The electrification of society and the economy, the development of electric mobility and the increasing demand for transparency in energy billing have strengthened the role of the legal metrology in Spain.
Order ITU/1475/2024, which amends Order ICT/155/2020, updates the State metrological control regime and incorporates a specific annex for electric vehicle charging stations intended for the sale of energy. This update does not only introduce an administrative requirement: it redefines the technical approach with which these systems must be designed.
For manufacturers, integrators and operators, it is no longer enough to talk about accuracy; it is necessary to talk about metrological traceability, measurement architecture, data integrity and in-service verifiability.
At ORBIS we approach this framework from a product engineering perspective.
What is State metrological control?
State metrological control, regulated by Law 32/2014 on Metrology and developed by Royal Decree 244/2016 and Order ICT/155/2020, establishes the set of actions aimed at ensuring that a measurement with economic or legal effects is technically reliable and legally defensible.
From a technical point of view, it implies that:
- The instrument shall maintain its maximum permissible error within the established limits.
- The metrological configuration must be protected against tampering.
- Interventions must be traceable.
- It must be possible to verify its behaviour in service.
Control phases may include:
- Initial conformity assessment.
- Verification before commissioning.
- Periodic verification.
- Verification after repair or modification.
- Control of instruments in service.
Order ITU/1475/2024 introduces specific requirements for charging stations that sell energy, obliging the entire system - not just the meter - to meet technical conditions regarding metering, display, parameter protection and data access. This shifts the metrological responsibility from the isolated component to the integrated system.
The aim of the State metrological control is to ensure that the energy billed to the end-user is measured according to verifiable technical criteria and under administrative supervision.
What is a MID-compliant meter (Directive 2014/32/EU)?
The Directive 2014/32/EU (MID) harmonises at European level the essential requirements applicable to certain measuring instruments, including those for active electricity meters.
From a technical perspective, a MID accountant:
- It has passed a conformity assessment procedure laid down by the directive.
- Meets requirements for accuracy, stability, electromagnetic immunity and environmental conditions.
- It can be based on applicable technical standards such as EN/UNE-EN 50470-1 and EN/UNE-EN 50470-3, which define requirements and accuracy classes.
- Bearing the marking EC and the additional metrological marking.
In the case of electricity meters, the standard EN 50470-3 establishes accuracy classes or indices (e.g. Class B for active energy), determining the maximum permissible error within its scope.
MID conformity attests that the product complies with the harmonised requirements for placing on the market and putting into service in the European Union, not necessarily their integration into a complex system such as a charging station.
Relationship between State metrological control and MID
Although related, the State metrological control and the MID Directive operate at different and complementary levels:
- The directive MID regulates the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of the product at European level.
- The State metrological control regulates their use and control in service on national territory, including subsequent verifications where appropriate.
In the case of charging stations regulated by the Order ITU/1475/2024, In addition, it is not sufficient to integrate a MID-compliant meter: the complete system must comply with the technical requirements set out in the relevant annex and be subject to the controls provided for by Spanish regulations.
Thus, MID conformity constitutes the metrological basis of the instrument, while the metrological control of the State guarantees its correct use on the Spanish market.
Evolution of the European Framework: Directive (EU) 2026/706
The regulatory framework described above is currently based on Directive 2014/32/EU (MID), which is the European pillar for conformity assessment of measuring instruments.
However, this framework has recently been updated by Directive (EU) 2026/706, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 20 March 2026.
This new directive introduces changes to the MID in relation to various measuring instruments, including systems associated with electric vehicle power supply equipment, as well as electricity, gas and thermal energy meters.
From a regulatory perspective, this update reinforces the evolution towards a broader approach to metering, which takes into account not only the individual instrument, but also its integration into systems involved in energy transaction processes.
Directive (EU) 2026/706 must be transposed into national law by 10 April 2028. After that date, an adaptation of the Spanish regulatory framework is foreseeable, including the regulatory development associated with the State's metrological control.
In this context, the current framework remains fully valid, although it must be understood within an evolving regulatory environment at European level.
ORBIS solutions for environments subject to metrological control
At ORBIS we develop electrical measurement solutions designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of the MID Directive and prepared for integration in environments subject to state metrological control.
The range CONTAX MID includes single-phase and three-phase solutions aimed at:
- Sub-metering in residential and tertiary buildings.
- Cost sharing in industrial installations.
- Consumption control in machinery.
- Applications linked to electric vehicle charging stations.
Our devices incorporate integration options such as S0 pulse outputs and Modbus-RTU communications, facilitating their incorporation into energy management systems.
VIARIS charging stations and metrological control
Certain models in the range VIARIS have an integrated MID counter or the possibility of integrating additional MID-certified counters, including VIARIS CITY +, VIARIS UNI +y VIARIS COMBI +.
In the field of AC public chargers, models such as VIARIS CITY + with Display and VIARIS CITY + with POS are designed with an architecture geared towards compliance with the metrological requirements established by the Order ITU/1475/2024, incorporating elements such as sealable modules, the possibility of external meter reading and technical configuration compatible with environments subject to metrological control.
The final compliance with the metrological control regime will depend on the specific use, the selected configuration and the assessment procedure applicable in each case.
In addition, the associated software solutions allow centralising readings, structuring metering networks and automating energy distribution and billing processes, providing a comprehensive approach that combines regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
Legal metrology, regulatory compliance and industrial design
Legal metrology is not just a regulatory requirement. It is an essential component of responsible industrial design.
At ORBIS we understand that the development of electrical equipment must integrate:
- Technical rigour
- Regulatory compliance
- Operational reliability
- Adaptability to existing regulatory frameworks
The regulatory update introduced by the Order ITU/1475/2024 reinforces the need for robust measurement solutions, certified and aligned with state metrological control.
Precision is a technical specification and a responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it mandatory for a charging station to incorporate a MID counter?
Order ITU/1475/2024 subjects certain charging stations intended for commercial transactions to State metrological control. The system must comply with the technical requirements set out in the relevant annex, which normally involves integrating instruments with appropriate metrological conformity, such as MID counters, The Commission shall ensure that the national framework applicable is complied with.
Is it sufficient for a meter to be MID certified to comply with the regulations in Spain?
Not necessarily. MID conformity attests compliance with European harmonised requirements for the instrument. However, when the instrument is subject to State metrological control, it must also comply with national requirements concerning its use and, where appropriate, periodic checks or checks after repair.
Does the new Directive (EU) 2026/706 affect the current framework?
Yes, it introduces an evolution of the European framework to be transposed by April 2028. Although the current regulation remains valid, future adaptations are foreseeable in order to align it with the new requirements.
Is it sufficient to comply with the MID?
No. The MID covers the design and conformity of the instrument, while the State metrological control regulates its legal use in Spain.
Which ORBIS models are equipped with a MID counter?
Models such as VIARIS CITY +,VIARIS UNI +y VIARIS COMBI + incorporate MID counters or allow their additional integration, depending on the version selected.
Which models are intended for environments subject to metrological control according to Order ITU/1475/2024?
In the field of AC public chargers, models such as VIARIS CITY + with Display and VIARIS CITY + with POS have been developed with an architecture oriented to environments where recharging may be subject to the metrological control of the State.
The final conformity will depend on the use, the specific configuration and the corresponding assessment procedure.
What is the difference between the MID Directive and state metrological control?
The MID Directive regulates the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of the instrument at European level. The State metrological control regulates its legal use in Spain and in-service verification actions when applicable.
What is EN 50470-3?
A technical standard applicable to static meters for active electrical energy that establishes accuracy classes (such as Class B) and metrological performance requirements.
How does Order ITU/1475/2024 affect manufacturers and installers?
The order introduces specific requirements for certain equipment, such as charging stations, requiring revised design, technical documentation, conformity assessment procedures and in-service verification obligations.