Computer Forum
Homematic IP Home Control Unit (Image © Homematic)
The update meets specific legal requirements under Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and Section 9 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). According to these regulations, controllable energy devices—such as heat pumps, wall boxes, and photovoltaic systems—must be capable of being temporarily throttled by the grid operator to prevent grid overload. By implementing these standards, users ensure that their systems comply with current legal requirements. Furthermore, the ability to make a home energy system controllable in this way may entitle homeowners to reduced grid fees from their energy providers.
User-Defined Device Prioritization
A key feature of the update is the ability to control power distribution during forced throttling events. Instead of a blanket shutdown of all high-power devices, the Homematic IP Home Control Unit allows users to set priorities via the accompanying app. When the utility triggers a power limit, the system intelligently distributes the remaining available capacity based on these predefined preferences, ensuring that critical devices remain operational while less important devices are throttled first.
Technical Integration and Certification
The system uses the EEBUS communication standard to enable data exchange between the home control center and various energy-generating or energy-consuming devices. To ensure broad hardware compatibility, the Home Control Unit has received EEBUS Pilot Certification from Living Lab Cologne. This software-based approach, implemented via a plugin, eliminates the need for complex physical wiring or the installation of additional relays, thereby simplifying the integration of compatible energy components into the home network.
Availability and Future Pricing
LPC and LPP functionality will be provided free of charge until December 31, 2027. After this period expires, these features will be integrated into a paid Home Energy Management System (HEMS). The transition to the paid model is not automatic; users must explicitly opt in to the HEMS subscription after the free period ends.
