A method for operating a controllable electrical device connected by a data link to a control device for controlling the electrical device, includes using the electrical device to exchange electrical power with a connected electrical grid and using an environmental sensor for collecting environmental information. The control device transmits control signals to the electrical device over the data link. The electrical device assumes a first or a second operating state depending on the control signals transmitted. The electrical device exchanges energy with the electrical grid in the first operating state and the electrical device does not exchange energy with the electrical grid in the second operating state. Environmental information collected by the environmental sensor is transmitted over the data link to the control device only when the electrical device is in the second operating state. An assembly for carrying out the method is also provided.