Smart meter rollout should be faster

The German government wants to accelerate the smart meter rollout in Germany and implement it two years earlier than previously planned. The ZVEH (Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades) welcomes this, but warns against shifting obligations from metering point operators to customers.

The German government aims to accelerate the expansion of the electricity grid, improve the utilization of existing networks, and advance digitalization. The latter is to be achieved, in part, by bringing forward the smart meter rollout to the end of 2030 instead of the originally planned 2032. "By the end of 2030, the rollout for all relevant metering points should be over 90 percent complete," the government stated.

"All key data on grid expansion, grid utilization, and grid connection capacities will be made available in a standardized format on a central data platform. We want to strengthen cooperation between grid operators." For customers not subject to the mandatory rollout, the German government plans to introduce a "Smart Meter Light." This will allow them to optimize their electricity bills cost-effectively and securely.

Involve skilled tradespeople

Position Paper: The ZVEH ( Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades ) has published a position paper on accelerating the smart meter rollout . The ZVEH welcomes the fact that the rollout is now slated to be completed by 2030. "The fact that more than 90 percent of the relevant metering points are now to be equipped with smart meters by 2030, and not only by 2032, can only be a first step towards accelerating the installation of intelligent metering systems and control technology," explains ZVEH Managing Director Andreas Habermehl.

The association recommends aligning the rollout with the installation and commissioning processes in the skilled trades. In practice, it is often the case that customers and tradespeople do not receive any information from the metering point operators after the installation of photovoltaic systems, battery storage systems, heat pumps or charging stations regarding when a smart metering system and the necessary control technology will be installed.

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ZVEH proposes statutory time limits

According to the ZVEH (Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades), this problem could be solved by "clear legal deadlines." It would be even more sensible if installation companies carried out the installation of measuring systems and control technology themselves. Greater involvement of skilled tradespeople would have the advantage that they know their customers and are familiar with the local conditions. They also possess the necessary technical qualifications and experience.

However, for better integration, processes would need to be more clearly defined and interfaces between network operators, metering point operators, and electrical installation companies would need to be designed to be practical. "If this succeeds, the smart meter rollout can be implemented in a more practical, faster, and customer-friendly way," says Habermehl.

"Smart Meter Light not practical"

He also says: "However, the obligation to implement the rollout within the specified period lies fundamentally with the responsible metering point operator." The ZVEH therefore proposes setting deadlines for metering point operators within which intelligent metering systems and control technology must be provided after the installation of photovoltaic systems, heat pumps or charging stations.

The ZVEH (Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades) strongly rejects a mandatory ordering requirement, as planned in the course of the amendment to the "Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings" program. This amendment stipulates that only heat pumps for which the customer has already applied for an intelligent metering system including a control box from the metering point operator will be eligible for funding.

The introduction of Smart Meter Light is not a practical solution. It promotes duplication of services and increases the complexity of the rollout process. This is especially true if customer requirements change. In these cases, a complete upgrade to a full-fledged solution would be necessary. "This incurs further costs for installation and new coordination processes," said Habermehl.

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