There is currently a debate within the energy sector regarding the conditions under which communal building energy supply can be implemented cost-effectively and which metering concepts are best suited to this. Among other things, there is a view that physical totalisers are superior to virtual totalisers, particularly in terms of process reliability and a rapid return on investment. However, practical experience shows that this conclusion is too simplistic. Julius Pahmeier, founder and managing director of VREY, explains:
“I must take issue with the view that physical totalisers are, in principle, more practical and that communal building supply systems fail in practice in terms of cost-effectiveness.”
Around 85 per cent of our customers expressly request a communal building energy supply system. Larger property owners, in particular, weigh up the returns against the regulatory and operational costs. After all, solar power should be cost-effective and operate as quietly as possible. Our implementation demonstrates that the model works: this year alone, we have enabled communal building energy supply for around 3,000 households across more than 100 grid areas and all 16 federal states. Ultimately, the key factor is a specialised metering point operator who has a firm grasp of the necessary processes.
Of course, the ‘tenant electricity’ model also has its merits. However, we opt for virtual totalisers in this case. The reasons are obvious: a physical totaliser incurs additional costs of between 6,000 and 8,000 euros. Furthermore, changes when tenants move in or out may require a technician to visit the premises – which increases the administrative burden during day-to-day operations.
I admit that a physical totaliser may initially be the simpler solution if you’re implementing the system yourself. However, with an investment spanning 30 years, whether a project starts a few weeks earlier should not be the deciding factor. For property owners, what ultimately counts is how cost-effective and how smoothly the supply operates in the long term. Co-ordination with network operators remains a challenge. That is why a provider is needed who can bring together metering point operations, billing and the necessary processes.”
