Digital meters for Berlin
Since 2017, the conventional meters currently in operation will be replaced by us free of charge with modern metering devices. The replacement of the approx. 2.3 million meters will take place over a period of around 16 years.
The modern metering devices and the intelligent measuring systems will provide more transparency regarding electricity consumption in comparison to the technology used up to now.
Modern metering device
A modern metering device is a digital meter with a multi-line display. This metering device is not connected to a communication unit, meaning that the measured values cannot be read remotely. The modern metering device measures electricity consumption and stores the meter readings each day on a rolling basis for 24 months. The current meter reading can be read via the multi-line display at any time. A personal identification number (PIN) needs to be entered in order to display detailed personal consumption data.
You will recieve a modern metering device if your annual consumption rate is below 6,000 kWh or if you maintain a generation plant with an installed capacity of less than 7 kW.
Intelligent measuring system
An intelligent measuring system is a digital meter or a modern metering device fitted with a communication unit. Consumption data can be read remotely on a regular basis via the communication unit (known as a smart meter gateway). The communication unit transfers the ascertained data to the authorised market participants. Authorised market participants include the meter operator, the distribution and transmission system operator and the electricity supplier. There may also be other authorised parties. Other measuring devices, e.g. gas meters, water and heat meters can also be integrated and read remotely via the communication unit.
You will receive an intelligent measuring system if your annual consumption rate is 6,000 kWh or higher, if you maintain a generation plant with an installed capacity of over 7 kW, or if you have an controllable consumption device as specified in § 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).
| Modern metering device | Intelligent measuring System | |
|---|---|---|
| Consumption display on device | X | |
| Online visualisation of consumption | X | |
| Remote reading | X | |
| Remote control | X |
Timetable for introduction
The replacement of the conventional meters with modern metering devices (rollout) started in October 2017.
Who will receive the respective technologies?
| Consumption (kWh) | Start rollout given | Technology | Replacement timetable |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 6,000 | yes | Modern metering device | within 16 years from October 2017 |
| > 6,000 to 10,000 | yes | Intelligent measuring system | within 8 years from 2020 |
| > 10,000 to 100,000 | yes | Intelligent measuring system | within 8 years from 2020 |
| > 100,000 | no | Intelligent measuring system | within 16 years from technical availability |
| Generation (kW) | Start rollout given | Technology | Replacement timetable |
|---|---|---|---|
| > 7 to 100 | no | Intelligent measuring system | within 8 years from technical availability |
| > 100 | no | Intelligent measuring system | within 8 years from technical availability |
| Start rollout given | Technology | Replacement timetable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interruptible consumption units according to § 14a EnWG | no | Intelligent measuring system | within 8 years from technical availability |
Further information about the new meters
Prices for digital meters
Under the Smart Meters Operation Act, price ceilings for modern metering devices and intelligent measuring systems apply to the responsible meter operator based on consumption, the capacity of a generation plant, and the management of the consumption unit (as applicable).
The price sheet has been published on the page responsible meter operator for the operation of modern metering devices and intelligent measuring systems.
Installation of a digital meter
We or a service provider contracted by us will contact you about the replacement of the conventional meter with a modern metering device or an intelligent measuring system. We will notify you in writing of the scheduled meter exchange in advance. In this letter, we will specify an appointment for replacing the meter and we will state the name of the contracted service provider.
Choice of energy provider
The replacement of the conventional meter with a modern metering device or an intelligent measuring system does not have any effect on your choice of energy provider.
Billing of meter operation
We or a service provider contracted by us will contact you about the replacement of the conventional meter with a modern metering device or an intelligent measuring system. We will notify you in writing of the scheduled meter exchange in advance. In this letter, we will specify an appointment for replacing the meter and we will state the name of the contracted service provider.
Data protection and data security
With modern metering devices, detailed personal electricity consumption data and current capacity data is protected against access by unauthorised parties by means of a personal identification number (PIN).
For intelligent measuring systems, protection profiles and technical guidelines on guaranteeing data protection, data security and interoperability are set out as binding regulations in the Smart Meters Operation Act. This guarantees a uniform level of security which is extremely high. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is primarily responsible for the creation of protection profiles and guidelines. Certified systems are those that carry the BSI seal. BSI is also responsible for the ongoing development of the protection profiles. We exclusively use certified intelligent measuring systems.
Changing the meter operator
The meter operator is responsible for the provision of the modern metering device or intelligent measuring system. The operator manages the operation and maintenance of the new meter. The operator is also responsible for an annual on-site reading in the case of modern metering devices and for remote reading in the case of intelligent measuring systems.
Stromnetz Berlin GmbH is your responsible meter operator.
At the request of the connection user, the meters may be operated by a different meter operator providing the other meter operator is able to guarantee proper operation of the meters.
The power recipient – usually the owner of the building – is also entitled to choose a different meter operator if desired. This special entitlement may affect the choice already made by a connection user. This is why additional conditions apply to the entitlement of the power recipient to choose a meter operator.
The entitlement of the connection user to select a different meter operator is set out in § 5 of the Smart Meters Operation Act. The equivalent for power recipients is set out in § 6 of the Smart Meters Operation Act.
Legal basis – Smart Meters Operation Act
A number of laws and ordinances are changing with the entry into effect of the Law on the Digitisation of the Energy Transition dated 2 September 2016. The aim is to consolidate all regulations regarding the operation and measurement of meters in the new Smart Meters Operation Act (Messstellenbetriebsgesetz -MsbG). In addition to the introduction of the MsbG, the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and the Renewable Energies Act (EEG) are being amended. A total of 15 laws and ordinances are affected.
The replacement of conventional meters with modern metering devices or intelligent measuring systems starting from 2017 is based on the regulations set out in the MsbG.
The scope of application of the law is set out in § 1 MsbG:
- regarding the outfitting of metering points for the grid-based supply of energy with modern metering devices and intelligent measuring systems,
- regarding the definition of the operation of the meters and the open selection of a meter operator,
- regarding the separation of duties in terms of meter operation and grid operation,
- regarding minimum technical requirements pertaining to the use of intelligent measuring systems,
- regarding energy-efficient data communication and general data communication with smart meter gateways,
- regarding the collection, processing and use of measured values and other personal data for the completion of pre-contractual obligations and contracts, legal obligations, and for the completion of tasks in the public interest.
The type of new meter (intelligent measuring system or modern metering device) that will be installed at a customer's property is specifically determined in § 29 MsbG.
Smart Meters Operation Act (Messstellenbetriebsgesetz - MsbG) (PDF 167 kB)
All downloads are available in German language only.