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The Role of Net Metering in the Evolving Electricity System (2023) / Chapter Skim
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2 Net Metering 101
Pages 26-31

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From page 26...
... With the proliferation of BTM DG, metering technologies have also become more sophisticated to accommodate and support policies like net metering, which encourages DG adoption. When it comes to the interconnection of DG with the electricity grid, the 26
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From page 27...
... RELEVANT METERING TECHNOLOGIES When the solar PV system is producing more electricity than the building is using -- for example, perhaps when the occupants are away from home, few appliances are turned on, and the sun is shining -- then excess solar-generated electricity (i.e., any amount FIGURE 2-1  Technical configuration of a behind-the-meter rooftop solar system. The figure illustrates system operation when solar electricity generated exceeds total electricity load.
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From page 28...
... can include different pricing of power for net withdrawals or net exports during different time periods, providing a means for managing a dynamic system with a number of distributed resources efficiently and reliably. This is important to keep in mind because the utility's cost to supply power varies by time of day and by seasons of the year.2 Table 2-1 lists different types of metering technologies and their measurement capabilities, that are commonly used in the United States.
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From page 29...
... (Meter must record usage on the first and last day of each billing period to calculate net usage for that period.) Smart Meter Enables two-way communication between the utility and the meter, as well as digital connectivity allowing the use of Web-based home energy management tools and possibly integrating compatible home devices such as electric vehicles, air conditioning, and BTM DER, including BTM DG.
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From page 30...
... These can take a variety of forms, including agreements between the utility and customer for reduced rates if the customer agrees to use their DG to reduce their power demands during peak periods when requested to do so by the utility.4 Energy storage systems charged by excess generation from BTM DG can also be used for demand response for load shaving during peak periods and load shifting5 to off-peak periods or periods with excess generation. As mentioned, BTM DG and stored generation can provide resilience as well when there are system outages.
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From page 31...
... BTM DG, by providing compensation for electricity exported to the grid during peak demand periods (and at other times) .6 The eventual emergence of newer DG and other DER configurations and the corresponding net metering compensation methods will depend on the development of new telecommunications, monitoring, networks of Internet of Things, power electronics, and other emerging technologies.
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Key Terms

  • metering technologies
  • billing period
  • variable rate
  • rooftop solar
  • electricity delivered

  • rate designs
  • net amount
  • traditional net
  • rate meter
  • electricity consumed

  • relevant metering
  • electricity usage
  • distributed generation
  • metering policies
  • demand response

  • peak demand
  • metering technology
  • technical configuration
  • typical configuration
  • energy resources

  • stored generation
  • excess generation
  • figure illustrates
  • net electricity
  • electricity exported

  • maintain electricity
  • net metered
  • net withdrawals
  • ing net
  • electricity users


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