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Wittlicher fights with Westnetz: Six months without solar payments!
In Trier, solar system operators are waiting for payments. Westnetz reports delays due to IT problems and increased registrations.
Wittlicher fights with Westnetz: Six months without solar payments!
A specific case is causing a stir in Wittlich: Turgut Aktas, a committed owner of a solar system, has been waiting for his installment payments for six months now. The network operator Westnetz, which is responsible for billing, is obviously struggling with considerable difficulties. According to a report by SWR Current Aktas used to receive regular payments, but these have stopped since the installation of a new smart meter last year. The intelligent meter now automatically transmits data to Westnetz every 15 minutes, which should actually simplify billing, but often doesn't work in practice.
Of the estimated 150 euros that Aktas loses every month, the loss to date amounts to around 750 euros. There is great frustration with poor feedback from Westnetz customer service. Especially since Aktas is not alone; the company confirms that it has received similar complaints from numerous other customers.
Background and causes
The problem has deeper roots. In 2024, a new IT system was introduced, which, together with an enormous increase in new registrations for solar systems, poses challenges for network operators. Around 70,000 customers registered a solar system last year - more than twice as many as in 2021. This boom, certainly also a result of the traffic light government's Easter package of 2022, has overwhelmed the operators. Those affected are not just Westnetz; Other network operators are also struggling with similar difficulties, as the consumer advice center in Mainz reports People's friend.
The main reason for the delayed payments is the poor integration of new meters into the operators' systems. There is also criticism that network operators are not sufficiently prepared for the new energy law requirements and the smart meter rollout. Although legal requirements exist, there are often no consequences for non-compliance, which often leads to disappointment for those affected.
Looking to the future of solar idolatry
Another aspect that is currently on the table is the upcoming changes to the feed-in tariff. From January 1, 2025, this will no longer apply if electricity prices for new photovoltaic systems are negative. Operators of smaller systems, who have previously received guaranteed payments of 8 cents per kilowatt hour, must prepare for new challenges, as the information from Regional photovoltaics clarify.
These upcoming reforms could fundamentally change the economic environment for system operators. While self-consumption will become more important, many operators, like Aktas, face financial uncertainties and challenges. It is now important to find innovative solutions to close the gaps in billing and remuneration and to further promote the booming expansion of renewable energies.