Regionality in Electricity Tariffs from the Energy Supply Companies’ Perspective - A Qualitative Content Analysis on Regional Electricity in Germany

Abstract

The new Registry of Guarantees of Regional Origin (GRO), established on 01.01.2019, enables electricity producers to give electricity deliveries proof of regionality, which in turn can be used by electricity suppliers as proof of regionality to end customers. However, still unknown are the advantages and disadvantages the concept of regional electricity has from the energy supplier’s perspective. To address this research gap seventeen expert interviews with energy supply companies of different sizes throughout Germany were conducted. The interviews shed light on the concept of regional electricity from different perspectives, taking into account both the advantages and the respective points of criticism, mainly from the interviewed experts’ point of view. The work places special attention on the sales side as well as on the purchasing side of regional electricity in Germany. Most of the experts had a very positive attitude towards regional electricity and are already implementing it or plan to do in the near future. However, there is a wish for adjustment of the regulations otherwise it cannot expand from being a niche product. This includes a request for financial improvement to increase its competitiveness thereby serving as an acceptance tool for the energy policy turnaround.

Keywords: Regional electricity; energy sector; energy transition; German electricity network.