Energy Law Amendment and Its Significance
The new requirements and their role in the energy transition
The "Solar Peak Act" came into force on February 25, 2025. It affects photovoltaic systems from two kilowatts and stipulates that they will no longer receive EEG remuneration if electricity prices are negative. However, retroactive funding is possible if the systems are equipped with smart metering systems or participate in direct marketing. The aim of the law is to avoid generation peaks, promote storage technologies and stabilize the electricity markets.
In addition, reduced changes were made to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and the Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG) as part of the amendment. (The law has been published in the Federal Law Gazette, more information can be found here: Bundesgesetzblatt Teil I - Gesetz zur Änderung des Energiewirtschaftsrechts zur Vermeidung von temporären Erzeugungsüberschüssen - Bundesgesetzblatt).
In order to better understand the impact of the amendment on the existing legal framework, it is first necessary to answer the question:
How Do the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and the Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG) Relate to Each Other and What Common Goals Do They Pursue with Regard to the Energy Transition and Grid Optimization?
The EnWG and the MsbG are both central components of the legal and technical infrastructure for the energy transition in Germany. They work together to make the electricity grid more efficient, flexible, and sustainable.
Connection between the two laws:
Energy Industry Act (EnWG)
It regulates the basic conditions for energy supply and distribution in Germany. The EnWG ensures that the grid remains stable, security of supply is guaranteed and competition on the energy markets functions. It forms the framework for market regulation and grid operators and also promotes the integration of renewable energies.
Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG)
The MsbG regulates the installation and operation of intelligent measuring systems (smart meters) and modern measuring equipment (e.g. for electricity meters). It aims to record energy consumption data in real time and to control electricity consumption efficiently. Secure data communication via the smart metering system ensures the secure transmission of metering data. The use of smart meters creates the basis for improved grid control.
Both laws aim to enable a stable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply that meets the requirements of the energy transition while optimizing grid and market structures.
How Are the Price Caps Changing in the MsbG?
The MsbG sets price caps that define the framework for the fees that operators of metering points with smart metering systems and control devices may charge for their services. These price caps were introduced to ensure that the costs of metering point operation are transparent and fair.
Since the introduction of the law §30 MsbG, the price caps have been regularly adjusted to reflect market conditions and technological developments.
The price caps in the MsbG apply to the basically responsible metering point operators, who are responsible for the installation, operation, maintenance, and replacement of the metering points.
For example, the price cap for a modern metering device in accordance with §32 has been raised from €20 to €25 for the connection user. This makes the rollout of smart metering systems for mandatory and optional installations more economical overall, as illustrated in the diagram. At the same time, the benefit for the grid operator of avoiding bottlenecks and optimizing grid expansion costs through optimal grid utilization becomes apparent.
How Does the Measurement Rollout Become a Control Rollout and What Significance Does the Nationwide Availability of Control Technology Have In the Context of the MsbG?
From 2025, metering point operators are obliged to install a control device,> such as a control box, in addition to an intelligent metering system (iMS) for systems with an installed output of more than 7 kW. Establishing controllability is also required for systems in accordance with §14a and an installed capacity of less than 7 kW. These requirements serve to improve the controllability and integration of renewable energies into the grid
Renewable energy systems up to 25 kW without an intelligent measuring system and control device must limit their feed-in power to 60 percent in accordance with the Solar Peak Act. For systems between 25-100 kW with a feed-in tariff or a tenant electricity surcharge, the feed-in power limit of 60 percent also applies in addition to remote controllability. The feed-in limitation is lifted with the installation of an iMS plus control device.
The metering point operator is responsible for independently determining the time for equipping a control box. In doing so, it takes into account the rollout quotas defined in Section 45 of the Metering Point Operation Act.
For a successful implementation, the DSO and MSB must test the entire control process chain. This includes both the communication between iMSys and control devices as well as the interoperability of the systems. This is the only way to ensure the controllability of the systems and their grid-side control in practice.
In addition, the previously optional additional services for establishing taxability are included in the standard services § 34 paragraph 2 MsbG
The whole thing is part of the implementation of the energy transition and is intended to make the integration of decentralized, renewable energy sources into the electricity grid more efficient and flexible. Flexibilities will be integrated into the system in a more grid- and market-friendly way in future.
Conclusion
In view of the latest developments in energy industry law, in particular the introduction of the Solar Peak Act and the amendments to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and the Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG), the role of IT service providers such as Arvato Systems is becoming increasingly crucial for the successful implementation of the energy transition. With the need to implement smart metering systems and control equipment across the board, companies are once again faced with the challenge of adapting their infrastructure and processes to the new legal requirements.
Arvato Systems is a competent partner offering comprehensive IT solutions that not only meet the legal requirements, but also support the technical integration of renewable energies into existing power grids. With IT solutions and services, Arvato Systems helps to increase the efficiency of the energy supply, promote grid optimization and increase transparency in metering point operation. This is particularly important in order to meet the requirements of the new legal framework.
The Expertise of Arvato Systems in the implementation of intelligent metering systems and the development of flexible IT solutions enables energy and utility companies not only to comply with current legal requirements but also to play an active role in shaping a sustainable energy future. With a clear focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction, Arvato Systems ensures that the energy transition not only remains a legal goal but is successfully implemented in practice.
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