Which import method should I use for my metering hardware?

Choosing the right import method is the single biggest decision when onboarding meters. Analytics → Data Import offers four methods — pick by how the hardware can deliver data, not by brand.

Decision tree

Does the hardware vendor offer a REST API? (e.g. Easee, Zaptec, Monta, vendor cloud portals) → use Instant API Sync. The platform's AI import builder maps the response shape automatically; you just supply credentials.
Does the hardware vendor email automated CSV reports? (utility companies, some district heating providers) → use Email CSV import. Forward the reports to the address shown in your data source settings.
Does the hardware push to a webhook URL? (modern 4G/LTE gateways like Teltonika RUT956, Elvaco CMe3100, Carlo Gavazzi UWP) → use Real-Time Push (Webhook). The gateway POSTs JSON on a schedule.
Manual CSV or Excel exports from a portal? → use Manual File Upload.

What about MQTT? MQTT is not one of the four methods — you cannot point the platform at a broker and topic. If your hardware only speaks MQTT, keep your broker and put a small bridge in front of it (Node-RED, a gateway script, or the gateway's own HTTP output) that subscribes to the topic and POSTs the readings to a webhook data source. Everything downstream — meter discovery, consumption, billing — behaves exactly as it does for any other webhook source.

For Modbus or M-Bus meters (Carlo Gavazzi, Kamstrup, Landis+Gyr): the meters themselves don't speak any of the four methods. You need a gateway in between — an Elvaco CMe-series, Teltonika RUT-series, or Raspberry Pi — that reads Modbus/M-Bus and pushes via webhook.

For EV chargers: chargers don't expose meter data over Modbus. Either use the charger vendor's API (path 1) or install a separate MID-certified electricity meter per charger output and use a webhook gateway (path 3). The separate-meter approach is more defensible for billing.

Where to start: Analytics → Data Import, pick the method card at the top of the page, then fill in the form below it.