These include, among others:
- End users with an annual electricity consumption exceeding 6,000 kWh
- End users with an agreement under Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), i.e., heat pumps, wall boxes, and other controllable consumption devices
- Operators of generation facilities with an installed capacity of 7 kW or more
Tiered quotas apply to the installation. The first tier required that, by the end of 2025, at least 20 percent of the mandatory installations in the range between 6,000 and 100,000 kWh—including § 14a systems—be equipped. According to the Federal Network Agency’s analysis for the fourth quarter of 2025, the figure stood at 23.3 percent, based on data collected from 813 primary metering point operators. This means the target has been met on average; however, the average says little about individual operators.
Starting in 2026, the focus will shift to new installations, which must be equipped within a fixed timeframe. Those who fall behind here will only be able to catch up later with significantly greater effort.
- Quantity Framework and Quota
Analysis: Evaluation of your inventory based on mandatory installation cases, comparison with the actual installation status, and calculation of the outstanding quantity by category. - Rollout Planning
: Conversion of quotas into annual, quarterly, and weekly quantities; capacity planning for installers and equipment; and scheduling. - Field
Implementation: Schedule management, installation, and commissioning as a complete package or in individual modules, scalable as needed. - Handling
Special Cases: Metering points that cannot be equipped, unsuitable meter locations, transformer measurements, and customers who are permanently unreachable should be addressed through a defined process, not simply set aside. - Record-Keeping
: Documentation of installations and contact attempts in a format that meets quarterly reporting requirements. - Reporting
: Regular analysis of current status, remaining volume, and required weekly output, so you can take corrective action early.
Who is responsible for meeting the quotas?
The primary metering point operator. This operator reports progress to the Federal Network Agency, and supervisory measures are directed at this operator. This responsibility cannot be outsourced, but the operational implementation certainly can.
At what consumption level does a smart metering system become mandatory?
For annual electricity consumption exceeding 6,000 kWh, as well as for agreements under Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and for generation facilities with an installed capacity of 7 kW or more. Separate deadlines and quotas apply to larger consumption categories and existing facilities.
What happens if the quota is not met?
The Federal Network Agency can take regulatory measures, including the imposition of fines. More important than the penalty itself is usually the cumulative effect: a missed milestone does not disappear; it carries over to the next one.
Does Netzkontor Nord guarantee that the quota will be met?
No, and any service provider who makes that promise should raise a red flag. The degree to which targets are met depends on factors that no one can fully control, such as customer accessibility and the suitability of meter locations. What we do promise is reliable installation service, accurate documentation, and reporting that highlights discrepancies early on.
Need to speed up your mandatory rollout?
Talk to us. We’ll review your volume structure and calculate the weekly output you’ll need to reach the next level.
Do you have any questions? We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding rollout requirements, the MsbG, and the smart meter rollout.
