Smart Metering Systems market analysis

The Act on Metering Point Operation and Data Communication in Smart Energy Networks (MsbG) comprehensively regulates the equipping of metering points with smart metering systems (rollout) in Germany and formulates regulatory requirements for the role of the basic competent metering point operator. In order to ensure that basic metering point operators can fulfil the obligations imposed on them in a timely manner, the Act makes the start of the mandatory rollout subject to the determination of the technical feasibility of the installation of smart metering systems (see Section 30 MsbG).

The determination of the technical feasibility of the installation of smart metering systems can only be made once all the necessary prerequisites have been met. This is the case if at least three independent companies offer smart metering systems on the market. Smart metering systems must meet the requirements of the MsbG and thus, among other things, have successfully passed the Common Criteria (CC) certification procedure. The determination of technical feasibility by the BSI is made on the basis of the results of the market analysis pursuant to Section 30 MsbG.

In the market analysis in line with Section 30 of the MsbG, the BSI ascertains the status of implementation of the BSI standards as well as the legal metrology requirements for the value chain of metering facilities, smart meter gateways, gateway administrators and backend systems on the market. The market analysis differentiates this value chain according to use cases as well as the respective installation groups and contains statements on the basic market availability of smart metering systems, in particular certified smart meter gateways.

The market analysis was published for the first time by the BSI on 31 January 2019. On 31 January 2020, the BSI updated the market analysis and published the administrative act establishing the technical feasibility of installing smart metering systems. The most recent update of the market analysis took place on 30 October 2020.

Note on the general ruling to determine the technical feasibility of installing smart metering systems:

The BSI has supplemented the general ruling on determining the technical feasibility of installing smart metering systems. The document, which was published on 31 January 2020, now contains a clarification on metering points for end consumers with whom an agreement exists in accordance with Section 14a of the Energy Act. The technical feasibility of installing smart metering systems is not established for these. The general ruling was officially published as of 24 February 2020.