What a smart meter actually records
The meter sits at the point of exchange with the grid. It records imported electricity and, where local generation is present, electricity exported to the grid. In Switzerland, smart metering systems use values at fifteen-minute intervals.
These data do not automatically identify individual appliances. They describe the overall profile at the metering point. Sub-metering or additional information about the equipment may be required to distinguish specific uses.
The statutory target is for 80% of metering systems in each network area to be smart meters by 1 January 2028. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy states that an equipped end customer may obtain their detailed data from the distribution system operator free of charge.
Why annual consumption is not enough
Annual electricity demand and annual solar PV generation may appear well matched without ever occurring at the same time. A building can export surplus electricity at midday and import electricity again only a few hours later.
A useful assessment therefore places consumption, local generation, grid imports, exports, any storage and the applicable tariffs on a common time base. This simultaneity makes it possible to assess direct use, self-sufficiency, storage and local sharing.
Annual total
Time-based profile
An annual total does not show when generation and consumption coincide.
From measurements to a decision- Smart meter
- Checked time series
- SynergyFlex scenarios
- Decision indicators
The data are checked and compared on a common time base.
RCP, RCPv and CEL: three different scopes
A Swiss self-consumption group, known as an RCP or ZEV, has existed since 2018. A virtual self-consumption group, known as an RCPv or vZEV, has been possible since 1 January 2025. A local electricity community, known as a CEL or LEG, has been available since 1 January 2026.
The three models are not interchangeable. Implementation depends on the connection, network topology, metering, contracts and billing. The relevant distribution system operator must confirm whether a proposed scope is eligible.
Compare the scopes without confusing them
RCP / ZEV
Self-consumption group
- Available
- Since 2018
- Perimeter
- Participants located behind the same grid connection point.
- Metering
- Internal metering and billing organised by the RCP operator or its service provider.
- Grid relationship
- The RCP is treated as one end customer by the distribution system operator.
RCPv / vZEV
Virtual self-consumption group
- Available
- Since 1 January 2025
- Perimeter
- An extended scope within the limits permitted by the connection and network topology.
- Metering
- Meters operated by the distribution system operator are used to aggregate participant values virtually.
- Grid relationship
- Eligibility must be checked with the relevant distribution system operator.
CEL / LEG
Local electricity community
- Available
- Since 1 January 2026
- Perimeter
- Local exchange within the statutory framework, one municipality and the permitted network topology.
- Metering
- Meters operated by the distribution system operator provide the data required for settlement.
- Grid relationship
- The public grid is used, with reduced network-use tariffs for electricity exchanged within the community under the statutory conditions.
Conceptual overview. Project conditions must be confirmed with the distribution system operator and the relevant parties.
Check the conditions currently in force
For current Swiss conditions, models and procedures, consult the neutral Local Electricity information platform. Its detailed pages are available in French, German and Italian. This external reference is not a SynergyFlex partner.
Turning measurements into scenarios
Before any simulation, the data should be checked for the period covered, time step, missing values, time zone and consistency between imports, exports and generation.
SynergyFlex then uses these time series to compare consumption and generation, simulate alternatives and present their energy and economic implications on a common basis. It supports a technical decision; it is not a billing service, distribution system operator or legal adviser.
What SynergyFlex can examine before a decision
Depending on the data available, the analysis can compare how generation and consumption coincide, the surplus available, exchanges between participants, changes in self-consumption, the influence of a battery and energy or network costs.
The result is not a universal answer, but a transparent comparison of scenarios based on the same assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
What can smart meter data be used for?
They reveal the building’s time-based profile, periods of grid import or export and provide a basis for comparing solar PV, storage, tariffs or local sharing.
How can I obtain my smart meter data?
Check your distribution system operator’s customer portal or request an export of the fifteen-minute values. If the data are unavailable despite an installed smart meter, contact the operator directly.
Does a smart meter show which appliance is consuming electricity?
Not automatically. It records the overall profile at the grid connection point. Sub-metering or additional information is needed to isolate specific uses accurately.
What is the difference between an RCP, RCPv and CEL?
An RCP groups participants behind the same grid connection point. An RCPv uses the distribution system operator’s meters to aggregate eligible participants virtually according to the network topology. A CEL enables local electricity exchange through the public grid under the statutory framework in force since 2026.
Does SynergyFlex manage RCP billing?
No. SynergyFlex is a simulation and decision-support tool. It does not replace a billing provider, distribution system operator or legal adviser.
How should several energy scenarios be compared?
The scenarios should use the same period, time step and consistent assumptions. SynergyFlex can then compare them through energy and economic indicators built on a common basis.
Sources and references
SynergyFlex grew from a Master’s project focused on energy and the use of time-based data. Master of Science in Engineering – Energy and Environment
This link documents the academic context. It does not imply a partnership or endorsement.
Do you already have smart meter data?
If you can see their potential but are unsure how to use them, SynergyFlex can turn them into understandable scenarios and indicators.