What is a metering concept?
A metering concept describes where different electricity quantities are measured within an energy system and how the measured values are allocated and settled for energy-market purposes. It defines meter locations, metering directions and the electrical configuration. This makes it possible to distinguish between grid consumption, grid export, generation, self-consumption and energy quantities associated with battery energy storage systems (BESS) or individual loads.
Metering concepts at a glance
- A metering concept provides the basis for correctly allocating and settling electricity quantities.
- The required meter configuration depends on the system design, commercial model and regulatory requirements.
- Revenue meters and additional operational meters used for monitoring or EMS control serve different purposes.
- The metering concept must be selected for the specific project and aligned with the requirements of the responsible grid operator and the processes of the metering service provider.
How does a metering concept work?
A metering concept defines which energy quantities are measured directly and which are calculated from multiple meter readings. A bidirectional meter at the point of grid connection can, for example, record grid consumption and grid export separately. The generation or consumption of individual assets can be measured using additional meters where necessary.
The meter locations and electrical configuration are just as important as the number of meters. In a cascaded metering arrangement, multiple meters are combined in a defined configuration. Depending on the meter arrangement and settlement logic, individual readings or the differences between them can be used, for example, to distinguish the electricity consumption of a heat pump from the general building consumption.
Metering concepts primarily concern settlement-relevant measurements. Additional operational meters may be required for plant monitoring or control by an energy management system (EMS). These meters can provide readings at shorter intervals, supply instantaneous power values and specifically measure individual assets or loads. However, they are not automatically part of the official settlement metering system.
A generation meter is not required for every PV system. Whether one is needed depends on the system configuration, the intended settlement model and the applicable regulatory requirements.
Which metering concepts are commonly used?
Surplus export: A bidirectional meter at the point of grid connection records electricity imported from the grid and surplus PV electricity exported to the grid. PV electricity consumed directly on site is generally not measured as a separate settlement quantity. However, it can be calculated if PV generation is measured separately.
Full export: Except for the system’s technical auxiliary consumption, the generated PV electricity is intended to be exported entirely to the public grid. The settlement-relevant export quantity is recorded at the corresponding metering point. Any electricity imported by the system is measured separately or through an additional import register.
Cascaded metering: Multiple meters distinguish between different loads and generators. These may include PV systems, heat pumps, charging infrastructure or general building loads. The energy quantities that can be measured directly or calculated depend on the specific meter arrangement.
PV with BESS: The metering concept must provide a traceable representation of the relevant charging and discharging quantities. This is particularly important when electricity from different sources is stored or when support schemes, levies, grid charges or other regulatory provisions must be considered.
Further configurations are used for tenant electricity models, shared energy supply within buildings, direct marketing or sites with multiple generation systems.
Benefits, limitations and technical requirements
A suitable metering concept enables energy quantities to be allocated unambiguously and therefore provides the basis for settlement, balancing and, where applicable, energy trading or marketing. Incorrect meter positions or metering directions can lead to implausible readings and an incorrect allocation of energy quantities.
Metering concepts are not fully standardised across countries or electricity markets. The applicable legal and regulatory framework determines which electricity quantities must be distinguished for settlement, support schemes and market processes. Grid operators, utilities or industry associations often publish standard metering configurations. Additional technical connection requirements may apply in the relevant grid area. The appropriate metering concept must therefore be selected and coordinated on a project-specific basis.
A smart metering system does not replace the metering concept. It combines a digital electricity meter with a secure communications gateway or comparable communication technology. Active plant control additionally requires a suitable control device, controllable system components and the necessary communication interfaces.
How does EcoPhi support meter data collection?
EcoPhi can read suitable revenue meters and additional operational meters if a technically usable interface, sufficient data availability and the required access permissions are provided. The measured values can be consolidated, visualised and used for monitoring, analysis and EMS functions.
The metering points required for control functions may differ from the official settlement metering points. EcoPhi does not replace legally compliant revenue meters or the review of the metering concept by the responsible market parties. The specific implementation depends on the available data channels, interfaces and temporal resolution. Additional integration or engineering services may be required depending on the project.
Metering concepts summarised
A metering concept defines the metering points and meter arrangement used to allocate electricity quantities for energy-market purposes. Its specific design depends on the system configuration, settlement model and requirements of the responsible market parties.
Frequently asked questions
Does every PV system require a generation meter?
No. Whether a generation meter is required depends on the system configuration, settlement model and applicable regulatory requirements.
What is the difference between a revenue meter and an operational meter?
A revenue meter provides measured values for energy-market settlement and the associated market processes. An operational meter is primarily used for monitoring, analysis or system control and may additionally provide instantaneous power values.
Does a smart meter replace the metering concept?
No. A smart metering system extends the available metering and communication functions. The required metering points and their electrical configuration must still be defined through a metering concept.
Who defines the metering concept, and who reviews it?
The system operator selects or applies for a suitable metering concept. The responsible grid operator reviews whether it complies with the relevant energy-market and technical requirements. The metering service provider is involved in providing, installing and operating the settlement-relevant meters.