The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (VZBV) reports that switching to a dynamic electricity tariff often fails due to problems with the smart meter. In a current brief paper, which c’t has seen, the VZBV is calling for a new right to compensation for consumers. “For consumers, it is crucial that a smart meter is not only installed but also works reliably,” said Marie Barz, energy market monitoring officer at the VZBV. “This is precisely where things keep going wrong at the moment.”
Financial disadvantages arise especially when the tariff change fails due to missing registration or data transmission of the intelligent metering system. Users may then end up on a more expensive tariff. The VZBV proposes a flat-rate compensation without complex proof of damages, to be paid by the metering point operator. The costs must not be passed on via network charges, the consumer advocates warn.
The VZBV cites as causes for the disruptions a lack of feedback from distribution network operators, the high number of 850 network operators with varying implementation progress, and complex market communication processes. A regulation in the Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG) could be based on Section 58 of the Telecommunications Act, under which users receive compensation for disruptions.
Source: www.heise.de
