The German Steel Association (WV Stahl) warned that the expected increase in transmission grid charges in 2027 will add to cost pressures on steel producers and called for the EUR 6.5 billion budget support to be maintained in full and on a permanent basis.
According to the association’s statement dated October 1, 2026, preliminary figures published by Germany’s four transmission system operators, 50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT Germany and TransnetBW, indicate that transmission grid charges are expected to increase by more than 20% in 2027.
Drawing attention to the impact of the planned reduction in budget support, the association said the support provided at the beginning of this year should be made permanent. It stated that expectations of another increase in grid charges demonstrate the need to maintain the full EUR 6.5 billion support.
Electricity costs are putting pressure on competitiveness
The association emphasized that electricity costs in Germany are not internationally competitive and are placing a significant burden on the steel industry. It said companies need affordable electricity, including grid charges, to remain competitive internationally and continue investing in Germany.
The statement said that under current conditions, with the Middle East crisis adding further pressure on energy prices, greater support should be provided to the sector rather than imposing additional cost burdens.
The association recalled that the reintroduction of budget support for transmission grid costs enabled the significant grid charges, which had previously risen substantially, to be reduced noticeably at the beginning of this year. It called for no reversal of this improvement.
