Intelligent measuring systems | Germany is not lagging behind: Why our smart meters are international role model

Intelligent measuring systems: Germany's strategic lead in digital power supply

Germany is at the beginning of a comprehensive transformation of its energy supply. At the center of this digital revolution is the nationwide introduction of intelligent measuring systems, commonly known as a smart meter. They ring in an era in which electricity is no longer only used passively, but is intelligently controlled and optimized. For a long time, Germany has been criticized for its supposedly hesitant approach in the smart meter introduction, while other European countries such as Sweden, Denmark or Italy have been relying on this technology for years. But what looks like a deficit at first glance turns out to be a strategic advantage on a closer look that could catapult Germany to the top of a new generation of smart grids.

Experts emphasize that the German approach, although later started, offers decisive functions and flexibility that lack many early systems. An intelligent measuring system is much more than a digital electricity meter. It is the heart of a high -proof, bidirectional communication infrastructure that combines consumers, producers and network operators. The highest security standards, certified by the Federal Office for Information Technology (BSI), play a central role to ensure data integrity and data protection. This technology paves the way for dynamic electricity tariffs, optimizes energy management in households and companies and enables future-oriented applications such as bidirectional charging of electric vehicles in which your electric car becomes a mobile energy storage.

With a clear rollout timetable, which will be mandatory for many households and systems from 2025, and an intelligent cost distribution system, Germany is preparing for a profound change in the energy market. From the technical basics to communication channels to the potential for resilient and climate -neutral energy supply.

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A late start with a strategic advantage

While other European countries have been relying on intelligent electricity meters for years, Germany lagged behind for a long time. In Sweden, Denmark or Italy, almost every household is equipped with a smart meter, while less than five percent of all households currently have this technology in Germany. However, this delay was not an oversight, but part of a carefully thought -out plan.

The deputy chairman of the Netztechnik/Netzbetrieb (FNN) forum in VDE, Ingo Schönberg, sums it up: Germany comes late, but with the right solutions. While other countries have been able to monitor consumption for a long time, they do not have the flexibility and controllability that the German system will offer.

The technical basis: more than just one electricity meter

An intelligent measuring system consists of significantly more than a conventional digital electricity meter. The heart forms the smart meter gateway, a highly safe communication unit that connects the counter with different systems. This combination of modern measuring device and gateway enables bidirectional communication between consumers, producers and network operators.

The Federal Office of Information Technology (BSI) plays a central role in this. It not only certifies the smart meter gateways according to the highest security standards, but also continuously develops the technical requirements. In the meantime, five independent manufacturers have all the necessary certificates for the smart meter rollout.

The so-called control boxes or CLS modules (Controllable Local Systems) are particularly important, which enable precise control of energy generation systems and consumption devices. These components were recently certified by several manufacturers and enable both steps by means of relay and stepless control via the EEBUS standard.

Communication via different channels

Data transmission takes place via several communication channels. The backbone forms its own fiber optic network that connects all network connection points. Two main options are available for the smart meters in the households: mobile communications and the 450 MHz frequency band specially reserved for the energy industry.

The 450 MHz network offers special advantages with its high range and good building penetration. This makes it possible to reliably achieve smart meters in basement or difficult to access. The Federal Network Agency has allocated these frequencies of 450Connect GmbH by 2040, which has been driving the structure of the nationwide network since 2021. From 2025, the 450 MHz radio network should be available nationwide.

The rollout schedule: structured introduction by 2030

The legal framework for the smart meter rollout was created with the law to restart the digitization of the energy transition. From January 2025, consumers with an annual consumption of at least 6,000 kilowatt hours are obliged to install an intelligent measuring system. The same applies to operators of generation plants from seven kilowatts of installed performance as well as controllable consumption facilities.

The rollout program follows an ambitious schedule: by the end of 2025, 20 percent of customers in the compulsory installation cases are to be equipped with intelligent measuring systems, which corresponds to over 2.5 million devices. At least 95 percent should be completed by 2030. Current figures from the Federal Network Agency show that at the end of 2024 13.91 percent of the compulsory incoming facilities were already equipped with an intelligent measuring system.

In addition, since 2025, all consumers have the right to voluntarily request an intelligent measuring system, regardless of their consumption. The measuring point operator must meet this request within four months.

Cost transparency and fair distribution

The costs for intelligent measuring systems have been divided between consumers and network operators since 2024. For most households, annual cost of 20 euros gross, while at controllable consumption devices such as wall boxes or heat pumps, 50 euros per year are incurred. The network operator bears all other costs, which receives better network status information through the intelligent measuring systems and can optimize its network operation.

However, the Federal Ministry of Economics is planning cost increases for voluntary installations. The one -time installation costs should increase from 30 to 100 euros and the annual operating costs by an additional 30 euros. This increase has met with criticism from consumer advocates because it could make participation in the energy transition less attractive.

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Flexibility through intelligent control

A central advantage of the new technology lies in their flexibility. Instead of direct interventions in individual systems, the system relies on the specification of corridors at the network connection point. Within these upper and lower limits, end users can use or feed their electricity according to their own needs. Control interventions only take place when these limits are exceeded.

This approach avoids that private solar systems or wall boxes have to be switched directly. Instead, the bundling of larger networks ensures local balance before it is intervened at the middle and high-voltage level. If 80 percent of the consumption centers can be reached, the remaining fluctuations can be compensated for.

Modern control technology also enables adaptation of the performance of producing systems instead of switching them off completely. The tax limit for generation plants was originally raised by two to seven kilowatts in order to burden smaller house facilities less.

Bidirectional shop and vehicle-to-grid

A particularly forward -looking development is the bidirectional loading of electric vehicles. This technology, also known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), enables electric cars not only to load electricity, but also to feed back into the network if necessary. The vehicle batteries become mobile energy storage that can stabilize the power grid.

The bidirectional charging can absorb excess energy from renewable sources and release it again if necessary. This contributes to network stability and can reduce the costs of electromobility. Although the technology is already available, Asian vehicles are currently equipped with CHADAMO plugs.

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Dynamic electricity tariffs: Prices follow the offer

With the introduction of intelligent measuring systems, dynamic electricity tariffs also become reality. Since 2025, all energy suppliers have to offer such variable tariffs. These adapt to the prices of the electricity exchange every hour and enable consumers to benefit from cheap phases.

Dynamic tariffs work particularly well in combination with intelligent measuring systems, as these enable timely recording and billing of consumption. Consumers can move their electricity consumption in a targeted manner in times of lower prices, for example when charging the electric car or when operating energy -intensive devices.

The prices vary significantly depending on the supply and demand. On sunny and windy days with high production of renewable energies, prices can become very low or even negative, while they rise significantly when demanding is high. These price signals help to better coordinate consumption and generation.

Security and data protection in focus

Germany attaches particular importance to the safety of the intelligent measuring systems. The BSI has developed extensive technical guidelines and certifies all components according to the highest cybersecurity standards. The smart meter gateways have standardized, integrated security modules that ensure trustworthy communication.

An important aspect is that there is no coupling with the local IT. Communication runs over separate, secure channels to protect the privacy of users. The system is designed in such a way that different associations are integrated into development and protection.

Smart grid and medium -voltage level

The intelligent power grid controls mainly at the middle and high-voltage level. Modern sensor technology enables these network levels to be intelligently monitored and controlled. Innovative solutions such as integrated electricity and voltage sensors for medium voltage can be easily retrofitted into existing local network stations.

These sensors continuously record network parameters and enable automated network monitoring. They form an important building block for future smart grids, which are characterized by intelligent systems for recording, analysis, control, storage and for the safe transport of electricity.

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Blackfall resistance and crisis resilience

A special focus is on the blackfall strength of the system. The measuring position operating law stipulates that measuring position operators can be obliged to use an interruption -free, blackfall -resistant telecommunications connection. This is crucial for system stability because the intelligent measuring system is increasingly responsible for the control of decentralized systems.

The concept differentiates between blackfall resistance and blackfall. While blackfall -resistant systems also work during a power failure, blackfall robust systems can be controlled again a few minutes after the network voltage is returned. For most customer systems, a blackfall robust design is considered sufficient because it is significantly more cost -effective.

International role model function

Although Germany started late, the German smart meter system is becoming an international model. From 2027, the Netherlands rely on an almost identical system. While you abolish your previous net metering system, you are guided by the German solution for intelligent measuring systems.

In a European comparison, it turns out that different countries have chosen different approaches. Italy was a pioneer and already introduced smart meters from 2001. Sweden also achieved an almost complete cover. However, these early systems mainly focused on consumption recording and did not offer the comprehensive control options of the German system.

Energy management for households and companies

Intelligent measuring systems enable completely new energy management for private households and companies. Thanks to the detailed recording of electricity consumption, users can optimize their consumption behavior and save costs. The systems not only indicate the current consumption, but also enable breakdown over different periods.

It becomes particularly interesting in combination with decentralized generation systems such as photovoltaic systems. Households become so -called “prosumers” that both consume and produce electricity. The intelligent measuring system automatically coordinates production and consumption and optimizes feed -in on the network.

The role of fiber optic infrastructure

The glass fiber infrastructure plays a crucial role in smart metering. High -performance fiber optic networks offer the necessary bandwidth and transmission speed for real -time communication of intelligent measuring systems. With the highest capacities, the lowest latencies and practically complete insensitivity to electromagnetic disorders, glass fiber is the ideal transmission technology.

Some energy suppliers already use their own fiber optic networks for smart meter connection. This enables state -of -the -art, bidirectional data transmission without additional investments in the communication infrastructure. For example, the German Giganetz is investing 1.5 million euros in retrofitting its distribution points with intelligent points and solar panels.

Future perspectives and potential

The Smart Grid is considered one of the key technologies for the German energy transition. It enables the optimal integration of renewable energies that already cover 56 percent of German electricity requirements. The intelligent network can react to the weather-related volatility of solar and wind energy and use it more efficiently.

New business models are created by the flexibility of the system. Energy companies can offer innovative services and households with their own electricity generation can take part in the energy market. Energy management for companies is also revolutionized because intelligent control systems help to save energy and control costs.

The federal government massively promotes the expansion of intelligent networks. The goal is to increase the proportion of renewable energies in electricity consumption to at least 80 percent by 2030 and to achieve complete climate neutrality by 2045. The Smart Grid is an indispensable component to achieve these ambitious goals.

A well thought -out route to the energy future

Germany may be started later than other countries in the introduction of intelligent measuring systems, but this apparent disadvantage proves to be a strategic advantage. The German system not only offers consumption recording, but also comprehensive control options that enable flexible and efficient energy industry. With the highest security standards, well-thought-out technology and a clear rollout plan, Germany is faced with a digital energy future that is considered internationally and already wins.

The intelligent measuring systems are more than just modern electricity meters - they are the basis for a completely new energy system that can react flexibly to the challenges of the energy transition. From dynamic electricity tariffs to bidirectional shops to the integration of decentralized generation systems - the Smart Grid makes Germany fit for sustainable energy future.

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