While dynamic electricity rates offer opportunities, they also carry certain risks. Since the rate is linked to the electricity exchange, it is subject to price fluctuations influenced by various factors such as market demand, electricity supply, and changes in legislation. It should be noted, however, that the ongoing expansion of renewable energy tends to lead to a greater supply of affordable electricity. This positive effect on prices is particularly pronounced when the supply of renewable energy is high—for example, during sunny weather or strong winds. At the same time, however, overall fluctuations in electricity prices also increase. During periods when the supply of renewable energy is low, temporarily higher prices may arise on the electricity exchange, which are passed on to our customers in the case of dynamic rates.

However, it is precisely this price volatility that presents an opportunity to reduce electricity costs in a targeted manner. Customers with a smart meter can use flexible electricity consumers such as heat pumps, battery storage systems, or electric vehicles to deliberately shift their electricity demand to times when rates are lower, thereby reaping above-average benefits. Without conscious management and in the face of sharply rising electricity prices, however, costs may increase. For many consumers, the majority of their electricity consumption consists of base load consumption that cannot be controlled by time. This includes, among other things, lighting, cooking, watching TV, and internet usage.

An intelligent metering system (iMSys), also known as a smart meter, is a digital meter that has been enhanced with a communication unit—the so-called smart meter gateway. This gateway automatically transmits consumption data to the relevant network operator, which can then encrypted information to the electricity provider. This allows electricity consumption to be tracked on a quarter-hourly basis. An intelligent metering system is the technical prerequisite for using our dynamic electricity rate. This enables us to bill your electricity consumption at the current hourly market price at all times.

Your metering point operator is responsible for installing a smart metering system. The Metering Point Operations Act (MsbG) sets out requirements for the installation of smart metering systems. In these cases, your metering point operator will contact you directly:

• Your electricity consumption exceeds 6,000 kWh per year.
• You generate your own electricity using a solar power system with a capacity of at least 7 kW.
• You have a controllable appliance, such as a heat pump or a wallbox/electric vehicle charging station.

The primary metering point operator must then install the smart metering system within the next few years, but no later than 2032.

If you do not fall into one of these categories, you can contact the local or primary metering point operator to request the installation of a smart meter; this is usually your network operator. You can find the network operator responsible for your region (e.g., the regional public utility) in your most recent annual bill or the label on your electricity meter. The network operator and the electricity supplier are usually different entities. In addition to the default metering point operator, there are now also competitive metering point operators from whom you can also obtain information about installation.