Detmold / Mannheim, 11 February 2026: The EEBUS Relay Converter (ERC) enables digital control even where only relay switching inputs are available – and is therefore ready to accelerate the control rollout with immediate effect. The product was developed jointly by PPC and Weidmüller. Energy Metering, a subsidiary of Octopus Energy, a competitive metering point operator, was also involved from the outset. The solution will simplify the implementation of Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and Section 9 of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). Delivery will start in mid-2026.
Despite advancing digitalisation, a digitalised smart grid must continue to efficiently integrate analogue systems – such as inverters, heat pumps or other flexible generators that can only be controlled via relay inputs. In order to tap into the flexibility for grid operation and the market in the smart grid, corresponding control capabilities are used for controllable systems via iMSys. In practice, however, many devices do not yet have a suitable digital interface. Where digital control communicates via the EEBUS standard, these signals need to be translated into relay technology – this is exactly where the ERC closes the gap as a standardised response to the diversity of devices in the field.
Many metering point operators rely on SMGWplus as an efficient control solution with a digital interface. In this ecosystem, the ERC converts EEBUS into analogue switching signals (relays). This allows both step control of generation plants and individual contact control to be implemented – in a practical manner for different device categories. Energy Metering is demonstrating how valuable this is in practice in its rollout for its own end customers. The requirements of Section 14a EnWG and Section 9 EEG are to be met from the outset and translated into customer-oriented solutions through variable tariffs and intelligent control. With the ERC, Energy Metering is addressing the enormous variety of devices in the real world – simply and in a standardised manner.
Partner testimonials
Fabian Maleitzke, Director of Smart Metering at Energy Metering, says: “We want to equip as many households as possible with smart meters. In practice, we often still need cumbersome solutions to connect the digital world with the analogue world. The ERC solves this problem. It enables us to achieve a much higher level of standardisation at our metering points and thus roll out control in accordance with Section 14a in a scalable manner. This will give even more households access to intelligent control and the advantages of a smart grid in the future. The German rollout needs innovations like this.”
Dr Christian von Toll, Chief Sales Officer at Weidmüller: ‘Together with PPC, we are demonstrating how existing energy technology is taking the next step towards the smart grid. Energy Metering is the first customer in the German market to start the rollout, which sends a strong signal – and shows how quickly progress can be made when partners work together as equals.’
Ingo Schönberg, CEO of PPC: “The fact that we were able to get two important partners, Energy Metering and Weidmüller, on board for the EEBUS relay converter right from the start proves the high value of efficient control in the smart grid. With this solution, metering point operators can use SMGWplus to address both digital systems and analogue assets via EEBUS, thereby gaining greater flexibility in their own network – without having to abandon existing digital control processes. Maintaining a dual system landscape becomes redundant.”
