MsbG
Basis for safe, efficient energy supply
The Act on Metering Point Operation and Data Communication in Smart Energy Networks (MsbG) creates the legal basis for the secure and standardised use of smart metering systems. It is central to the digitalisation of the energy transition as it promotes transparency, grid stability and energy efficiency.
Act on Metering Point Operation and Data Communication in Smart Energy Networks regulates the installation, operation and maintenance of smart metering systems and modern metering equipment in Germany. It creates the legal framework for the digitalisation of the energy transition by enabling the secure exchange of energy data between consumers, grid operators and energy suppliers. The aim is to make the energy supply more transparent, efficient and flexible. The law defines technical standards, data protection requirements and obligations for metering point operators and ensures that smart metering systems work reliably and interoperably. The MsbG thus forms a central basis for a future-proof, digital energy system.
The Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG) affects all end consumers, i.e. households, businesses and industry that use electricity or gas. It regulates the equipping of measuring points with modern measuring equipment or intelligent measuring systems. Households with an annual consumption of less than 6,000 kWh generally receive a modern metering device, while consumers with higher consumption and operators of controllable systems - e.g. PV systems, heat pumps or charging systems - are equipped with a smart metering system. Metering point operators, grid operators and energy suppliers are also affected by the requirements of the MsbG, as they must ensure the installation, operation and secure data communication.
The Act on Metering Point Operation and Data Communication in Smart Energy Networks sets out clear requirements for the secure, efficient and data protection-compliant operation of smart metering systems and modern metering equipment. The aim is to digitalise the energy transition. Smart metering systems must have a certified smart meter gateway administration and fulfil the requirements of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). Installation is staggered according to consumption and system type. Transparency, interoperability and technical security must also be guaranteed. Metering point operators are obliged to provide these systems in an economically reasonable manner and on time.