Infrastructure

We advise operators and owners of gas and electricity supply networks on all operational and strategic issues relating to network tariff regulation. This applies in particular to decisions on the long-term orientation and profitability of network operation and to communication with the regulatory authorities in ongoing proceedings. Where necessary and economically viable, we conduct legal proceedings to review and correct the decisions of the regulatory authorities.

We advise on the implementation of the legal requirements for the unbundling of network operations from competitive activities, including the resulting issues of structuring vertically integrated energy utilities.

We advise on the conclusion of concession agreements for electricity and gas supply networks. We also advise on legal issues relating to the rights and obligations arising from concession agreements, including the payment of concession fees. We also assist with concession award procedures in the water sector.

Operators of energy supply networks are subject to far-reaching and detailed obligations to install modern metering equipment and intelligent metering systems in accordance with the Metering Act (introduction of smart meters). We support you in the related operational and strategic decisions as well as in other legal issues arising from the necessary digitisation of the energy industry.

Aecoute° advises on all legal issues related to the operation of closed distribution networks or customer facilities within the meaning of the Energy Industry Act. First and foremost is the legal and strategic decision on the categorisation of the infrastructure in question as a distribution network or customer facility. Aecoute's support also includes, in particular, assistance in proceedings before the competent regulatory authorities and in disputes with other market participants.

Greenhouse gas neutrality requires the transformation of all emitting sectors, including the transport sector. In addition to modal shift and traffic avoidance, the internal combustion engine will be replaced by electric motors in passenger cars, medium commercial vehicles and public transport. The infrastructure is currently being developed. 

We advise mobility service providers and operators of charging infrastructure as well as demand-side project and district companies, property managers and large customers on the procurement and development of charging infrastructure and on the use and marketing of GHG quotas.

The necessary conversion of energy supply systems to a complete supply of renewable energies, which are largely fed in on a volatile basis, will also depend to a considerable extent on the integration of systems for the storage of electrical energy in a mechanical, chemical or battery-electric manner. The legal requirements provide a number of privileges for the grid connection and grid access of storage systems and electrolysers, as well as their economic operation. We can advise you on these issues.

Although the contractual content of the civil-law agreements to be concluded in the regulated network area is largely determined by statutory or official regulations, there is a need in various areas to establish legally secure and economically appropriate solutions by means of contracts. This applies, among other things, to agreements on special charges as defined by Section 19 (2) and (3) StromNEV or Section 20 (2) GasNEV. We support market participants in negotiations for the conclusion of such agreements as well as in the conclusion of other civil law contracts in connection with the operation, takeover or transfer of infrastructure facilities

We advise operators of the equipment required for the conversion of the energy supply system - e.g. operators of hydrogen production plants - on possible subsidies. We check whether the relevant requirements are met and assist with the application.

The legal provisions governing the operation of electricity and gas supply networks affect the European legal requirements for the granting of state aid in various areas. We advise on the resulting legal issues.

The levies, taxes and charges imposed by the government and levied on domestic and industrial end-users are closely related to the charges for the use of energy networks. We examine in which cases special rules apply that lead to a reduction in the economic burden of levies and charges.

The development of urban areas into ecological and sustainable living spaces touches on a variety of energy law issues. We advise companies involved in this process on strategic planning and on specific issues, such as drafting the necessary contracts

We assist clients with all legal issues relating to the construction and expansion of heating and cooling networks and heat and cold storage facilities.

Owners and operators of energy supply facilities are often public purchasers who have to comply with special rules when awarding contracts. We can assist you with the relevant procedures.