of high electricity production, for example when there is strong wind or intense sunlight, prices can fall, while they rise when production is low and demand is high.
Prerequisites for using dynamic electricity tariffs
In order to benefit from dynamic electricity tariffs, households need certain technical requirements:
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Smart meters: These digital meters record electricity consumption at short intervals (e.g. every 15 minutes) and thus enable accurate billing in accordance with the current electricity prices.
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Energy management systems (EMS): An EMS helps to control and optimize electricity consumption in the household. For example, it can control household appliances so that they run preferentially at times when electricity prices are low.
Opportunities and risks of dynamic electricity tariffs
The introduction of dynamic electricity tariffs offers several advantages:
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Cost savings: By shifting electricity consumption to times when prices are low, households can reduce their energy costs.
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Relief from the grid: Flexible adjustment of consumption supports the stability of the electricity grid and promotes the integration of renewable energies.
However, there are also risks:
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Price fluctuations: Consumers bear the risk of strongly fluctuating electricity prices. Without adjusted consumption behavior, costs could even rise.
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Investment costs: The purchase of smart meters and energy management systems can be associated with additional costs.
Who benefits from dynamic electricity tariffs?
Dynamic electricity tariffs are particularly attractive for households with:
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High electricity consumption: e.g. B. through electric cars or heat pumps that can be charged or operated flexibly.
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Flexibility: Households that can adjust their electricity consumption over time benefit the most.
For households with low and less flexible electricity consumption, however, the savings potential is limited.
Conclusion
From 2025, dynamic electricity tariffs will offer the opportunity to reduce energy costs through adapted consumption behavior and at the same time make a contribution to the energy transition. However, it is important to examine the individual circumstances and create the necessary technical requirements in order to be able to make the most of the advantages of these tariffs.