dynamic rates

At the latest, it became clear at E-world in February that the topic of dynamic tariffs is currently a major concern for the energy industry. This is hardly surprising, given that all German electricity suppliers must have integrated such an offering into their portfolio by January 1, 2025, at the latest – and then be able to bill for it accordingly. However, dynamic tariffs pose challenges for many energy suppliers and their service providers, particularly in terms of software. Whereas previously billing was based exclusively on variable quantities at fixed prices according to a standard load profile (SLP), it is now necessary to map tariffs that vary according to time, load, and price. This requires comprehensive adjustments. Software manufacturers who have little or no experience in this area are now often faced with considerable development costs. Time is running out for this.

As a company that has long been familiar with billing commercial and other special contract customers, this is not a problem for AKTIF. Whether this is done in individual cases via SLP or RLM (registered power measurement) is secondary—the possibility of time series-based billing was and is a basic requirement here. The only real change is that residential customers will also be able to take advantage of comparable offers in the future. However, this general statement should not obscure the specific questions that energy suppliers must answer when introducing and billing dynamic tariffs. For example, the following issues need to be clarified: Which consumption time series forms the basis for billing (metering times purchased from the metering point operator or the SLP)? Is the price based on current exchange prices – and if so, on the spot or futures market? What data should be made available to end customers via a web portal or app? Regardless of the specific design of its dynamic tariffs, an energy supplier ultimately needs software and process support that can cope with the new billing world from day one.

It remains to be seen what role dynamic tariffs will actually play in the household customer segment in the future. However, the success of providers such as Tibber clearly shows that the concept – provided it is implemented well – is already proving popular and that the current hype surrounding the topic is not unfounded. Energy suppliers should therefore see the obligation to offer dynamic tariffs as an opportunity to create additional value. Providers who have long been familiar with time-, load-, and price-variable billing and already have appropriate solutions in place can ensure the best possible implementation and relief in day-to-day business. With the right software platform, consumption values and exchange prices can be easily imported and processed. Efficient billing thus becomes an enabler of dynamic tariff models.