Getting Started with EEBUS–
Step by Step with KEO

Are you just getting started with EEBUS and wondering where to begin? This guide walks you through the topic in easy-to-follow steps—from the basics to technology, devices, legal considerations, and development. And because KEO has been building EEBUS solutions for years and has connected over 2.5 million devices, we’ll show you right away how to put it into practice.

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First the big picture, then the practical application

Watch the video to find out who KEO is—then the guide will walk you through the topic step by step. We explain each term exactly as you’ll encounter it in real-world projects.

  • Leading EEBUS Integrator
  • Software Stack, API & Testing Tools
  • Over 2.5 million connected devices

  • Basics

EEBUS is an open, cross-manufacturer communication standard for the digital energy transition. It ensures that energy-related devices—from the power grid to energy management systems to end devices in buildings—speak a common “language” and work together seamlessly. This allows heat pumps, wallboxes, inverters, and storage systems to be networked and controlled regardless of the manufacturer.
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  • EEBUS defines how connected devices discover each other, establish secure connections, and exchange data. Technically, it is based on two layers: SHIP manages the secure, encrypted connection over IP networks, while SPINE describes the actual data models and use cases. This allows, for example, an energy manager for a heat pump to specify a maximum power consumption without the two devices having to be from the same manufacturer.

Advantages: EEBUS is vendor-neutral and interoperable, can be expanded via software updates and is therefore future-proof, meets regulatory requirements (e.g., Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG)), and enables secure, encrypted communication. The challenge is this: Devices must implement the standard and obtain certification, and an EEBUS-compatible counterpart is required within the system—this is precisely where KEO provides support with ready-to-use software stacks and testing tools.

  • Technology and Interfaces

The EEBUS interface is the “common language of energy”: a standardized digital interface that enables devices from different manufacturers and sectors to exchange energy information and be controlled. It is used in particular at the grid connection point between buildings and grid operators, replacing proprietary individual solutions with a uniform standard.

CLS stands for “Controllable Local Systems”—controllable systems within a building that are securely connected via the Smart Meter Gateway (SMGW). The SMGW’s CLS channel serves as a secure communication link between the local system and external market participants, such as the grid operator, and is a key component of the control system under Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).

CLS.EEDI is an interface that enables grid operators and energy service providers to control devices at the grid connection point and retrieve meter readings. It provides a compact implementation of the use cases defined in VDE-AR-E 2829-6: power limitation (LPC, LPP) and meter readings (MGCP, MPC). The commands are transmitted via MQTT—in Germany, for example, via the CLS channel of the smart meter gateway—to a local device, which then forwards them to heat pumps or wallboxes via EEBUS. KEO implements CLS.EEDI in KEO Edge.

In EEBUS, devices assume different roles: The server provides a function or data—such as a heat pump that reports its current consumption. The client uses or controls this function—such as an energy manager that sets a power limit. Depending on the use case, a single device can assume both roles simultaneously.

EEBUS is an IP-based standard and does not require any special cabling. Communication takes place via standard network technology—wired via Ethernet (e.g., Cat-5e/Cat-6) or wirelessly via Wi-Fi. This allows EEBUS to be integrated into existing home and building networks.

  • Devices and Use Cases

More and more energy-related devices are EEBUS-compatible—2.5 million devices are already connected via the KEO software. These include, among others:

  • Heat Pumps
  • Wallboxes & Charging Stations
  • PV Inverters
  • Battery Storage
  • Energy Managers (HEMS/EMS)
  • Smart Meter Gateways
  • Control Boxes
  • Smart Home Appliances

Use cases are standardized functional modules in EEBUS. Each use case precisely describes what data is exchanged between two devices and how—for example, limiting power consumption. This ensures that devices from different manufacturers interpret and implement the same function in exactly the same way.

EEBUS covers a wide range of scenarios related to energy management and grid integration, including:

  • Laststeuerung / Demand Flexibility
  • Optimizing Self-Consumption
  • Flexible and dynamic rates
  • Monitoring at the Grid Connection Point
  • Performance Specifications (Power Envelope)
  • Consumption Monitoring

  • Law and Regulation

Section 14a of the Energy Network Act (EnWG) governs the grid-oriented control of controllable consumer devices such as heat pumps and wall boxes. In grid-critical situations, grid operators may temporarily reduce (“dim”) the power draw from these devices; in return, operators receive reduced grid fees. Since 2024, this regulation has been mandatory for newly installed controllable consumer devices.

Section 9 of the EEG requires operators of EEG-eligible installations (e.g., photovoltaic systems) as well as certain consumers to install technical equipment for the remote reduction of feed-in power and for retrieving actual feed-in data. This allows installations to be controlled in a manner that benefits the grid when necessary—an important component of the grid integration of renewable energies.

To ensure your device meets the requirements, it must support the appropriate EEBUS use cases as well as the technical connection specifications VDE-AR-N 4100 / 4105 (April 2026). With the KEO UseCase API, your device will be compliant with §14a of the Energy Economy Act (EnWG) and §9 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG)—we’ll guide you through the entire process, from configuration and integration to successful EEBUS certification.

CRA stands for the Cyber Resilience Act—the EU regulation on the cybersecurity of connected products. It sets requirements for secure development, regular updates, and vulnerability management throughout the entire product lifecycle. KEO solutions are designed to be CRA-compliant and are BSI-certified.

  • Development and Tools

The EEBUS Initiative’s technician tool supports installers and skilled tradespeople in commissioning and pairing EEBUS-compatible devices on-site. It helps them locate devices, connect them securely, and verify that they are functioning correctly—without requiring in-depth protocol knowledge.

For development, debugging, and testing, KEO offers Ktest-StiX: It enables simulation, debugging, and testing of EEBUS-compatible products throughout all phases of product development and the entire product lifecycle. In addition, certification tools from the EEBUS Initiative are available.

Why EEBUS with KEO?

EEBUS is the standard—KEO makes it work for you. We helped shape it from the very beginning and have brought it to market in over a million devices. Learn more about why you should choose KEO on the “Why KEO” page.