Cost-effectiveness in the interest of all electricity consumers

For 50Hertz, cost-effectiveness is a prime consideration during grid-extension projects. This means that, as a rule, the most economical construction is planned, which benefits, not least, the electricity consumers.

As a consequence, 50Hertz aims for the "racing line" as shortest route in grid-extension projects. It is to be deviated from only to protect significant goods such as people and nature. Cost-effectiveness is in the interest of all electricity consumers. The German ordinance regulating electricity grid access prices (Stromnetzentgeltverordnung or StromNEV) provides for the costs generated as a result of grid maintenance and extensions to be passed on to consumers in the form of use-of-system charges. For this reason, the construction of overhead lines is to be preferred to underground cabling. Laying buried cables increases construction costs by a factor between 4 and 10. Laying cable in tunnels would raise costs by a factor between 30 and 40.