f97.beERIK SCHMIDT’S WORKSHOP
← All terms

Glossary · Energy industry & energy transition

Remote readability

remote readability smart meter measurement system electricity meter metering point operation remote readout Digitalisation measurement data smart meter gateway

Remote readability is the property of a metering device to output meter readings or measured values without anyone having to read them on site. The values reach authorized parties via a communication link. These can be grid operators, metering point operators, suppliers or billing service providers. In the simplest case, it concerns a single meter reading for the annual bill. In more advanced applications, time-resolved measured values are transmitted, for example quarter-hour values for electricity consumption or feed-in. The term is neither a physical quantity nor a unit. It describes a property of measurement and communication technology.

Remote readability describes only read access to data, not control. A remotely readable meter can supply information without devices being switched, charging points being limited or installations being regulated. Remotely readable means: data can be read from a distance. Remotely controllable means: technical equipment can be influenced from a distance. Both functions can come together in a digital metering system, but they do not have to. In public debate they are often equated. This is misleading.

Terms in the Metering Point Operation Act

In the electricity sector, the German Metering Point Operation Act does not define remote readability as a term in its own right. It does, however, establish several terms that allow the property to be classified precisely. A metering device is a measuring instrument that obtains measured values. Under section 2 no. 13 MsbG, a metering system is a metering device integrated into a communication network. A remotely readable electricity meter is therefore already a metering system within the meaning of the Act, regardless of how the connection is technically implemented.

To be distinguished from this is the modern metering device. It records at least consumption and time of use, and where necessary also generation. It can be integrated into a communication network via a smart meter gateway, but this is not mandatory. On its own, it is therefore a digital meter without remote reading. Only the intelligent metering system is actually connected via a smart meter gateway. Under the current version of section 2 no. 7 MsbG, it can consist of a modern metering device or a metering device for registering load measurement. In addition, it must meet special requirements for data protection, data security and interoperability. These are laid down in protection profiles and Technical Guidelines.

Under section 2 no. 19 MsbG, the smart meter gateway is the communication unit of the intelligent metering system. It collects, processes and sends data and can also securely connect generation installations and other technical equipment. The smart meter gateway administrator is responsible for technical operation. A dedicated infrastructure for digital certificates serves to secure the communication. It follows that not every remotely readable meter is a smart meter in the narrower German sense. Remote reading via simple radio or mobile communication modules is technically something different from a certified intelligent metering system.

Time resolution and content of the data

How useful remote reading is depends heavily on how finely the data is resolved in time. A meter reading transmitted remotely once a year mainly replaces the reading appointment. Quarter-hour values, by contrast, produce a load profile. This shows when electricity was consumed or fed in. For this purpose, the MsbG recognizes the meter reading profile measurement (Zählerstandsgangmessung): a series of meter readings, at quarter-hour intervals for electricity and hourly for gas. Under section 2 no. 14 MsbG, measured values are quantities of energy withdrawn, generated or fed in during a specific period. They are usually stated in kilowatt-hours. From the energy quantity of a short interval, the average power in that period can be calculated. For example, 0.5 kWh in a quarter-hour corresponds on average to 2 kW. In addition, the Act distinguishes grid state data such as voltage, current and phase angle. This data is not billing values.

Remote readability in heating cost billing

The term is expressly defined in law in the Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizkostenV), that is, for space heating and hot water in centrally supplied buildings. Under section 5(2) HeizkostenV, consumption recording equipment is considered remotely readable if it can be read without access to individual user units. This concerns heat meters, heat cost allocators and hot water meters. The definition is deliberately broad. According to the prevailing interpretation, radio reading from the stairwell or from the street (walk-by or drive-by) is also sufficient. A permanent online connection is therefore not required. The EU Energy Efficiency Directive expressly leaves this classification to the Member States.

  • Since 1 December 2021, newly installed recording devices must be remotely readable. They must also ensure data protection and data security in accordance with the state of the art.

  • Since 1 December 2022, only remotely readable devices that are interoperable with devices of the same type from other manufacturers may be installed. If another person takes over the reading, they must be able to read the devices remotely themselves. The building owner must receive the key material free of charge. The state of the art is deemed to be met if BSI protection profiles and Technical Guidelines are observed or the devices are connected to a smart meter gateway.

  • Existing devices that are not remotely readable must be retrofitted or replaced by 31 December 2026 under section 5(3) HeizkostenV. Exceptions apply if this is technically impossible in an individual case or would lead to undue hardship. Remotely readable devices installed by 1 December 2022 must additionally meet the newer requirements after 31 December 2031.

  • If, contrary to the obligation, remotely readable equipment is missing, users may reduce their share of the heating costs by 3 percent under section 12 HeizkostenV. As soon as remotely readable devices are installed, users must also regularly receive consumption information.

These rules implement EU law. Under Article 16 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EU) 2023/1791, newly installed meters and heat cost allocators must be remotely readable. Existing devices must be retrofitted or replaced by 1 January 2027, unless the Member State demonstrates that this is not cost-efficient. Other EU states can therefore design the deadline differently from Germany.

Why remote readability is becoming more important in the electricity system

For a long time, it was sufficient for households to record the meter reading once a year. With photovoltaics, heat pumps, electric cars, battery storage and flexible tariffs, this is changing. Consumption and feed-in fluctuate more over time and depend more on local conditions. A dynamic electricity tariff cannot be billed correctly using an annual meter reading. Consumption must be attributable to individual hours or quarter-hours. The same applies to time-variable grid charges. Larger consumers have in any case long been metered with registering load measurement and remote reading. For households, by contrast, the benefit depends on whether flexible tariffs, controllable devices or their own feed-in actually play a role.

Such data is also valuable for grid operation. Grid operators can use it to check and improve assumptions about loads and feed-in in low-voltage grids. However, data only makes loads visible; it does not eliminate them. It replaces neither grid planning nor grid expansion nor clear rules for dealing with congestion. In metering point operation, the effort shifts: away from manual reading, toward communication, IT security, certification, authorization management and market communication. The costs therefore arise not only with the device but also in ongoing operation.

Typical misunderstandings

  • Remote reading does not mean real-time monitoring. Billing, balancing and tariffs work with fixed time intervals. The finer the resolution, the more sensitive the data. Consumption patterns can allow conclusions about presence and daily routines. Therefore, not everything that can be technically collected is also necessary or permissible under the rules on data protection.

  • Measuring does not mean controlling. Measurement data can be the basis for flexibility. However, actually controlling a heat pump, a wallbox or a storage unit requires additional interfaces, contracts and responsibilities, for example in the case of a controllable consumption device. Measurement data prove whether load was shifted. They do not shift any load themselves.

  • More data does not automatically reduce costs. Remote reading avoids reading appointments and transmission errors and enables new tariffs. At the same time, it causes costs for devices, communication and security. In the case of the Heating Costs Ordinance, the Federal Government expressly has it examined what additional operating costs arise and what benefit tenants derive from them.

  • Remotely readable does not automatically mean smart meter gateway. A heat cost allocator with a radio module is remotely readable within the meaning of the Heating Costs Ordinance, even if no gateway infrastructure under the MsbG is present.

Classification

In the digital energy sector, measuring, communicating and controlling are separate functions. Remote readability concerns the reliable and authorized transmission of measured values. Its benefit shows in billing, grid transparency, flexible tariffs and consumption information. Its limits become visible when one expects a control effect from mere data, without suitable rules, devices and responsibilities being in place. Legal statements depend on the sector and region. In the electricity sector the MsbG applies, for space heating and hot water the HeizkostenV. In other EU states, the respective national implementing law applies.

Sources

Related glossary entries

Edited by eCMS on 11.11.2026 19:47

© 2026 Erik Schmidt. All rights reserved. Quotations with a link to the source are welcome.