[RE-wrenches] mechanical vs. electronic kwh meter

[Jason Szumlanski]

Same here in Southwest Florida. However, our "testing" usually lasts exactly the amount of time between installation completion and meter replacement. We have never heard a complaint by the utility that the system was energized before the bidirectional meter was installed, despite the policy against it. On that note, most meter swaps occur quickly. 

Jason Szumlanski

On Aug 12, 2011, at 10:30 AM, "Glenn Burt" <glenn.burt at glbcc.com> wrote:

> Here in NY (upstate), the utility (NatGrid, NYSEG) will not agree to an interconnection until they have replaced the existing unidirectional kWh meter with a bidirectional one. This is the signal that the PV system can be energized and connected to the grid.
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>  
> 
> -Glenn
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>  
> 
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk Herander
> Sent: Friday, August 12, 2011 9:46 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] mechanical vs. electronic kwh meter
> 
>  
> 
> Hello,
> 
>  
> 
> I am now in a debate with the metering dept. of a local utility. They don’t want a PV system to be energized and tested until a bidirectional electronic meter is installed. They insist that an old plain Jane mechanical meter can be damaged and is a safety concern if power is pushed through it (its running backwards) to the grid. I have never heard of, witnessed, or been told this by any utility or AHJ inspector until now. Have any of you ever?
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> I don’t know the reason for their paranoia. I assume that many utility districts don’t to this day install bidirectional electronic meters. And rely on the original mechanical meter to count backwards reliably and safely.  
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> Kirk Herander
> 
> VT Solar, LLC
> 
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
> 
> NABCEPTM Certified installer Charter Member
> 
> NYSERDA-eligible Installer
> 
> VT RE Incentive Program Partner
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>  
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