Controllable Wallbox and §14a EnWG: What You Need to Know!

When choosing a wallbox for home charging, a lot of factors play a role. But before exploring features and functionality, make sure the one you pick is controllable and meets the requirements of §14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). This is vital in Germany.

In this article, we explain what makes an EV charger controllable and how you can benefit from the new regulation. By the end, you will know how to select a §14a EnWG-compliant wallbox.

A controllable wallbox is a smart charging station for your electric vehicle that can be managed remotely to balance the pressure on the electricity grid. It adjusts its charging speed or pauses charging when there’s a lot of electricity demand. This strategy helps prevent overloading of the power grid. 

A controllable wallbox works by connecting to the electricity grid and having its charging process adjusted based on real-time demand. This is something you as a user cannot control. When there's high energy consumption, the wallbox can automatically slow down or pause charging to help balance the load. 
Under the updated Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), valid in Germany, effective January 1, 2024, EV chargers must be capable of reducing power output to a minimum of 4.2 kW during grid overloads. So in other words, every wallbox installed after that date must be controllable. 
This regulation is a control mechanism acting as a safeguard for rather rare cases of grid overload. So there is no need to worry if you use a controllable wallbox, it doesn’t mean you will constantly experience interrupted or slowed-down charging. This could only happen in absolute emergencies. 
Grid operators can control wallboxes through the following solutions:

The ripple control receiver is the most common solution. The network operator installs a ripple control receiver in your electrical system. It acts as an intermediary between the grid and the wallbox. When needed, the operator sends a signal to reduce charging power or stop charging temporarily. This works with §14a-compliant wallboxes, limiting power to 4.2 kW. Signals can be transmitted via a cable or digitally.

The power contactor is a rarely used solution. If your wallbox cannot be controlled directly via a ripple control receiver or control box, a contactor interrupts the power supply in the event of an overload. This means the charging process will stop completely until it can be resumed safely.

The FNN control box takes place of a traditional (analogue) ripple control receiver. The control box enables more intelligent digital communication between the grid operator and your wallbox and reduces the power in case of a heavy grid overload.

Not every wallbox meets the technical requirements to qualify as controllable in accordance with §14a EnWG. To comply with the new regulations, a charging station must have at least one digital interface.

Yes, the go-e Charger is a controllable wallbox. It can work with a ripple control receiver or control box, which may reduce the charging power to balance the load on the grid. For load balancing purposes, as an example, you can further reduce the charging power within this limitation using the app or directly on the device. However, it cannot be increased beyond the set limit.
The stationary go-e Charger Gemini 2.0 comes with two data cables that can be directly wired into your electrical system. Your electrician needs to connect the potential-free output of the control box or ripple control receiver to the white and red signal wires on the go-e Charger, as outlined in the instructions. Further adjustments may be necessary in the app to complete the setup.
There are also ways to make our mobile wallbox go-e Charger Gemini flex 2.0 controllable. You will find them in a PDF document we have prepared for you.

Section 14a of the EnWG introduces both obligations and benefits for wallbox owners. The regulation primarily applies to wallboxes with an output of 4.2 kW or more, which covers most private charging stations (typically 11 kW or 22 kW). 
The main points it introduces are the following: 

• Wallboxes commissioned in 2024 or later must be controllable by the grid operator. Older wallboxes (installed before 2024) with controllable consumption have protected rights.

• In grid overload situations, the charging power can be reduced to a minimum of 4.2 kW, ensuring the stability of the electricity network.

• In return for making their wallbox controllable, owners receive financial benefits.

From this short summary, you can already guess what pros and cons this new regulation brings you. 

We get it — no one likes the idea of their charging being interrupted, even for a short time. But let’s look at the bigger picture. Controllable wallboxes offer some clear benefits that make them a smart investment for the future.

• As a controllable wallbox owner, you can get a flat annual reduction, percentage-based savings, or time-based reductions for grid-friendly charging.

• You get to contribute to a more reliable electricity supply and support the energy transition.

• Installing a controllable wallbox not only ensures compliance with new legal requirements but also prepares you for smarter grid solutions in the coming years.

There is nothing perfect in the world, including the regulations in Germany. Even though the §14a EnWG has a lot of positive aspects, you need to be aware of the drawbacks, too.

• Charging power may be reduced during times of high load, which could extend charging times.

• Some technical upgrades, like a ripple control receiver or control box, may incur extra costs (ranging from €100 to €600).

All in all, it is not entirely bad or good for you, it’s just different. 

At the moment, there are two main compensation models for controllable wallboxes in Germany. You can either receive a fixed reduction in grid fees, saving around €110–190 per year or benefit from a 60% reduction in consumption costs, which requires a separate meter. 
Starting in April 2025, a time-variable grid fee will also be available, offering even cheaper charging during off-peak hours when the grid is less utilised.

Read more about it in our blog about §14a EnWG.

A controllable wallbox usually means a smart wallbox that can be connected to the internet and offer features like PV surplus charging, load balancing, and more. Prices start at around €500 and reach up to €1600 or more. Our go-e Charger costs €749 - €1.149* depending on the model and the charging power.

* RPP