Geli Gas 2.0: Digitalization in the Gas Market

The energy supply industry is undergoing profound change: With the introduction of GeLi Gas 2.0, market processes in the gas sector are being modernized and consistently digitized. A key issue here is the connection of gas meters to intelligent measuring systems. But why is this important and what opportunities and challenges does it present?

The "Gas supplier switching business processes" (GeLi Gas) have provided the framework for switching gas suppliers and all associated market processes for many years. Version 2.0 is now the first comprehensive revision since 2016. The objectives are clear:

• Pushing ahead with digitization
• Unify processes and align them more closely with the world of electricity
• Increase security and efficiency – among other things through the new communication standard AS4

In April 2025, the transmission path for gas was made mandatory on AS4. Further process requirements will be introduced from April 2026, including the implementation of a network location number and adjustments to master data processes and billing structures.

Intelligent metering systems (iMSys) consist of a modern meter and a smart meter gateway that securely transmits metering data. While iMSys are already established in the electricity world, the rollout in the gas market is now beginning. The aim is to provide consumption data automatically, securely, and transparently.

The technical connection of gas meters to smart metering systems brings with it new requirements:

• Integration of suitable communication processes for e.g. faults
• Secure data transmission via gateways

• High interoperability between different systems and manufacturers

   

Challenges

• Different measuring principles for gas and electricity
• Different metering point operators and only one gateway administrator
• Increased requirements for data protection and IT security
• Investment and adaptation costs for hardware and IT systems

Advantages

• Automated data transfer without on-site appointments
• Higher transparency for customers
• The basis for new data-based services such as consumption analyses or efficiency advice

Different meter types are used in the gas market, which vary depending on the customer group and pressure level. For SLP customers in the low-pressure range, wMBUS gas meters in accordance with DVGW worksheet G 694 are increasingly being used, which can be used for TAF 1 and generally provide a monthly meter reading, for example - as stipulated by GeLi Gas for this customer group. In higher pressure levels, on the other hand, wired gas meters are usually used in accordance with DVGW worksheet G 697, which are used for TAF 7, for example, and, due to their technical design, enable hourly meter readings to be provided and thus meet the requirements in the RLM environment.

In addition, DVGW and VDE FNN have jointly published a paper "Measured value status of different sectors in connection with a smart meter gateway" for uniform measured value labeling, which ensures greater clarity and interoperability in the metering labeling of different sectors (source).

The introduction of smart metering systems has a direct impact on existing market processes, particularly in the areas of master data maintenance, market communication, and the coordination between electricity and gas processes.

1. Maintaining more complex master data

   With new devices and communication channels, the complexity of master data processes increases. The business data request, which enables the exchange of master data across divisions, is particularly important, for example when:

   – the metering point operator (MSB) for electricity asks the network operator (NB) for gas whether a modern metering device is available, or

   – the MSB Gas checks with the NB Electricity whether a Smart Meter Gateway has been installed.

2. No standardized market communication for the gas gateway connection yet

   There are currently no official process definitions for the connection of gas meters to smart meter gateways. All coordination – including the configuration of the gas MSB as a meter receiver – is therefore bilateral.

3. New conversion of the transaction data at the start of delivery

   GeLi Gas 2.0 contains new requirements for the transmission of transaction data in the calendar year of the start of delivery, which must be taken into account in the future.

The new possibilities open up a wide range of potential for market partners:

WiM Gas 2.0 is the next important development in gas processes. The adjustments are closely interlinked with GeLi Gas 2.0 and primarily serve to harmonize and digitalize metering point operation.

Main new features WiM Gas 2.0

• Mainly supplementary adaptations to support GeLi Gas
  • Connection of a new gas measuring system to an electricity smart meter gateway
• revised and extended specifications for measured value transmission
• New use case for the end of metering point operation from the NB to the MSB
• modernized process representations and updated activity diagrams

WiM Gas 2.0 represents a further step towards the standardization and digitalization of gas processes.

GeLi Gas 4.0 marks the beginning of a new era of market communication in the gas sector. The version is driving forward alignment with the processes of the electricity market and consistently implementing the European requirements for 24-hour supplier switching.

Main new features GeLi Gas 4.0:

• 24-hour supplier change: Implementation of EU requirements in market processes
• Modernized data formats and interfaces: Adaptation of EDIFACT messages and greater alignment with electricity processes, including possible API use.
• Advanced automation: More real-time communication and less manual intervention to increase efficiency and transparency.
• Integration of new energy sources: Consideration of hydrogen and biogas in market communication to support the energy transition.

GeLi Gas 4.0 will present the industry with major technical and organizational challenges, but at the same time offers the opportunity to make market processes future-proof and customer-oriented.