What is the difference between time-series and profile-based settlement?

In time-series settlement, consumption is actually metered in 15-minute intervals, and the bill is based on these data. This is the industrial standard, and its tariff rates are lower. In profile-based settlement, there is no 15-minute metering: consumption is allocated according to standard, statistically based profiles, and the tariff rates are higher — this is typical for smaller consumers. The difference matters for two reasons. First, in the tariff level: on a time-series medium-voltage connection the total volumetric charge in 2026 is 11.78 HUF/kWh, whereas with profile-based, low-voltage all-day settlement it is 23.40 HUF/kWh — roughly double. Second, in predictability: a spot-price contract and battery storage arbitrage only really work with time-series metering, because 15-minute settlement is their basis. If a profile-based customer can provide 15-minute data from a sub-meter, we use it in the simulation for sizing — the settlement and the tariff rates, however, continue to follow the profile-based tariff.