Against the background of the energy transition, the power system is confronted with the challenge of integrating an increasing number of different “load-side flexibilities”, especially at the distribution grid level, into the power grid without causing grid bottlenecks due to the additional electrical energy demand and high simultaneity. The existing regulatory framework provides various instruments for this purpose (Redispatch 2.0, BNetzA’s authority to define “grid-serving control” within the framework of Section 14a EnWG, benefit-rather-than-benefit rules pursuant to Section 13 (6b) EnWG). However, there is a need for further action because most load-side flexibilities – at least operationally – cannot be adequately taken into account either in Redispatch 2.0 or in other processes for avoiding grid congestion. This applies to larger flexible loads as well as small-scale, decentralized flexibilities, such as electric vehicles, heat pumps or small energy storage systems.

With this in mind, a stimulus paper will be drafted as part of the call for services proposed here that will outline a “Target Map of Grid-Supportive Market Design.” This map will

1. Provide an overview of the various needs for grid-serving system integration of load-side flexibilities and existing solution approaches and show what contributions the approaches could make, or for which needs they are unsuitable.
2. show which solution approaches are operationally compatible with each other in the view of the experts and how they would interlock in a target picture. If there are interactions between the solution approaches, these should be highlighted. The goal is to sketch an overall operational sequence of the target picture.
3. Consider the incentive structure of the proposed instruments, which should be evaluated in terms of their economic efficiency (taking into account the repercussions on other electricity markets, such as spot and balancing power markets).

The target map with its structured overview of solution approaches and the presentation of the possible procedural-operational interrelationship of the instruments will contribute to structuring the technical discussion. In particular, the impulse paper will be fed into the public discussions within the framework of the Platform for a Climate-Neutral Electricity System (PKNS) – and there, in particular, into the discussions on the topics of “local electricity price signals” and “load flexibilization”. The results are also to be used for the handling of the client with the planned EU-Network Code Demand Side Management (currently: ACER “Framework Guideline Demand Response”). Overall, the analysis is intended to help the the client, to identify a politically desirable direction of thrust for the public debate.