Flat-rate pricing for grid usage in distribution grids

The increasing change of the electrical power system caused by the influence of renewable energy on the power flow in the distribution grid effects mainly the distribution system operators. They have to deal with changed power flow as well as to account for congestions. Therefore they have to take influence on these power flows. One opportunity is represented by variable grid fees which enable a causation-based allocation of grid costs and a higher predictability concerning power system planning. According to the development of pricing in the communication sector flat-rate pricing for grid usage seems to be an appropriate solution. Therefore an approach based on a flat-rate tariff with an additional usage-sensitive component is proposed.