Can the grid operator limit my wallbox?

In Germany, non-public charge points above 4.2 kW put into operation since 2024 count as controllable devices. The grid operator may reduce them temporarily to prevent overload, but at least 4.2 kW remains.

Explained in

Load management · Stop 06How can grid signals and prices steer charging?Grid operators that may limit charging, capacity forecasts and dynamic prices: how signals from outside the site move charging in time, with Germany's §14a as an example.

Germany offers a concrete example. Non-public charge points of more than 4.2 kW connected at low voltage and put into operation since 1 January 2024 count as controllable devices. When the grid is at risk of overload, the grid operator may reduce their power temporarily, but each device keeps a minimum of 4.2 kW. Behind an energy management system, the minimum is set for the whole group, with a simultaneity factor.

From “When the grid operator may step in”, stop 06
  1. What is load management?Load management keeps many chargers below the limit of one connection by dividing the available power. Cars that stand for hours still get the energy they need.
  2. What is the difference between static and dynamic load management?Static load management gives each charge point a fixed share. Dynamic load management measures the building and gives the chargers whatever room is left at each moment.
  3. Why does a single-phase car matter for load management?A single-phase car draws all its current from one phase. Several of them on the same phase can overload it, so sites use phase rotation and count each phase.
  1. Bundesnetzagentur: BK6-22-300, Annex 1: Festlegung zur netzorientierten Steuerung von steuerbaren Verbrauchseinrichtungen, 27 November 2023, sections 2.4 and 4.5. https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Beschlusskammern/1_GZ/BK6-GZ/2022/BK6-22-300/Beschluss/BK6-22-300_Beschluss_Anlage1.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=1. Checked 09 Oct 2026.
  2. Bundesnetzagentur: BK6-22-300, Annex 1: Festlegung zur netzorientierten Steuerung von steuerbaren Verbrauchseinrichtungen, 27 November 2023, sections 2.4 and 4.5. https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Beschlusskammern/1_GZ/BK6-GZ/2022/BK6-22-300/Beschluss/BK6-22-300_Beschluss_Anlage1.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=1. Checked 09 Oct 2026.
  3. Bundesnetzagentur: BK6-22-300, Annex 1: Festlegung zur netzorientierten Steuerung von steuerbaren Verbrauchseinrichtungen, 27 November 2023, sections 2.4 and 4.5. https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Beschlusskammern/1_GZ/BK6-GZ/2022/BK6-22-300/Beschluss/BK6-22-300_Beschluss_Anlage1.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=1. Checked 09 Oct 2026.