Why Monitoring Power Flow Accuracy in Net Metering Is Crucial Today
Net metering: Fostering a fair exchange bewteen utility companies and their costumers
The US federal government requires utility companies to purchase surplus energy from independent producers.
Over 40 states have laws in place to ensure credit is given for this excess consumer generation. State regulatory agencies review the rates utilities charge retail consumers to ensure they are reasonable under their ratemaking jurisdiction.
Some utility companies still perceive Net Metering policies as lost revenue opportunities, but in most cases, Net Metering allows utilities to better manage their peak electricity load as well as reduce the strain on the distribution system.
Measure the power they export back to the grid
In some case, consumers will produce more electrical power than they consume during peak generating conditions. Net Metering allows these customers to measure the power they export back to the grid, to save on their future electrical bills and benefit the environment by generating renewable energy.
Bills based on actual meter readings will reflect the difference between the value of the electricity injected into the grid and the value of the electricity customers consumed from the grid.
In order to determine how much power is fed back and to ensure a fair exchange between the utility companies and the customers, an accurate meter reading of both the forward and reverse power flow is critical.
This requires a solution that fits seamlessly into the daily workflow.
To prevent this, a simple routine maintenance schedule should be implemented that includes a reverse power flow test. This requires a fast and easy-to-use testing solution that fits seamlessly into the daily workflow.
Probewell offers the WT Series wireless meter testers that can quickly detect drifting of forward or reverse power flow accuracy in both Wh and VARh measurement modes as part of their standard operation. No need to change any of the socket connections between tests, just select Reverse Flow Test in the Probewell Connect application on a mobile device and get live results immediately.
Regularly testing their meter population as part of their quality assurance program is a good practice for utility companies .
Probewell WT Series wireless meter testers are well suited to the task: they are portable, easy to use, compatible with multiple meter forms and offer a wide range of tests that are key to maintaining a healthy power grid and keeping customers happy. Simply put, testing is just good overall business practice.
“Using the right solutions, such as advanced meter testers, is essential for identifying inaccuracies in net metering systems, ensuring precise energy flow measurements, and preventing billing discrepancies, all while enhancing the reliability of renewable energy integration into the grid.”
Main features of the MT-1/WT3 wireless meter tester
COMPATIBLE METERS
Single-phase: 1S, 2S, 3S*, 4S, 12S(N) and 25S
Three-phase: 6S, 8S, 9S, 12S, 14S, 15S, 16S, 36S, 46S, 96S and Fitzall™ meters
Class: 10, 20, 100, 200, 320**
COMPATIBLE DEVICES
Smart phone, tablet and PC
Operating systems: IOS®, Android®, Windows®
TEST SOCKET
Input voltage: 100 – 600VAC
Line frequency: 58 – 62Hz
Power consumption: 75 VA (maximum)
Circuit breakers: 2 x 1 A (press-to-reset mechanism)
CURRENT SYNTHESIZERS
Adjustable current: 0.25 to 50A
Phase angle (Wh): Unity and 60° lag
Phase angle (VARh): 90° and 30° lag
INTERNAL 3-PHASE WATTHOUR STANDARD
Typical accuracy: ±0.02%
Guaranteed accuracy: ±0.05%
Click here to see the full technical specifications
Other advantages of using the ultralight WT Series wireless meter testers
Manage risk
- Quickly setup the testing device and speed-up the assessment process without ever compromising safety.
Minimize human error
- Minimize the time spent doing clerical work and other redundant back-office tasks by automating the report process.
Best practices
- Work “ahead of the game” to save time and money in the long run. Adopt the MT-1/WT3 as a standard tool for quality assurance.
Probewell Connect
- The advanced, yet simple solution literally at your fingertips. Create reliable reports in CSV or PDF format and share your findings via email.
Download Probewell
Connect 2.0
Connect 2.0
iOS
Android
Windows
The Windows version of Probewell Connect 2.0 is entirely free but signup to Probewell Support Portal is require to download the app.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Get a tailored quote for the exact solution you need.
Click the button below to request your personalized product quote today.
References:
American Action Forum. “Federal Jurisdiction of Net Metering.” AmericanActionForum.org. https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/federal-jurisdiction-of-net-metering/.
Ontario Energy Board. “Net Metering: Consumer Information and Protection.” OEB.ca. https://www.oeb.ca/consumer-information-and-protection/net-metering.
