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Guide · As of 2026
Smart meters: what you should know
By the end of 2032, the old electricity meters in Germany will be replaced. Most households get a digital meter, and some get a smart meter system (intelligentes Messsystem), usually just called a smart meter. Here you can read what the difference is, who must get a smart meter, which costs the law allows in 2026 and what you gain from it.
- Modern metering device
- Smart meter system
- Price caps
- Installation on request
- Data protection
Modern metering device and smart meter system
Both meters are digital. The difference is communication: only the smart meter system sends data.
Modern metering device (moderne Messeinrichtung, mME)
- Digital electricity meter without a communication module
- Shows consumption and power over time
- Does not send data; the meter is still read
- Minimum equipment for all households by the end of 2032
- Costs no more than €25 gross a year
Smart meter system (intelligentes Messsystem, iMSys)
- Modern metering device plus a smart meter gateway (Smart-Meter-Gateway)
- Records values every 15 minutes and sends them once a day
- Remote reading, no more meter reading appointments
- Required for dynamic electricity tariffs
- The gateway must be certified by the BSI
Who gets a smart meter system
The responsible party is the default metering point operator (grundzuständiger Messstellenbetreiber). This is usually your local network operator (Netzbetreiber). Under § 29 of the Metering Point Operation Act (Messstellenbetriebsgesetz, MsbG), it must install a smart meter system in these cases:
- Annual consumption over 6,000 kWh: what counts is the average of the last three years, or otherwise a forecast by the network operator.
- Controllable consumption device (steuerbare Verbrauchseinrichtung) under § 14a EnWG: for example a heat pump or a private wallbox with more than 4.2 kW. A control unit (Steuerungseinrichtung) is added.
- Generation system with more than 7 kW: for example a larger solar PV system. A balcony solar system does not count.
In all other cases, the metering point operator may install a smart meter system, but it does not have to. According to the consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale), you cannot refuse a mandatory or optional installation. By the end of 2032, at least 90% of the mandatory cases (Pflichtfälle) should be equipped.
The maximum a smart meter costs in 2026
The MsbG sets price caps (Preisobergrenzen): the maximum the default metering point operator may charge you per year. The network operator pays another part. The values have applied since 1 January 2025 and are gross amounts.
| Case | Maximum per year |
|---|---|
| Modern metering device | €25 |
| Smart meter system, optional installation | €30 |
| Consumption over 6,000 up to 10,000 kWh | €40 |
| Consumption over 10,000 up to 20,000 kWh | €50 |
| Controllable consumption device under § 14a EnWG | €50 plus up to €50 for the control unit |
| Generation system over 7 up to 15 kW | €50 plus up to €50 for the control unit |
| Generation system over 15 up to 25 kW | €110 plus up to €50 for the control unit |
Price caps under §§ 30 and 32 MsbG for the default metering point operator, as of October 2026. If several cases apply, the highest cap applies. These caps do not apply to competitive metering point operators.
Getting a smart meter installed on request
Since 1 January 2025, you can ask for early installation of a smart meter system, even if you are not a mandatory case.
- 01
Find the metering point operator
This is usually your local network operator. If you are not sure, ask your electricity supplier.
- 02
Apply for installation
Make the request in writing, for example using a form on the metering point operator's website. In principle, it must install the meter within four months of the order.
- 03
Clarify the costs
For early installation, the metering point operator may charge a one-off fee. Under the MsbG, up to €100 gross is considered reasonable; it must justify a higher amount. For households that are not a mandatory case, an ongoing additional fee of up to €30 a year may be added. Ask for the exact amount beforehand.
- 04
Check the meter cabinet
If your meter cabinet (Zählerschrank) is outdated, it may need to be converted. According to the Verbraucherzentrale, this can cost several thousand euros. Clarify this in advance with an electrical contractor (Elektrofachbetrieb).
- 05
Choose a tariff
With a smart meter system, you can sign up for a dynamic electricity tariff. Check first whether this is worthwhile for your consumption.
Notice, installation and change of operator
The metering point operator must announce the installation of a smart meter system at least three months in advance. It must point out your right to choose a different metering point operator. Two weeks before, it gives you the exact date and at least one alternative date. For a modern metering device, notice two weeks in advance is enough.
Instead of the default operator, you can also hire a competitive metering point operator (wettbewerblicher Messstellenbetreiber). The legal price caps do not apply to these providers. If the default operator has already installed a smart meter system, a change is usually only possible after two years.
When the meter is replaced, write down or take a photo of the last reading on the old meter. This makes it easier to check your next bill.
What a smart meter gives you
More accurate billing
Meter readings are sent remotely. There are no more reading appointments or estimates. Your supplier must also provide you with monthly billing information.
Dynamic tariffs
You can only use a dynamic electricity tariff with a smart meter system. Since 2025, every electricity supplier must offer such a tariff.
Save on network charges
There is a reduced network charge (Netzentgelt) for heat pumps and wallboxes under § 14a EnWG. The time-variable network charge (Module 3) requires a smart meter system.
Data protection and security
The smart meter gateway is the communication unit of the smart meter system. It must meet the protection profiles and technical guidelines of the Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik, BSI). The BSI only certifies devices that have been proven to meet these requirements.
The MsbG sets out who gets which data for which purpose and when it is deleted. Only data needed for the contract, billing and legal duties is sent. More data, for example for additional services, is only shared with your consent. The readings are available for every 15 minutes and are usually sent once a day.
A modern metering device without a gateway does not send any data. The values stay in the meter.
Checklist for your household
- Check the annual consumption on your last bill: is it over 6,000 kWh?
- Do you have a heat pump, wallbox, air conditioner or battery storage with more than 4.2 kW?
- Do you have a solar PV system with more than 7 kW installed?
- Keep the notice letter and confirm or move the appointment.
- Compare the metering point operator's bill with the price caps.
- Set up access to the consumption portal or app.
- Check whether a dynamic tariff or a module under § 14a suits your consumption.
Frequently asked questions
Can I refuse the installation of a smart meter?
No. According to the Verbraucherzentrale, you cannot object in mandatory cases or to an optional installation by the default metering point operator. However, you can hire a competitive metering point operator.
Does a smart meter cost more than my old meter?
Often yes, but the law limits the costs. A modern metering device costs no more than €25 a year, and a smart meter system usually €30 to €50, depending on the case. With high consumption or large systems, the caps are higher.
What happens if my requested installation takes longer than four months?
The default metering point operator may postpone the installation for a time if the mandatory installations would otherwise be at risk. It must then give you the reasons and a binding schedule in text form (Textform), for example by letter or email. Alternatively, you can consider a competitive metering point operator.
Does a smart meter save money automatically?
No. It shows your consumption more precisely and makes dynamic tariffs possible. You only save money when you reduce your consumption or move it to cheaper times.
Will I also get a smart gas meter?
The rollout mainly concerns electricity meters at first. However, new gas meters must be able to connect to a smart meter gateway. Your metering point operator can tell you whether a connection is already possible for you.
Related topics
Dynamic tariffs
How dynamic electricity tariffs work, what the exchange price has to do with them, who they suit and what the risks are. With a worked example, as of 2026.
Learn moreReading your meter
How to read your meter correctly: electricity meters, smart meters, HT/NT and gas meters explained. When to take a reading and what helps against estimates.
Learn moreHeat pump & heating electricity
Heat pump tariffs, a separate meter, § 14a EnWG with modules 1, 2 and 3, night storage heating with HT/NT and the performance factor explained. As of October 2026.
Learn moreEV charging
Charging an EV at home: wallbox and § 14a EnWG, EV tariff or household tariff, consumption per 100 km, how to calculate costs, and the GHG quota explained.
Learn moreBalcony solar
What applies to plug-in solar devices in 2026: 800 VA and 2,000 Wp, registration in the Marktstammdatenregister, tenants' rights, plugs, yield and insurance.
Learn moreSaving electricity
Where your household electricity goes, what stand-by costs and how to save when cooling, washing and cooking. With benchmark figures from the Stromspiegel.
Learn moreSources
- Gesetze im Internet: § 29 MsbG (mandatory cases)
- Gesetze im Internet: § 30 MsbG (price caps)
- Gesetze im Internet: § 35 MsbG (fees for additional services)
- Bundesnetzagentur: Costs and services in metering point operation
- Bundesnetzagentur: How smart meter systems are introduced
- Bundesnetzagentur: Controllable consumption devices under § 14a EnWG
- BMWE: FAQ on smart meter systems and meters
- Verbraucherzentrale: Smart meters – what you need to know
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