VDE-AR-N 4400 Anwendungsregel:2011-09

This VDE application guide describes the uniform, objectively justified and non-discriminatory technical minimum requirements and the minimum requirements with respect to the amount and quality of data (hereinafter referred to as minimum requirements) which distribution network operators (hereinafter referred to as network operators) place on the measuring equipment in accordance with § 21b of the German Energy Industry Act (Energiewirtschaftsgesetz, EnWG).

In addition, this VDE application guide stipulates further regulations in metrology which are to be observed by all market partners.

In order to facilitate cooperation between market partners this VDE application guide also contains further recommendations and comments.

This VDE application guide supports the due completion of various agreements such as the measuring station and measuring framework agreements, grid usage, grid connection and connection usage agreements and the suppliers framework agreement. It especially adheres to the requirements of the EnWG, the Verification Act (Eichgesetz), the relevant downstream regulations and the relevant specifications of the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) in their current versions.

As regards the nomenclature relevant to the Verification Act, reference was deliberately made to current regulations. If an adaptation of this application guide becomes necessary due to the intended amendment to the Verification Law this would not be made until the amendment comes into effect.

If necessary, the network operator may additionally define further network operator specific, objectively justified and non-discriminatory minimum requirements.

Beyond the minimum requirements of this VDE application guide and the network operator specific minimum requirements the market partners may agree upon further performance characteristics.

The requirements for the operation of measuring stations and measuring are described independently of whether the measuring station operator or measuring service provider is the network operator or a third party commissioned by the user of the connection. This also applies if a market partner has assumed the role of a measuring station operator or measuring service provider.

Clause 4 "Technical minimum requirements and minimum requirements for measuring equipment with respect to the amount and quality of data" applies for measuring equipment in generation plants (especially for plants in accordance with the Renewable Energies Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz, EEG) and the Cogeneration Act (Kraft-Wärme-Kopplungsgesetz, KWK-G).

Clause 5 "Rules in metrology as acknowledged rules of technology" and clause 6 "Recommendations and comments" apply equally for all generation plants.
If existing measuring equipment needs to be replaced the current minimum requirements must be complied with. This does not apply for the exchange of individual additional equipment or communication, tariff and control equipment of existing measuring equipment (e.g. for troubleshooting). However, clause 4.5 must be taken account of with respect to individual consumption.