Wiktor Wise
Revenue-grade electrical meters (RGMs) are power production meters that provide building owners with data on individual tenant energy use. They are defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard C12.20-2010 Class 0.2, which establishes requirements for power meters to accurately and reliably monitor energy consumption. RGMs are often sourced from companies like Measurlogic, Setra, and Carbon Solutions Group, which offer a range of AC and DC electric submeters, power meters, and supporting sensors. These meters help building owners make informed decisions, participate in utility reward programs, and, in some cases, are required by local authorities. When considering where to source RGMs, it is essential to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations, such as those outlined by ANSI, to guarantee accurate and reliable metering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Power meters that meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard C12.20-2010 Class 0.2 for accuracy and reliability in monitoring individual tenant consumption. |
| Accuracy | ANSI standard has 3 accuracy classes: 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5. To be considered revenue grade, the meter must have an accuracy of 0.5% or higher. |
| Usage | Building owners use these meters to charge tenants for individual energy use and to participate in utility rewards programs. |
| Examples | SolarEdge Three Phase Revenue Grade Meter, Measurlogic's DTS brand submeters |
| Requirements | High accuracy Current Transformers (CTs) and metering equipment. |
| Installation | Some meters can be installed in a standard electrical panel and read remotely. |
| Data Access | Modern "smart meters" have electronic data collection and communication abilities, but the utility company owns the data and access is not always provided to the building owner. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
ANSI standards for revenue-grade meters
Revenue-grade electrical meters are defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard C12.20-2010 Class 0.2. The standard establishes the requirements for power meters to ensure they accurately and reliably provide monitoring data.
The ANSI standard ensures that building owners can obtain data on individual tenant energy use, enabling them to charge tenants accordingly. These meters also allow for participation in utility rewards programs.
While third-party certification for revenue-grade metering is often determined by local authorities, it is essential to ensure compliance with ANSI standards. The ANSI C12.20 standard was merged into the larger ANSI C12.1 Code for Electricity Metering in 2022. This code covers various aspects, including dimensions, form factor designations, and electrical ratings, providing a common terminology for manufacturers and users.
Additionally, ANSI has published the C12.32-2021 standard, which establishes performance criteria for revenue-grade Direct Current (DC) watt-hour meters and demand meters. This standard includes accuracy class designations, current, voltage, environmental tests, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests.
Building Electric Boards: DIY Guide to Custom Creations
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Metering for SRECs
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) are a form of renewable energy incentive that allows individuals with solar energy systems to earn money from the excess power they generate. SRECs are sold on a commodity market, and the more energy produced, the more credits are accumulated.
To participate in the SREC market, a revenue-grade meter is required to meet the accuracy requirements for metering. These meters provide data on individual energy use and must meet or exceed the ANSI C12.1-2008 accuracy standards. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard C12.20-2010 Class 0.2 for revenue-grade power meters requires an accuracy of 0.5% or higher.
In the context of SRECs, the revenue-grade meter, also known as a "production meter", records the cumulative kilowatt-hours produced by the solar installation. This data is then used to determine the number of SRECs generated, with one SREC produced for every 1000 kWh. The monthly kilowatt-hour generation data must be reported to the relevant SREC tracking system.
It is important to note that the installation of a revenue-grade meter for SRECs should be performed by a licensed electrical contractor, ensuring compliance with local and national electric codes. The price range for basic meter installation can vary, with more advanced meters capable of remote reading available at a higher cost.
Y Lighting: Electrical Plans Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Smart meters
The NE Socket Meter is a cutting-edge technology that automatically delivers meter readings to the cloud. It offers a range of communication options, including LTE Cat M1, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 900 MHz Radio Frequency. The data is easily accessible through a PowerTrack portal or a free smartphone app. Additionally, the NE Socket Meter is available in both indoor and outdoor individual meter enclosures, making it versatile for various installation needs.
Another example of a smart meter is the SolarEdge Three Phase Revenue Grade Meter, which provides revenue-grade ANSI C12.20 accuracy (±0.5% of rated CT current). This meter is compatible with various current transformers and communicates via RS485 to provide monitoring data. Its small size makes it easy to install in a standard electrical panel, adding convenience to its high accuracy.
When considering smart meters, it is important to understand the accuracy requirements. Revenue-grade power meters are defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard C12.20-2010 Class 0.2, which ensures accurate and reliable monitoring. This standard includes three accuracy classes: 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5, with an accuracy of 0.5% or higher being necessary for a meter to be considered revenue grade.
Acme Electric: Meet the Manager
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Metering for tenant billing
Revenue-grade electrical meters are used by building managers and owners to monitor tenant electricity usage for billing purposes. These meters provide data that helps divide the total energy costs between tenants, ensuring equitable billing. This practice is known as tenant submetering or electrical submetering.
In the past, energy costs were often allocated based on the real estate footprint, which could result in tenants being over or under-billed. With tenant submetering, bills are generated automatically based on each tenant's actual energy consumption. This not only ensures fairness and accountability but also encourages tenants to be more mindful of their energy usage, leading to significant energy savings for both tenants and building owners.
To implement tenant submetering, building managers can choose from various metering solutions offered by companies like Triacta and Socomec. These solutions include selecting the appropriate meters, data loggers, and billing software. For instance, Triacta offers multi-point meters that have a smaller footprint and lower deployment, integration, and maintenance costs. Meanwhile, Socomec provides a complete metering solution, helping users choose the right technology for their specific needs.
When selecting a metering solution, it is essential to consider the accuracy of the meters. Revenue-grade power meters, as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard C12.20-2010 Class 0.2, must have an accuracy of 0.5% or higher. Meters with lower accuracy, typically between 0.5% and 2%, are considered non-revenue grade and cannot be used for individual tenant billing. However, these non-revenue grade meters can still be useful for building owners to better understand overall energy usage and make informed decisions.
Blackout Blues: Life Without Electricity
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Metering for large buildings
Direct metering involves individual meters for each family or apartment unit, with the utility company supplying and owning the meter. Residents pay for their actual consumption, receiving bills at residential rates. This method provides accurate data on tenant energy use and is essential for revenue-grade power metering. According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard C12.20-2010 Class 0.2, revenue-grade power meters must have an accuracy of 0.5% or higher. Companies like Measurlogic design and manufacture revenue-grade electrical submeters, offering precision metering and energy efficiency systems.
Submetering, on the other hand, is advantageous for building owners. It allows them to set a predictable electricity budget as they only pay for common areas. This method promotes energy conservation and is environmentally beneficial by reducing energy consumption and fossil fuel usage. Submeters are owned by the building, providing data on individual unit consumption.
Master metering is another approach where the utility company supplies electricity to the entire building through a single meter. The owner then divides the total electricity cost among the residents, often based on factors like apartment size or the number of occupants. While this method simplifies billing, it does not account for individual consumption and can lead to unfair distribution of costs.
Federal buildings in the US are required to follow metering guidelines established by the Department of Energy under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This ensures that federal agencies monitor their energy and water usage, with the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) providing guidance and best practices. Additionally, countries like the UK are investing in research projects to develop performance-based policies for metering and rating the energy and carbon performance of large commercial and industrial buildings.
When considering metering for large buildings, it is essential to evaluate the specific needs and requirements of the building, the cost-effectiveness of different metering systems, and compliance with local regulations and standards.
Trump's Electric Chair Comment: A Shocking Statement?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Revenue-grade electrical meters (RGMs) are power production meters that measure to +/- 2% accuracy per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rule. They are used to provide building owners with data to charge tenants for individual energy use.
There are a few companies that manufacture and sell revenue-grade electrical meters. For instance, Measurlogic in Colorado, Setra, and SolarEdge.
Revenue-grade electrical meters must have an accuracy of 0.5% or higher. They should also be able to record historical peak demand in kilowatts for larger buildings and electrical systems.
