2025: Meet Deadlines, Cut Costs, and Secure Competitiveness through Targeted Energy Management
Dear Readers,
The economic situation remains tense, energy prices continue to fluctuate, and geopolitical uncertainties increasingly affect supply chains and energy security. At the same time, regulatory requirements and societal pressure to meet climate goals are intensifying. Companies are under more pressure than ever to not only reduce their energy consumption but also to make it more resilient and independent.
With the introduction of the new Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), far-reaching obligations have come into force—especially for energy-intensive businesses. Combined with rising CO₂ prices, the reform of grid fees, and new requirements for building automation, a complex web of opportunities, challenges, and urgency is emerging.
In this specialist report, we show you what this new reality means for you:
Which laws are relevant, how to strategically improve your energy efficiency—and how smart energy management can help you reduce costs and secure your competitiveness in the long term. Make 2025 your turning point for a future-proof energy strategy!
1. The Basics: Standards for Professional Energy Management
DIN EN ISO 50001 – The Foundation of Energy Management
DIN EN ISO 50001 forms the central foundation for implementing energy management systems (EnMS). This standard helps companies systematically monitor and reduce their energy use, lowering operating costs and reducing environmental impact (CO₂ emissions). Starting mid-July 2025, companies consuming more than 7.5 GWh per year must implement an energy or environmental management system (EMS) according to this standard under the EnEfG. Certification under this standard may also be required to qualify for certain tax reliefs.
DIN EN ISO 50005 – A Starting Point for SMEs
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ISO 50005 offers a simplified introduction to energy management. It provides a practical guide without the full complexity of ISO 50001 and is not mandatory for SMEs.
DIN EN 16247 – Entry into Energy Audits
Companies that no longer qualify as SMEs and do not operate a certified EnMS or EMAS-compliant EMS must conduct energy audits according to DIN EN 16247. This standard serves as a foundation for implementing ISO 50001 and helps identify efficiency potential.
DIN EN 17463 (VALERI) – Evaluate Economic Viability
The VALERI standard enables companies to assess the economic viability of investments in energy efficiency. Companies using more than 10 GWh/year must verify their efficiency efforts according to this standard. It supports other legislation like ISO 50001, EnSimiMaV, EnFG, and BECV by ensuring cost-effective measures are implemented.
2. Legal Requirements: What Matters in 2025
In 2025, key transition periods end and various new legal obligations come into effect, requiring companies to implement energy management systems and improve energy efficiency. An overview of the most important laws:
Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG):
Companies with annual consumption over 7.5 GWh must implement an EnMS or EMS and apply energy-saving measures by July 2025. The certified software visual energy helps track and document all efficiency measures.
Building Energy Act (GeG):
Starting in 2025, companies must comply with the Building Energy Act (Gebäudeenergiegesetz – GeG) by implementing modern building automation systems in new buildings equipped with climate control, heating, or ventilation systems that have a nominal output exceeding 290 kW. Alternatively, existing buildings may fulfill this requirement by implementing an Energy Management System (EnMS), as these must be equipped with digital energy monitoring technology that enables continuous oversight. The aim of this regulation is to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption, enabling companies to meet the growing demands for sustainability and energy savings. For detailed implementation guidance, please refer to Section 4.
Energy Services Act (EDL-G):
Under the EDL-G, companies not classified as micro, small, or medium-sized and consuming over 500 MWh/year must regularly conduct energy audits unless they operate a certified EnMS. Our software solutions help you collect and analyze audit data efficiently.
Energy Financing Act (EnFG):
Energy-intensive companies can benefit from levy reductions (e.g., KWK levy, offshore grid surcharge) by implementing an EnMS or EMS and applying efficiency measures.
Carbon Leakage Ordinance (BECV):
Companies consuming over 10 GWh/year may receive CO₂ cost reimbursements if they implement an EnMS or EMS. KBR helps monitor CO₂ data and ensure compliance.
3. Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and StromNEV – Flexibility Encouraged
The German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and the associated reform of industrial grid charges through the Electricity Grid Charges Ordinance (StromNEV) require energy suppliers to implement grid-oriented control of controllable consumption devices and grid connections. Additionally, an incentive is being introduced to encourage companies to flexibly adjust their energy consumption in response to fluctuations in supply and demand. Companies that succeed in doing so can benefit from lower grid charges and other financial incentives. Conversely, those that fail to implement this flexibility may face higher costs. We have previously reported on this ongoing process. As it currently stands, the existing regulations of the StromNEV will remain in force until 2028. After that, atypical grid usage and individual grid fees will be discontinued in their current form. For grid operators, this means they must monitor controllable customer devices—such as heat pumps or charging stations—and adjust consumption in real time.
4. Rising Energy Prices: How to Respond
Rising surcharges and levies have noticeably increased energy costs in 2025. Key changes:
§19 StromNEV surcharge has risen to 1.558 ct/kWh (2024: 0.643 ct/kWh)
Offshore grid surcharge increased to 0.816 ct/kWh (2024: 0.656 ct/kWh)
CO₂ tax increased from €45/t to €55/t CO₂
To counteract this, companies must focus more on energy efficiency, self-generation, and modern technologies.
As your energy management partner, KBR offers innovative solutions to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Our 360° approach is modular and tailored to your needs. Here’s our recommendation for 2025:
Measure all relevant energy flows in your company—where energy is generated or consumed. Use precise, flexible, modular metering technology. KBR provides both the hardware and custom metering concepts.
Gain transparency and uncover efficiency potential with an energy data management system like visual energy, TÜV Süd-certified again in 2025 for DIN EN ISO 50001.
Manage your loads smartly and flexibly. The EnWG rewards companies that can adjust grid draw. Use systems like multimax for load management and reduce peaks with storage or in-house generation.
Reduce overall grid consumption. With rising energy prices, every saved kWh counts. Reactive power compensation systems and power quality analyzers help save energy and protect your equipment.
We also support you in implementing EnMS, accessing funding, and complying with legal requirements. Trust our experience and expertise since 1976 to future-proof your energy strategy for 2025 and beyond. We’re happy to advise you!
Yours,
Jonas Klaus
Technical Editor
KBR GmbH
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