Reaching the goal more efficiently: VDE FNN supports the rollout of smart metering systems with practical solutions

(Frankfurt a. M./Leipzig, 26.06.2025) The smart meter rollout is making significant progress in Germany. By the end of 2025, 20 percent of customers with controllable consumption devices or an annual electricity consumption of 6,000 to 100,000 kWh are to be equipped with smart metering systems. Around 14% had already been reached by the end of 2024. In the first few months of 2025, the installation figures rose sharply once again. The rollout is on schedule. Together with the voluntary installations, 2.5 million smart metering systems are expected to be active with customers by the end of 2025. In addition, by the end of 2026, 90 percent of the output of the generation plants that go into operation in 2025 and 2026 should also be controllable with smart metering systems. The industry already has this goal firmly in focus and is setting the agenda for the ZMP.

Some, mostly large metering point operators are driving this development forward, while many metering point and grid operators are not yet ready. At ZMP 2025 in Leipzig (25-26 June), the focus will therefore be on picking up all players and supporting them in the implementation of the iMSys rollout and grid-oriented control. VDE FNN CEO Dr. Joachim Kabs states: "We can see that some market participants are facing major challenges. At ZMP, we will be presenting reliable, practical solutions that are well thought out and based on valid analyses, research projects and tests in companies. The days of trial and error are over. There is no longer any reason to hesitate."

What's already there: Everything for controlling heat pumps & co.

Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) defines control options for consumer devices in order to enable safe and efficient grid operation in the course of the energy transition with a high proportion of renewables. The minimum safety requirements for the devices required for this, known as control devices, are also available. VDE FNN has created the procedural basis with the design of tenor number 2 of the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) 2024 specification BK6-22-300, which was established as an industry standard by the BNetzA following consultation. The first control devices with a digital or analog interface have already been certified since 2024. Further products will follow in 2025, offering a wide range of technological options. "We have the technology and we have the processes," explains Ingo Schönberg, Deputy Chairman of the VDE FNN Executive Board. "The VDE FNN Note on grid operation with flexibilities provides specific recommendations for action on important details of the BNetzA specification, which we have coordinated with the authority. By the fall, we will also present an implementation guide for metering point operators and tradespeople on the commissioning process between the control system and the customer system." 

In order to ensure high efficiency, VDE FNN has already considered the control of generation systems from 7 kW - for example photovoltaic systems - in the previous elaboration: processes, descriptions and requirements should function analogously to the control of consumption facilities. VDE FNN has summarized these in an impulse paper. The necessary technology has also already been prepared with control devices and backend systems.

What is still to come: Using the grid connection as a customer interface

The aim is to control everything at the grid connection point. The background: Up to now, complex individual measurements at different reference or feed-in points have been necessary for control - due to the regulatory framework and subsidies. The vision is an efficient interaction between generation, consumption and the grid so that customers can actively participate in the energy market and coordinate their own consumption or feed-in in harmony with grid operation. Dr. Kabs says: "When controlling directly at the grid connection point, we specify the limit values for feed-in and consumption as an envelope curve. The customer's own consumption is protected and they can operate freely on the market within the limits and benefit from flexible tariffs." 

With the smart meter rollout, Germany has not only focused on meter data for billing, but also on using the flexibility potential of millions of customer installations for the energy transition. This vision is now becoming reality. Ingo Schönberg explains: "Right from the start, we defined interoperability and cyber security as key features in order to achieve a high level of security for critical infrastructures. This holistic approach to market and network integration is seen as trend-setting in view of the growing threat situation in cyberspace in Europe."

About VDE FNN 

The Network Technology and Operation Forum within VDE (VDE FNN) develops the electricity grids with foresight. The aim is to ensure reliable system operation at all times with 100 percent renewable energies. VDE FNN makes innovative technologies practicable and provides answers to the grid technology challenges of tomorrow. Here, various specialist groups with different interests work together on solutions. Its members are over 500 manufacturers, grid operators, suppliers, system operators, authorities, and scientific institutions. 

For more information, visit www.vde.com/fnn

About VDE

VDE, one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, has been regarded as a synonym for innovation and technological progress for more than 130 years. VDE is the only organization in the world that combines science, standardization, testing, certification, and application consulting under one umbrella. The VDE mark has been synonymous with the highest safety standards and consumer protection for more than 100 years. 

Our passion is the advancement of technology, the next generation of engineers and technologists, and lifelong learning and career development “on the job”. Within the VDE network more than 2,000 employees at over 60 locations worldwide, more than 100,000 honorary experts, and around 1,500 companies are dedicated to ensuring a future worth living: networked, digital, electrical.  
Shaping the e-dialistic future. 

The VDE (VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. For more information, visit www.vde.com