BNetzA rules on distributed generation tariff phaseout, 2026–2028

Germany's Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA) has published a ruling chambers determination setting out the phaseout of grid tariffs for distributed generation across 2026, 2027, and 2028.

The decision ends a long-standing exemption that allowed generators connected at distribution level to avoid contributing to grid tariff costs. By staging the phaseout over three years rather than applying an immediate cut, BNetzA gives asset operators (including solar, small wind, and co-generation plant owners) a defined window to revise revenue models and offtake contracts. The scope covers distributed assets in the German zone; no detail on zone-specific carve-outs is available from the published headline.

The timing matters for project finance: assets currently underwriting debt on the assumption of zero grid tariff exposure will need to re-run cashflow models against the 2026 start date. BNetzA's ruling chambers decisions carry regulatory finality; further consultation rounds are not standard at this stage.