Digital electricity meter: What you should know

Why are there new electricity meters?

The new technology of digital electricity meters is intended to significantly advance the energy transition in Germany. The digital electricity meters are intended to gradually replace the analog systems. These electricity meters are the way forward. In the long term, there should be an intelligent link between electricity generation and energy consumption, which ensures more transparency.

What should you know about this?

A digital electricity meter records consumption values ​​in detail and thus enables better evaluation of energy consumption. The change from analogue to digital electricity meters has been decided by law. From 2025, every household will have a digital device. The federal government wants to fully implement the installation requirement by 2032 and install digital measuring systems across the board in private households and companies in Germany by then. The costs are capped. Digital electricity meters should not be more expensive than analog ones.

The terms digital electricity meter and intelligent electricity meter, smart meter, are often used interchangeably used, but are not identical because the digital electricity meter is not connected to the communication network tied together. The smart meter with remote transmission device, on the other hand, does, but it is only mandatory for electricity consumption above 6,000 kWh and is therefore not interesting for private households.

Basically, both digital electricity meters and smart meters record electricity consumption digitally and show it on a display.

Advantages of the digital electricity meter

Digital electricity meters measure consumption much more accurately than analog systems. They provide better insight into the energy consumption of household appliances and thus help to save electricity.

Unlike the old electricity meter, the new one measures electricity consumption every quarter of an hour. This allows consumers to recognize when their electricity consumption is particularly high. The digital electricity meter also stores the electricity consumption of the past day, month and year. This means you have a much better overview of consumption and can save energy more easily. Good for your wallet and for the climate.

Disadvantages of the “new”

A connection to smart home systems is usually not possible. Digital electricity meters still need to be read manually, either by your provider or by the electricity customer themselves. However, most providers now have a website where you can enter the meter reading online.

Digital, automatic transmission is still a distant dream for private households.

Are digital electricity meters now mandatory?

Yes, because the EU has set strict climate goals. The whole of Europe should become climate neutral by 2050. One of the measures in Germany is the digitalization of electricity meters by 2032.

This measure is intended to lead to a conscious use of energy, because many people are not even aware of the energy guzzlers in their household. The new electricity meter is intended to change that because in the future it will help to identify the heaviest consumers and thus save energy in the long term through small changes.

The Measuring Point Operation Act (MsbG) provides the legal basis for the mandatory switch to digital electricity meters.

How is the meter replaced?

The electricity meter change will be done in writing approx. Announced by the provider 3 months before the change. The specific installation date for the digital electricity meter or smart meter will be communicated in writing at least two weeks in advance. So you don't have to take action yourself, just wait until you are contacted by the electricity provider.

Changing the meter itself is not complicated and only takes approx. 30 minutes. There may be a temporary interruption in the power supply during meter replacement.

What does the digital electricity meter show and how is it read?

The so-called OBIS number is at the top left of the display. It provides information about your electricity purchase from the network. This number is required to assign the meter reading and simply indicates what type of register the meter is. For example, a normal single-tariff meter for electricity purchases from the grid has the OBIS code 1.8.0. Most counters have this.

For clear identification you need to display your meter number (14 digits). You need this number for your electricity bill.

You can find the current counter reading in the top line of the display. This value shows consumption and is therefore also relevant for your electricity bill.

The energy system of private households is becoming increasingly complex due to heat pumps and electric vehicles. In the future, digital electricity meters should enable an intelligent link between electricity generation and energy consumption and thus ensure more transparency.