Electricity bill simply explained

In Germany, the electricity price in 2026 is composed of several clearly defined components. In addition to the actual energy price, consumers pay legally regulated taxes, levies, and grid charges. Some former surcharges have been abolished, while others have been adjusted. Below you will find an up-to-date overview for 2026.

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1. Energy price

The energy price you pay to your energy supplier is market-driven and therefore a key factor in managing your electricity costs. It is stated in cents per kilowatt-hour and fluctuates depending on market prices, procurement strategy, and contract term.

The energy price includes:
Electricity generation or procurement
Sales, billing, and service

2. Grid charges

Grid charges finance the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the electricity grids. They vary by region and are charged to consumers by the energy supplier based on electricity consumption.

3. Statutory levies (as of 2026)

Surcharge for special grid usage

1.559 ct/kWh

This surcharge compensates for special cases of grid usage and is levied uniformly nationwide.

CHP levy (KWKG levy)

0.446 ct/kWh

This levy finances the promotion of combined heat and power (CHP) plants for efficient electricity and heat generation.

Offshore grid levy

0.941 ct/kWh

This levy covers the costs of grid connections for offshore wind farms as well as compensation payments in the event of disruptions.

4. Electricity tax

2.05 ct/kWh

The electricity tax is uniform nationwide. Statutory reliefs apply to certain companies in the manufacturing sector as well as in agriculture and forestry. For consumers, the tax rate remains unchanged.

5. Concession levy

approx. 1.32 to 2.39 ct/kWh

The concession levy is charged by municipalities for the use of public roads and spaces by electricity lines.

6. Metering services and electricity meters

In many electricity bills, these items are shown separately:

Operation and maintenance of the electricity meter
Where applicable, costs for modern metering devices or smart meters

The charges are legally capped and depend on the type of meter used.

7. Value-added tax (VAT)

A VAT rate of 19% is applied to almost all components of the electricity bill.
It is added to the total amount at the end.

Conclusion: Consumption is the decisive factor

Electricity prices consist of market-driven, regulated, and tax-related components. While procurement prices fluctuate, taxes and levies remain largely stable and continue to account for a significant share of the total electricity price.

Especially for companies, the most effective levers for sustainably reducing electricity costs are energy efficiency, durable technology, and reduced maintenance requirements – regardless of government taxes and levies.

GLT LED TUBE for maximum energy savings

That is why we developed the GLT LED TUBE – a high-performance, long-lasting LED tube manufactured in Germany. It is specifically designed for 1:1 replacement of T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes in accordance with the international standard IEC/EN 62776, enabling a safe and straightforward transition without replacing existing luminaires.

With a service life of up to 130,000 hours (L70), energy and maintenance savings of up to 80%, high-quality SMD components, and a recycling rate of over 90%, the GLT TUBE is not only highly energy-efficient but also exceptionally sustainable.

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