RLM for gas: Measurement methods, limits and required data

What RLM records for gas

RLM means recorded load measurement. The German Messstellenbetriebsgesetz (Metering Point Operation Act) provides for hourly gas recording for end users to whom simplified standard load profiles do not apply, and for end users with smart metering systems. For the remaining cases, it specifies continuous measurement of gas offtake. This rule alone does not tell you which file format your business will receive. Source: Messstellenbetriebsgesetz, § 58 paragraph 1.

For practical testing, it is worthwhile to separately examine the measurement method, billing period, and data access. A total consumption over twelve months does not replace a time series for individual hours. Conversely, an existing hourly series does not yet answer the question of whether all values were measured or whether individual periods were supplemented with substitute values.

Which thresholds have applied since 2026?

The previous Gas Network Access Ordinance expired on December 31, 2025. Therefore, the metering classification should not be based solely on an old reference to this ordinance. Source: Federal Network Agency on the expiry of the Gas Network Access Ordinance.

Since 1 January 2026, the GaBi Gas 2.1 determination has applied. Under it, distribution network operators generally use standard load profiles when both limits are met: no more than 1.5 million kWh of annual offtake (one and a half million) and no more than 500 kWh per hour of maximum exit capacity. The latter corresponds to 500 kW. This means the maximum capacity reserved by the network operator at the exit point for the network transport customer; it is not automatically the rated power of an individual heating appliance.

Get confirmation of any different thresholds

The ruling allows higher thresholds. Lower thresholds are possible if reliable network operation could not otherwise be technically ensured, or if individually agreed with the transport customer. Deviations may affect individual load profile groups; uniform thresholds must apply within each group. These figures alone therefore do not impose an unconditional RLM requirement on every business. Have the classification for your business confirmed. Source: Federal Network Agency, GaBi Gas 2.1, operative provisions 1 e, 1 i and 10.

Clarify the connection assignment

Start with a single location and a clearly identified metering point. Keep the address, existing metering point or market location identifier, meter number, and the period under consideration together. For multiple connections, the documents should initially remain separate. Otherwise, totals from several locations could be mixed with information from a single exit point.

Ask the grid operator to confirm the procedure used, the relevant limits, and the effective date. The maximum available offtake capacity should be explicitly stated. A self-calculated annual average is not suitable for this purpose. In the case of a planned upgrade, the current state and the expected changes should be listed on separate lines.

Measurement and data provision

The metering point operator is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the metering equipment, as well as the processing and transmission of measured values. Therefore, please direct any questions regarding the specific provision of data to them. Source: Metering Point Operation Act, Section 3 Paragraph 2.

A helpful request is: "Please confirm the current measurement procedure for this measuring point and explain which hourly values are available for the specified period. Please also state any outstanding requirements and the responsible contact person."

You should request this data.

The following list is a practical working template. It describes useful information for the evaluation, not a blanket promise of free data access or a specific export format.

Move the table sideways if needed →

Request the legend that belongs to the file. Abbreviations or status numbers should be read using this documentation; an unknown identifier is not reliable evidence for a measured value.

Check units, time reference, and data status

Gas volume and energy are different quantities. When converting a volume measured under operating conditions into energy, the volume conversion factor and gross calorific value play a role. Therefore, check whether the file contains operating volume, already converted standard volume, or energy. kWh values already shown must not be converted again using these factors. Our gas converter from m³ to kWh explains the basics. Technical source: DVGW on thermal gas billing.

A purely theoretical example: 240 kWh within a full hour corresponds to an average power of 240 kW. This does not reveal any short-term peak within that hour. This example is synthetic and does not describe actual customer consumption.

Show missing values

Furthermore, clarify whether daily reports summarize calendar days or gas days and how time changes are handled. Initially, mark missing or duplicate timestamps as checkpoints. An empty cell does not prove zero consumption. Likewise, a substitute value should remain identifiable for later interpretation. Further checks are described in the article Checking Load Profile Data.

Record the result for further work

Keep the original export and work with a copy for corrections. A brief overview should show: assignment confirmed or open, time period complete or limited, units clarified or unclear, next question and responsible person. This keeps clear what conclusions the data already supports.

A suitable hourly time series can then be used to prepare the load profile analysis. Hasan and the energy team can help you structure the documents and address any open questions. Procurement decisions are a separate step; the article on commercial gas procurement describes the necessary basis for the bids.