Berlin The carbon tax increased at the beginning of the new year. Instead of 25 euros per tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted, 30 euros are due. Among other things, this has an effect on fuel prices – albeit not as strongly as at the beginning of 2021. According to ADAC calculations, gasoline and diesel are now likely to become more expensive by around one and a half cents each due to the CO2 price. The tax is intended to reduce CO2 emissions and thus contribute to climate protection.
At the same time, the surcharge for financing green electricity (EEG surcharge) fell to 3.723 cents per kilowatt hour at the turn of the year – following all, a minus of more than 40 percent. Electricity is unlikely to be cheaper, however, because the levy is only part of the price and utilities are paying more when shopping than they were a year ago.
More: The Microsoft founder explains why nuclear power is necessary, why China will suffer more from the climate crisis than the USA – and how the green restructuring in Germany can succeed.
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Analysis: The Lower EEG Surcharge and its Impact on Electricity Prices
As a renowned blog news writer, I recently came across a news article that piqued my interest in the world of renewable energy and its effects on electricity prices. The article mentions that a lower EEG surcharge may not necessarily lead to cheaper electricity. In this analysis, I will delve into the details of the EEG surcharge and its implications on electricity prices.
What is the EEG Surcharge?
The EEG surcharge is a fee paid by electricity utilities to the transmission system operators (TSOs) under section 37 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) [[1]]. This surcharge is aimed at promoting renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.
The Recent Reduction in EEG Surcharge
According to recent reports, the EEG surcharge has been reduced, raising hopes that electricity prices might decrease as well. However, this lower EEG surcharge might not directly translate to cheaper electricity.
The Relationship between EEG Surcharge and Electricity Prices
The EEG surcharge is just one of several factors that influence electricity prices. Other components, such as the spot price, security surcharge, and wind-fall tax, also play a significant role in determining electricity prices [[2]]. Even with a lower EEG surcharge, electricity prices might not decrease significantly if other factors remain unchanged.
Impact on Renewable Power Plants and Self-Consumption
Interestingly, the EEG surcharge has a reduced rate of 40% for renewable power plants, mine gas, or efficient CHP power plants that engage in self-consumption [[3]]. This means that these entities might experience a more significant reduction in costs due to the lower EEG surcharge.
Conclusion
the lower EEG surcharge may not necessitate a decrease in electricity prices. Other factors, such as the spot price, security surcharge, and wind-fall tax, will continue to impact electricity prices. While renewable power plants and self-consumption entities might benefit from the reduced EEG surcharge, the overall effect on electricity prices remains uncertain.
As the world continues to transition towards renewable energy sources, it is essential to understand the complexities of the EEG surcharge and its implications on electricity prices. This analysis highlights the need for careful consideration of multiple factors when assessing the impact of changes in the EEG surcharge on electricity prices.
References:
[[1]]https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/EN/RulingChambers/Chamber4/Chamber4.html
[[2]]https://www.think-renewable.com/knowledge-hub/electricity-price-cap-the-wind-fall-tax
[[3]]https://www.roedl.com/insights/renewable-energy/2019-08/self-consumption-the-eu-renewable-energy-directive-vs-eeg-2017
