Grid charges calculated by AI

11.10.2025

Source: E & M powernews

A research project by the August Wilhelm Scheer Institute is developing AI-supported grid charges that dynamically link grid load and electricity prices.

With the "DynaNet" research project, the August Wilhelm Scheer Institute for Digital Products and Processes (AWSi) in Saarbrücken is working on a new system for dynamic grid charges. Dynanet aims to make these grid charges flexible, i.e. to adjust them in real time in order to avoid grid bottlenecks and promote load shifting. The aim is not to make the entire electricity price flexible, but rather the grid fee component - and thus to create a targeted control signal in the grid. In future, consumers are to be motivated by variable price signals to use energy in a way that benefits the grid.

The project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), is working on a pricing system that reflects the utilization of regional electricity distribution grids. Forecasts, grid controls and price signals converge in a digital platform for this purpose. Open middleware with standardized interfaces will enable municipal utilities and energy suppliers to integrate these price signals.

At the heart of "DynaNet" is a "FlexPreis". It combines exchange electricity prices, grid charges and grid utilization to create a variable tariff. The system reacts to local bottlenecks and gives users a price signal when electricity consumption relieves the grid. This creates an incentive to use energy more flexibly and efficiently.

Kim Jost explains: "With Dynanet, we are making flexible electricity tariffs suitable for everyday use - without any technical complexity for end customers, but with a major impact on the energy system." According to the head of the project at the August Wilhelm Scheer Institute, they are working with the municipal utilities to test how the model can be implemented in practice and how consumers react to variable prices.

Practical partners and technological basis

The AWSi is working with several partners on the project, including the Weserbergland University of Applied Sciences and the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering (IESE). Stadtwerke Saarlouis is providing the real distribution grid for the field test and integrating the new pricing logic into its IT systems. The test is intended to show whether the model works technically, is economically viable and is accepted by end customers.

Dynanet is technologically based on digital twins that simulate the grid status, load flows and feed-in. Forecast models for photovoltaic and wind power provide real-time data in order to adapt price signals precisely to the current grid situation.

The project will run until the end of July 2028. With Dynanet, the institute aims to develop a marketable charging system that combines grid stability, economic efficiency and regulatory requirements. Municipal utilities in particular should benefit from this, as it will enable them to operate their grids more efficiently and plan investments in a more targeted manner.

Author: Davina Spohn