Netzentgelt: Grid Usage Charge Explained

The Netzentgelt (grid usage charge) is the part of the electricity bill the distribution grid operator charges for use of the grid, independent of the energy supplier. It consists of consumption-based components in Rp./kWh and the demand charge in CHF/kW on the monthly peak. Solar electricity from your own roof never passes through the public grid and therefore avoids the grid charge entirely.

A commercial electricity bill lists three separate items: the energy rate for the electricity delivered, the grid charge for transport, and levies. The most common confusion is between the grid charge and the demand charge: the demand charge is the capacity-based component within the grid charge, not a separate item.

For the economics of solar installations, the grid charge is central, because self-consumption avoids it entirely. Together with the avoided energy rate and levies, that adds up to avoided costs of 20 to 35 Rp./kWh, considerably more than feed-in earns.

Two newer rules change the picture: since 1 January 2025, operators can claim a refund of grid charges for battery electricity that is first drawn from the grid and later fed back in. And in a LEG, participants pay a reduced grid charge for electricity flows within the community. What this means for storage projects is covered in the practical guide Peak shaving for commercial operations.