CEA moots renewable energy meter for grid-interactive plants for connectivity up to 415V

In the case of net metering, renewable energy plants with battery can supply the consumer load in the event of a grid failure

Power supply from renewable energy sources to consumers will soon be metered, with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) formulating the draft Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of Meters) Amendment Regulations, 2013.

The regulation will be applicable for all grid-interactive renewable energy (RE) plants seeking connectivity with the grid at 415V and below.

However, grid-interactive RE plants connected at above 415 V will continue to follow the metering arrangement as stipulated in Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of Meters) Regulations, 2006 and Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of Meters) Amendment Regulations, 2010.

Small renewable plants, including roof-top solar plants, will be connected to low-tension (LT) level. These plants will require bi-directional meter, but no bi-directional meter at LT level has been defined in the existing CEA metering regulations. Therefore, the CEA has proposed amendment to Clause (1)(a) of Part III of schedule of the Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of Meters) Regulations, 2006.

The RE meter will be installed at the location specified for the consumer meter.

For existing consumers, the consumer meter will be replaced with the RE meter.

In the case of net metering, RE plants with battery can supply the consumer load in the event of a grid failure. In this case, an automatic isolating switch has to be provided at appropriate location to make islanding of the consumer load from the grid.

According to sector analyst D Radhakrishna, net metering accounting will facilitate consumers to install renewable plants such as solar roof-top or wind power. He added that consumers can export the power when not required, and can use for their personal consumption along with the power supplied by distribution companies.