The German government maintains a uniform electricity price, which experts view as an obstacle to European energy market integration. Bernd Weber of the Epico think tank warns of delays in grid expansion. In countries like Sweden, concerns are growing about rising prices.
Germany's uniform electricity price is considered inefficient and incurs high costs. Last year alone, billions of euros were spent on balancing costs for grid operators.
Bernd Weber, head of the Epico think tank, told Handelsblatt: “The adherence to the uniform electricity price zone weakens the willingness for rapid grid expansion with Germany and threatens to become a brake on European energy market integration.”
The EU Commission has been pushing for multiple bidding zones for years. The topic has regained stronger focus in Germany in recent weeks. Sweden and other countries fear that additional connections with Germany will bring high price pressure to their own markets.
