RLM vs. SLP
RLM or SLP – Which Type of Electricity Metering Is Right for Your Business?
Acronyms dominate the business world – and the energy industry is no exception. But when it comes to electricity metering, these abbreviations can make a big difference for companies. The choice between interval metering (RLM) and standard load profiles (SLP) can have a direct impact on your energy costs and efficiency. While RLM delivers precise real-time data, SLP is based on average consumption patterns. But which method is right for your company? And when is RLM mandatory?
Interval Metering (RLM): Precise, Digital, and Tailored
RLM metering is mandatory for companies that consume more than 100,000 kWh per year. But even companies with lower or highly fluctuating energy demands can benefit from its detailed measurements.
An RLM meter records electricity usage at short intervals – typically every 15 or 60 minutes – and automatically stores this data. This allows for precise tracking of when and how much electricity was used. These detailed measurements not only enable accurate billing but also open up deep insights into consumption behavior, e.g. via specialized service providers and software tools.
Advantages of RLM metering:
• Transparency: Companies get a detailed overview of their electricity usage and can identify and eliminate inefficient processes.
• Cost optimization: Consumption data analysis reveals peak loads, allowing targeted reductions and resulting in lower long-term energy costs.
• Tailored tariffs: Energy suppliers can offer custom tariffs and contracts based on RLM data that fit your exact consumption pattern.
• Enhanced energy management: Companies can use the data to optimize their operations and shift energy-intensive processes to avoid peaks.
Standard Load Profile (SLP): Simple, Flat-Rate, and Ideal for Smaller Users
The SLP method is used for residential customers and small businesses whose yearly consumption remains under 100,000 kWh and whose load curve is relatively stable.Unlike RLM, SLP usually only involves one annual meter reading. Instead of real-time data, billing is based on a series of standardized load profiles that reflect typical consumption patterns of households and small enterprises.
Advantages of SLP metering:
• Simplicity: Billing based on averages is straightforward.
• Low technical effort: No advanced metering infrastructure is needed.
• No extra costs: Unlike RLM, there are no additional expenses for data transmission or processing.
Disadvantages of SLP metering:
• Low accuracy: Actual consumption isn't captured – it's estimated. This can lead to inefficiencies, inaccurate tariffs, or unexpected additional charges.
• Low accuracy: Actual consumption isn't captured – it's estimated. This can lead to inefficiencies, inaccurate tariffs, or unexpected additional charges.
• Limited optimization potential: Without detailed data, companies can't strategically manage consumption or reduce costs.Limited optimization potential: Without detailed data, companies can't strategically manage consumption or reduce costs.
Conclusion: Which Metering Method Is Right?
First things first: not everyone gets to choose. High-consumption companies must use RLM. Smaller users generally have the option – and the best choice depends on your individual energy use and operational needs.
Small businesses (just like large consumers over 100,000 kWh/year) can benefit from the precision of RLM metering. It helps reduce costs, optimize consumption, and access more customized tariffs.
That said, companies with stable consumption patterns might find SLP perfectly sufficient – it’s low-effort, cost-effective, and easy to manage.
Our Recommendation
If you want to understand, optimize, and sustainably reduce your energy usage, it’s worth considering a switch to RLM metering – even if you’re not required to.
Otark offers large-scale RLM users free access to analyze their consumption data – simple and all on one platform.
