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.  

Consultation of E-Control on APG’s Draft Methodology for system analysis and dimensioning of the network reserve by September 14, 2026

APG, as control area manager, carries out on a yearly basis a system analysis based on the relevant methodology to determine the need of flexible capacity required for congestion management in the Austrian power grid as of 1^st October of the following year. An essential aspect is the consideration of network critical situations that could jeopardize grid and supply security in accordance with § 5 para. 1 (6) of the Electricity Act (ElWG). The network reserve (“Netzreserve”) need is derived from the system analysis and is a crucial instrument for removing grid bottlenecks and safeguarding the grid security.

Pursuant to Section 143(3) of ElWG, APG has to develop a draft methodology for conducting the system analysis. The draft is issued for approval by the regulatory authority, E-Control. APG fulfilled the requirement by submitting the methodology on 18^th February, 2026 (“Initial Application”). After feedback from the regulatory authority, APG submitted an amended draft of the methodology to the regulatory authority for approval via a supplementary application on July 14^th, 2026. The consistency of APG’s draft methodologies has been justified and confirmed by external assessors before submission.

Pursuant to Section 143(3) of the Electricity Market Act (ElWG), E-Control must, after consultation with all relevant market participants, issue a decision on the method for the execution of the system analysis.

APG hereby publishes its statement as part of the consultation process conducted by E-Control.

The APG’s statement can be downloaded from the “Download” section below (German only).

The consultation documents are available online on the Homepage der E-Control.

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 tender is currently in the second phase where prequalified operators are invited to make offers for their participation in the network reserve with the delivery period 10/2026 to 10/2027. The offer phase is open from 29.04.2026 until 27.05.2026.