Digital meters for Berlin

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

1. regarding the outfitting of metering points for the grid-based supply of energy with modern metering devices and intelligent measuring systems,
2. regarding the definition of the operation of the meters and the open selection of a meter operator,
3. regarding the separation of duties in terms of meter operation and grid operation,
4. regarding minimum technical requirements pertaining to the use of intelligent measuring systems,
5. regarding energy-efficient data communication and general data communication with smart meter gateways,
6. 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)