ACER launches new tool to improve transparency of European electricity network tariffs
What is it about?
ACER has launched the first edition of its electricity network tariff repository.
Why network tariffs matter
Network tariffs are a key part of electricity bills, used to recover the costs of investing in, maintaining and operating electricity networks. As Europe’s power system evolves, the grid needs to support more electrification, more renewable energy and new patterns of grid use. Based on sector estimates, investments in electricity networks could reach up to €2,600 billion by 2050 to integrate the rise of renewable energy (see ACER’s 2024 infrastructure report). With the ramp-up of grid investments, network costs are a big driver of overall electricity costs.
Clear and comparable tariff information is therefore important for understanding how network costs are allocated, how tariff structures differ across countries and how tariff design may support efficient use of the grid. This supports broader EU efforts to improve energy affordability and ensure electricity grids are fit for the future, including the European Commission’s upcoming network charges plan, which is part of its energy package expected on 10 June.
Network tariffs repository
This new ACER repository brings together tariff information from EU Member States in one centralised platform. It complements national transparency efforts and supports access to electricity network tariff data at European level.
The dashboard aims to improve comparability and understanding of national approaches to network cost recovery and tariff setting.
Who can use ACER’s network tariff repository?
Whether for analysis, benchmarking or strategy the repository offers easy access to electricity network tariff information from across Europe to national regulatory authorities, policymakers, network operators, researchers, analysts, and consumer and industry organisations.
Use case 1 – Electricity bills: An analyst comparing electricity bills across Europe could use the repository to check whether network charges are mainly fixed, capacity-based or energy consumption-based in different Member States and therefore understand the underlying cost drivers.
Use case 2 – National tariff methodologies: A regulator reviewing its national tariff methodology could compare how other Member States structure and allocate network charges for households and businesses.
What’s next?
The repository will be progressively updated with data and additional information, including tariff practices and relevant studies underlying key network tariffication choices.
The dashboard will also provide input for ACER’s future analytical work, including the next edition of ACER’s report on electricity network tariff practices, expected in 2027.
Disclaimer: This electricity network tariff repository is published as a work-in-progress tool. The repository is intended to improve access to tariff-related information and will support ACER’s future analytical work.