Network reserve
The aim of the network reserve is to ensure that sufficient supply and demand are available at all times to eliminate bottlenecks in the transmission grid. The network reserve is thus a pool of additional generation capacity or reducible demand capacity that can be called upon if congestion occurs within the system. APG determines the amount of network reserve required each year by carrying out a system analysis in accordance with § 143 ElWG (Austrian Electricity Law). This reserve capacity is then procured through a transparent, non-discriminatory, market-based tender procedure in line with § 144 ff ElWG (in the version of the network reserve ordinance to be issued by E-Control according to § 146 (4) ElWG). Following approval by the regulatory authority, a network reserve contract is concluded with those providers who have been successful. Contracted plant operators receive a fee based on the bid price in return for the power reserves provided. Any activation of network reserve plants will be compensated for separately in accordance with the congestion management agreements to be entered into (see General Terms and Conditions for Network Reserves). The tender procedure starts in March every year. All relevant information will be published on this page.
Current grid reserve procurement process
Grid reserve for 2025/26 secured by APG: In accordance with Section 23b (2) ElWOG 2010, APG has selected and contractually secured the necessary grid reserve for the period October 2025 to September 2026 in a two-stage process. The selection of a total of up to approx. 2.2 GW of grid reserve power plants was previously reviewed and approved by the regulatory authority E-Control.
The next procurement process for 2026/27, the first one after the new approval by the European Commission (SA.113090), is already being prepared. There will be two webinars, a German and an English one for everyone interested to participate in the next procurement. Please register for the webinars via the links below:
Wednesday, 28.01.2026 3:30-5:00 p.m. (German) - Registration
Friday, 30.01.2026 9:00-10:30 a.m. (English) - Registration
Contact
Netzreserve
Decommissioning notification
Operators of generation plants with a congestion capacity of more than 1 MW are obliged to notify the control area manager of the decommissioning of their plant.
Expression of interest
All suppliers who intend to make their plants available to the grid reserve can express their interest to APG within the aforementioned expression of interest period.
Offer phase
APG selects the grid reserve providers in a two-stage process.