Advisor, Energy and water

Beware of misleading letters regarding the replacement of electricity meters!

Private meter operators are currently sending out letters recommending the replacement of electricity meters. Please do not let these official-looking letters pressure you into making a decision!

Zwei Personen schauen und deuten auf einen Zählerkasten.

What is this about?

All households in Germany will be equipped with digital electricity meters by 2032.

Certain households are being equipped with smart metering systems, commonly referred to as “smart meters.” These special digital meters can transmit measurement data and also receive external signals.

Letters from competing meter service providers are currently being circulated. They give the impression that it is necessary to replace your electricity meter or outdated metering system with a smart meter in the near future, or they promise supposed benefits or savings.

Attention has already been drawn to these promotional letters and tactics in other regions as well. We would therefore like to inform you about what this is all about and how you should respond.

with all our energy Cover
Beispiel eines intelligentes Messystems.

What is a meter operator, and who is responsible for me? 

Metering service providers are responsible for the installation, removal, replacement, operation, and maintenance of meters. Each region has a primary metering service provider. For the Kaiserslautern metropolitan area, this is SWK Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern Versorgungs-AG.

Under the Metering Point Operation Act, we, as your primary metering point operator, are required to replace all conventional electricity meters with modern metering devices and smart metering systems. You will therefore always receive information about meter replacements directly from us.

In addition, there are also private, competing providers that offer similar services. You are generally free to choose your provider. Competitors often entice customers with free installations or limited-time offers. Experience shows that switching providers usually involves additional contractual obligations. Therefore, please review offers from competitors carefully to protect yourself from hidden costs. If you have any questions, please contact us.

When do I need to replace my meter? 

The decision regarding which metering system needs to be installed at your location is initially made by the primary metering point operator—SWK Stadtwerken Kaiserslautern. We will notify you if a meter replacement is necessary and when it will take place.

At this time, most households are not required to replace their meters with smart meters.

The legal requirement to switch applies only to households

  • with high electricity consumption of over 6,000 kWh per year,
  • with power generation systems rated at over 7 kW (e.g., a PV system).
  • with a controllable consumer device, such as heat pumps or wall boxes, that have been put into service since January 1, 2024.

Here's what you can do if you've received a letter:

  • Please review the letter carefully.
  • Don’t let promises and free offers throw you off balance.
  • Don’t act rashly, and don’t let yourself be pressured.
  • Please feel free to contact us directly. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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