Revolution of the energy transition: Smart meter as the key to the future!

Revolution of the energy transition: Smart meter as the key to the future!

The digitization of the power grids is a central building block for the successful implementation of the energy transition in Germany. With a new law that came into force on May 27, 2023, the legal frame for the rollout of smart meters was significantly improved and simplified. The aim is to enable faster and unbureaucratic introduction of intelligent measuring systems that are essential for controlling a flexible and complex energy system. This was underlined by Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economics and Climate Protection, that emphasizes that the efficient use of smart meters is necessary to advance the integration of regenerative energy sources in the power grid.

From 2025, mandatory expansion rates that represent a significant challenge apply to network operators, especially in view of the previous focus on measuring points with high energy consumption, such as electric cars and heat pumps. Jan-Frederic Graen emphasizes that it is essential to digitally connect all households in order to successfully design the energy transition. The necessary changes in the Measurement Center Act make the installation of intelligent measuring systems more economically attractive. To support households with low consumption, the pog surcharge is increased, so that the installation of these systems is also promoted there.

The role of peermetering

An innovative example of digitization in the area of ​​energy supply is the Peermetering company. It emerged from a hackathon that was organized by the Osnabrück municipal utility in 2019. Graen and his team developed a concept for inexpensive digitization of measuring points, which was further refined in cooperation with smartoptimo and smartcityhouse Osnabrück. This cooperation led to the establishment of peer metering, which specializes in the digitization of counters in the unregulated area.

With a successful pilot test, which combined 30 electricity meters over distances of up to 200 meters with a single gateway, the technical and economic feasibility of the solution could be demonstrated. Daniel Mentrup, the co -founder and CTO of PeerMetering, brings experience in product development and software architecture and emphasizes the importance of market understanding for product development. The company is currently working on the certification of its solution, whereby the PTB tree pattern test and CE certification are to be completed by spring 2025.

outlook on the smart meter rollout

by December 31, 2024, over 1,158,000 installations of smart meters should already have been reported to the Federal Network Agency. The Federal Government has set itself the goal of equipping all relevant households with intelligent measuring systems by 2030, in particular households with electricity consumption of over 6,000 kWh annually or photovoltaic systems over 7 kW. Even households with less consumption have the right to a smart meter that gives you access to cheaper electricity tariffs.

The adjustments to the measuring position operating law and the simplified rollout of smart meters, which no longer requires approval from the Federal Office for Information Technology, offer a more favorable basis for the market entry of start-ups and established companies in the area of ​​energy. According to the Federal Government, the introduction of intelligent systems enables better monitoring of network utilization and integrated control of electricity consumption, which benefits both consumers and network operators.

Overall, it can be seen that the digitization of the energy transition in Germany is not only necessary, but also favored by the current legal framework. Peer metering and comparable initiatives are exemplary for the opportunities that are available in a dynamic market environment. The success of these companies continues to depend on strong partnerships and a well -founded understanding of the market.