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New electricity meters are to become mandatory: are you also affected? Consumers need to be aware of this

2023-02-24T11:03:08.200Z


The federal government has decided to expand smart meters and dynamic electricity tariffs. Not all consumers are affected. Is an early conversion worth it?


The federal government has decided to expand smart meters and dynamic electricity tariffs.

Not all consumers are affected.

Is an early conversion worth it?

Berlin – Most people in Germany are probably familiar with analogue electricity meters.

Consumption is read once a year and sent to the network operator.

But the procedure in Germany could soon look different.

Smart meters should become mandatory.

What consumers need to know about this.

Smart meters in Germany: The intelligent systems should facilitate the energy transition

In January, the federal government decided to “restart the digitization of the energy transition”.

Because: If more and more renewable energies are used, the price structures will also change.

The amount of electricity from solar or wind energy fluctuates more than fossil fuels - and depending on the supply, so do the prices.

Dynamic electricity tariffs and smart meters are therefore needed.

But what are smart meters?

As energy consultant Alexander Steinfeld explains in the

picture

, the measuring devices transmit the data directly to the service provider.

There they are evaluated and used to control the power grid.

The federal government describes them as a prerequisite for fluctuating consumption and power generation.

And consumers also have a clearer overview of their consumption.

Instead of an annual bill, the devices provide insights that are updated daily.

"We estimate that just by knowing more about your own consumption, you can reduce electricity costs by five to ten percent," says Steinfeld.

Energy traps lurk, especially when heating.

+

An example of a smart meter.

From 2025, the intelligent systems will gradually become mandatory.

© Markus Scholz/dpa

Switching to Smart Meters: When do consumers have to consider what?

The conversion is to be carried out in stages.

A voluntary conversion is already possible by 2025.

From 2025 and 2028, this will be mandatory for the various groups

(see list below)

.

And even after the introduction of the obligation, the conversion will be carried out in stages.

"The installation is only done step by step, namely when the old meter has to be removed," Steinfeld told

Bild

.

  • The federal government's step-by-step plan for the conversion to smart meters:

  • By 2025:

    Conversion possible for consumers from 6,000 kWh to 100,000 kWh (including optional);

    Generators (owners of a photovoltaic system) from 7 to 100 kW (including optional)

  • From 2025: Conversion

    mandatory

    for the above groups

    ;

    Conversion possible for consumers over 100,000 kWh and generators over 100 kW

  • From 2028:

    Conversion

    mandatory for consumers over 100,000 kWh and generators over 100 kW

  • For comparison: A four-person household consumes an average of 4,000 kWh per year, according to

    CO2online

    .

However, Steinfeld recommends consumers not to switch directly.

"However, consumers should bear in mind that there are no statutory upper price limits when switching to a smart meter voluntarily," says the energy consultant.

During the mandatory period, the federal government has decided on an upper limit of 20 euros/year for the systems.

So far, the intelligent systems cost between 23 and 100 euros, according to the

image

.

Hence the expert's advice: "Consumers should wait until the grid operator has to install a smart meter on them due to legal obligations, otherwise there is a risk of higher costs." With a few tips, power guzzlers can be detected even without a smart meter.

Certain devices should therefore be switched off at night.

Dynamic electricity tariffs: Federal government decides on further changes

In addition to the intelligent linking of electricity consumption and generation, the federal government also decided to introduce dynamic electricity tariffs in its draft law.

"All electricity suppliers - regardless of the number of customers - must offer mandatory dynamic tariffs from 2025," says the draft law.

So far, only producers who supply more than 100,000 end consumers have to offer these dynamic tariffs with intelligent metering systems.

Furniture, refrigerators, lighting: seven tips for saving electricity in your own four walls 

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Dynamic contracts could allow consumers to shift electricity purchases to cheaper times when renewable wind and solar generation is high.

As soon as dynamic tariffs are available, smart meters in households that are not subject to the obligation should also become more interesting.

In the course of the energy crisis, the federal government had also decided on flat rates.

It is now clear when students can apply for the energy money.

(chd)

Rubric list image: © Johan Nilsson/Imago

Source: merkur

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