A method for initialising a memory area, wherein the memory area is associated with a smart meter (142; 144; 146; 148), wherein the method comprises the following steps: - establishing a first communication channel between a first computer system and a security module, wherein the security module is associated with the memory area, - authenticating the first computer system with respect to the security module, - after successfully authenticating the first computer system with respect to the security module, receiving data from the first computer system via the security module by secure transmission and storage of the data in the memory area for initialising the memory area, wherein configuration data for operating the smart meter and/or the gateway is associated with the smart meter, wherein by way of the smart meter (142; 144; 146; 148) energy consumption-specific measurement data elements can be acquired, wherein the data received from the first computer system contains a statement of those measurement data elements and/or configuration data to which the utility company and or the metering point operator is authorised for read access, wherein the method also comprises the following steps: - establishing a second communication channel between a second computer system of the utility company and/or metering point operator and the security module, wherein the establishment of the second computer system is initiated, - mutually authenticating the second computer system and the security module, - after successful mutual authentication, receiving a request for a special attribute from the second computer system, - checking whether the utility company and/or the metering point operator is authorised for read access to a measurement data element and/or configuration data specified by the requested attribute, - transmitting the measurement data element and/or configuration data specified by the requested attribute from the security module to the second computer system by secure transmission. - establishing a first communication channel between a first computer system and a security module, wherein the security module is associated with the memory area, - authenticating the first computer system with respect to the security module, - after successfully authenticating the first computer system with respect to the security module, receiving data from the first computer system via the security module by secure transmission and storage of the data in the memory area for initialising the memory area, - establishing a second communication channel between a second computer system of the utility company and/or metering point operator and the security module, wherein the establishment of the second computer system is initiated, - mutually authenticating the second computer system and the security module, - after successful mutual authentication, receiving a request for a special attribute from the second computer system, - checking whether the utility company and/or the metering point operator is authorised for read access to a measurement data element and/or configuration data specified by the requested attribute, - transmitting the measurement data element and/or configuration data specified by the requested attribute from the security module to the second computer system by secure transmission.