Statement of the FNB Gas on the Key Issues Paper – Determination of Methodology for Electricity and Gas Base Level (StromNEF and GasNEF)

As part of the “NEST” project, on July 19, 2024 the BNetzA presented key points on new methods for determining the starting level for electricity and gas network operators. These methods are intended to better reflect the challenges of the energy transition and take into account both cost efficiency and climate protection targets. The focus is particularly on the transformation of the gas infrastructure and the planning of the hydrogen core network. The TSOs emphasize the need for a stable regulatory framework that ensures fair investment conditions and guarantees the financial viability of the extensive transformation.

The TSOs criticize the fact that their role in the redesign of the regulatory system has not yet been sufficiently taken into account. They call for all aspects of the NEST process to be considered in context and brought together in a coherent overall concept. They support the simplification of the regulatory framework sought by the BNetzA, but only in the sense of a balanced further development that corresponds to the principles of competitive grid operation.

Finally, the FNB emphasize that they are in favour of a scientifically sound methodology that leads to fair and competitive conditions. They point out that the time lag between budget determination and application must be taken into account in order to reflect realistic price increases. Only in this way can incentive regulation be successfully implemented.

Our complete statement is available in the downloads.