Systems and methods are provided to improve the reliability of energy networks during an activation and deactivation under load and the measurement of energy consumption. An example method for operating an energy network which has multiple junction boxes includes: opening an electronic switch of a junction box using an analysis unit of the junction box; waiting for a defined period of time; measuring the potential at an output of the electronic switch using the analysis program and a corresponding voltage measuring device; comparing the measured potential U with a specified value; setting a release parameter dependent on the measured potential falling below the specified value; and opening a mechanical isolator dependent on the release parameter. The method may include: generating a priority level for the provided deactivation process; carrying out the deactivation process dependent on the priority level; and increasing a content of a counter if the deactivation process is successful and the release parameter has not been set.