What is time of use metering

Time of use metering is widely used in residential buildings. To help you understand it, this article will introduce it from definition, advantages, application and solutions.

Definition of TOU metering

Time of use metering, in simple terms, is a way of measuring electricity consumption separately according to the different times of day. Divide 24 hours a day into four periods: peak, flat, and valley. Peak and peak periods refer to periods of high electricity consumption, with many electricity users and high electricity consumption; the grid load is large during this period, and the system frequency decreases. Flat periods are periods of normal and reasonable electricity consumption; the grid supplies sufficient power and the frequency is stable. Valley periods are periods of low electricity consumption such as night valleys, when the grid will have excess electricity and the frequency will increase. The electricity price for each period is different, with high electricity prices during peak and peak periods, moderate electricity prices during flat periods, and low electricity prices during valley periods.

Advantages of Time of use metering

Time of use metering can help reducing energy consumption in buildings. There are some other advantages of time of use metering.

Differentiation of electricity prices: Electricity prices are often different in different time periods. Through time-based electricity metering, users can choose to use electricity during periods with lower electricity prices, thereby reducing electricity bills.

Electricity peak and valley regulation: The load of the power grid is constantly changing throughout the day. Through time-based electricity metering, electricity peaks and valleys can be effectively regulated, reducing the burden on the power grid and improving the stability of the power grid.

Electricity behavior analysis: By analyzing electricity consumption data in different time periods, users’ electricity consumption habits can be understood, and peak and valley periods of electricity consumption can be found, thereby providing an effective way for utility providers to manage electricity production, record energy consumption, and allow consumers to control energy bills.

New energy access: solar time of use metering is an important basis for realizing new energy grid connection. Through real-time monitoring and control of new energy power generation, the utilization efficiency of new energy can be improved.

Time of Use Metering implementation with energy meter

In order to apply to the calculation of electricity consumption and electricity charges in different time periods, time periods are set in our energy meters according to regulations. The meter is the core equipment for implementing time-based electricity metering. It can accurately measure and record electricity consumption according to the set time period. When a time-of-use meter is installed, people are more likely to schedule energy-intensive activities during off-peak hours. This adjustment in energy consumption patterns helps reduce peak loads at power plants, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Blue Jay has a variety of TOU metering models that allow customers and businesses to control operating costs using the TOU function. Both businesses and landlords can effectively manage energy through Blue Jay time of use metering solutions.

MCM 6 Channel TOU Meters

6 metering for 3 phase

High accuracy 0.5 class

6 DI & 2 DO Option

Up to 3 months (TOU record)

Accept customization design

TOU Meter reading and electricity bill calculation

For residential users, it is necessary to read the total active power reading, active peak reading, and active valley reading for one month. However, for general industrial and commercial users, it is necessary to read the total active power reading, active peak reading, active valley reading, and active flat reading for one month. If the power consumption capacity exceeds 100kw, it is also necessary to read the reactive power reading to calculate the power factor.

The electricity consumption of residential users = the total active power indication on the end date – the total active power indication on the start date. Refer to the local electricity price list, and then multiply the electricity consumption by the electricity price to get the electricity fee.

If it is a time-of-use electricity price, it is necessary to subtract the indications of the peak and valley periods to calculate the electricity consumption of each peak and valley period, and then calculate the electricity fee of the two periods. The sum of the two is the total electricity fee.

For general industrial and commercial users, general industrial and commercial users implement time-of-use electricity prices, so it is necessary to calculate the peak and valley electricity, and then multiply it by the electricity price of each period, calculate the electricity fee of each period, and then add them together to get the total electricity fee.

Time of use metering application

TOU meters are suitable for electricity projects of various sizes, including: single-point electricity consumption such as homes, small offices, various office buildings, etc.; medium-sized projects such as tourist buildings (hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues), commercial buildings (shopping malls, financial institutions), etc.; large branch circuits such as transportation buildings (airports, stations, dock buildings), communication buildings such as data centers, communications, power grids, etc.

Conclusion

In areas where time-of-use electricity pricing policies are implemented, TOU meters are essential tools for implementing time-based billing and encouraging users to use electricity reasonably. It not only helps users save electricity bills, but also has positive significance for the stable operation of the power grid and the access to new energy. In short, TOU meters are a powerful power metering tool that can help users achieve refined energy management, reduce electricity bills, and provide data support for the optimized operation of the power grid by accurately measuring power consumption in different time periods.