This is what you need to know now

The most important questions

Smart meters are becoming mandatory: What you need to know

Smart meters calculate energy consumption precisely and transmit meter readings automatically. For whom will intelligent measuring systems become mandatory in the future?

Analogue electricity meters, which are still available in many households, will gradually be replaced by digital measuring systems. Comprehensive installation is planned by 2032. This is what the law on the digitalization of the energy transition provides. Certain household groups even get intelligent measuring systems, so-called smart meters.

“Smart meters are intelligent measuring systems that consist of a digital meter and a communication module,” explains Alexander Steinfeldt from the non-profit consulting company co2online. “The recorded data can be transmitted directly to the measurement service provider.”

Thanks to smart meters, network operators can make better use of their electricity network. The devices are necessary, for example, to include more electricity from renewable energies in the power grid. They should also ensure that the electricity requirements of electric cars and heat pumps can be met at all times. “The intelligent measuring systems make it possible to coordinate production and consumption,” explains Alexander Steinfeldt.

If there is a risk of network overload, network operators are generally allowed to limit electricity purchases. This is what it says in the Energy Industry Act. But: “This is purely a precautionary measure,” says Holgerschneidewindt, consultant for energy law at the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center.

Nobody has to worry that devices will simply be switched off if you use the electricity for your heat pump or wallbox. There are clear guidelines for limiting performance. Normal household electricity remains unaffected.

• Read here: How much power consumption is still normal?

Households that consume more than 6,000 kilowatt hours per year must have such an intelligent metering system from 2025. For comparison: On average, a four-person household consumes between 2,900 and 5,100 kilowatt hours per year, writes co2online – consumption depends on whether the people live in a house or an apartment and whether their hot water is heated electrically.

Anyone who operates a heat pump or charges their car with a wallbox also needs a smart meter – just like operators of a solar system with a nominal output of more than seven kilowatts.

Electricity customers who consume less than 6,000 kilowatt hours per year usually receive a modern digital measuring device, according to the Federal Network Agency. In contrast to the smart meter, this does not have a communication unit. The devices cannot be read remotely and they do not send consumption levels.

With a smart meter you can track your electricity consumption more accurately and transparently. The consumption values ​​are saved for up to 24 hours. This makes it easy to identify devices that consume a lot of power.

It is enough for many households to check their electricity consumption once a year, for example with the electricity mirror. “But if you know more about your consumption, you can save electricity more specifically,” says Alexander Steinfeldt.

They have another advantage: If you use dynamic electricity tariffs, which will be offered more frequently in the future, you can reduce your costs by, for example, charging your electric car during the hours when the electricity price is particularly cheap.

No, the measuring point operators approach the households, according to the consumer advice centers. You must therefore inform customers at least three months before installation and point out the specific date two weeks in advance. They must also point out the possibility of switching to another operator and offer at least one possible alternative date.

The devices automatically transmit data – so theoretically there is always a risk of data misuse or hacker attacks. Alexander Steinfeldt advises consumers to make sure to install security updates regularly.

At the same time, the energy expert reassures: “The very high safety standards are anchored in law.” The Federal Office for Information Security monitors security.

In addition to the data protection aspect, private individuals may also incur additional costs for installing and operating the smart meter – which are not always amortized given low consumption.

According to the Federal Network Agency, the costs for the smart meter include installation and operation as well as maintenance, reading and data transmission. In total, a maximum of 20 euros including VAT per year may be charged for these standard services with an annual consumption of 6,000 to 10,000 kilowatt hours.