Wild Energy believes in partnering with our customers and the industry as a whole. This advisory is intended to help owners and operators avoid risk and possible litigation by using non-compliant utility metering technology.

We were recently made aware of some industry consultants "selling" a metering solution that is neither compliant nor accurate. Beware of consultants who don't understand the technology or compliance requirements. If in doubt, feel free to reach out to Wild Energy, we're happy to advise on metering, even if it's not ours!

In the pursuit of cost savings, many businesses are tempted by low-cost metering solutions, such as options like clamp-on Current Transformer (CT) meters that are available from metering companies and on retail platforms like Amazon. While these alternatives may seem like good financial decisions at first glance when compared to commercial meters, they often carry hidden pitfalls that can lead to significant long-term costs, operational headaches, and compliance risks.

On the left is a Socket style Smart Meter, the right a CT meter with questionable accuracy.

CT Meters: Accuracy Matters

One of the most critical factors in metering is accuracy. Anyone who wants to pass along utility cost to a consumer must ensure that the solution meets local and state regulations. There are many great CT meters such as those from Ez-Meter. However, new "cheap" CT metering solutions that DO NOT reference voltage can have accuracy issues that result in errors that can swing up to almost 20%! This lack of precision can lead to ongoing billing discrepancies, customer dissatisfaction, under-recovery of electric bills, and even potential legal disputes. The perceived cost savings of these new CT meters can quickly evaporate when faced with the financial, operational, and reputational damage caused by inaccurate data.

CT metering is a widely used method in electrical systems to measure current flow and calculate energy consumption. Wild Energy even sells and installs CT meters. However, when selecting equipment, you MUST ensure that the equipment has voltage measurement. If the product is making an assumption of perfect voltage conditions, this can lead to significant inaccuracies. As demonstrated in the chart below, voltage fluctuations can cause substantial errors in billing or energy recovery.

At lower voltages (e.g., 220V), there can be a 9% under-recovery of energy, meaning the consumer is undercharged and your business eats the cost come time to pay its electric bill. At higher voltages (e.g., 260V), the system may over bill by 8%, which, if your utility catches wind of, you could find yourself on the wrong end of some hefty fines and legal troubles. The total potential error range can be as high as 17%, a margin that no regulatory body would find acceptable.

This issue underscores the importance of using metering systems that account for voltage variations to ensure accuracy in billing and energy recovery. When some CT metering systems fail to measure voltage and instead assume it remains constant, they leave room for these errors, which can harm both consumers and businesses. This also undermines customers’ trust in the emerging strategy that campgrounds are using to bill guests for their energy usage. It’s crucial to critically assess CT metering solutions, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for accuracy and reliability, especially in environments where voltage fluctuations are common.

Regulatory Compliance Risks and Choosing an Accurate Electric Meter

Compliance with regulatory standards is essential for any metering solution. Many states require meters to be listed on certified meter lists, and non-compliance can result in fines from regulatory bodies and increased insurance rates. Some meters, especially those from newer or less established companies, often fail to meet these stringent requirements. This leaves businesses vulnerable to regulatory penalties and other legal risks. Some states also require a visual display for the consumer. Solutions like Ez-Meter have that as an option. Choosing a fully compliant, reliable metering solution is crucial to avoiding these costly pitfalls.

For those considering a metering solution, it’s important to consult trusted sources for certified meters. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) maintains a list of certified meters (tip: for the full list, select "Watt-Hour Meter" from the device type dropdown before hitting the search button) that meet stringent accuracy and regulatory standards. Wild Energy’s socket meters are included on this list, ensuring they meet the highest benchmarks for performance and reliability. By choosing a metering solution from this certified list, regardless of where you're located in the US or Canada, businesses can safeguard against the risks associated with inaccurate energy measurements and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Future Proofing your business with reliable metering

While CT meters, refurbished options, and other low-cost metering solutions may seem attractive at first, the hidden costs and risks associated with these choices can be substantial. From accuracy issues and regulatory non-compliance to operational challenges and long-term financial risks, these options often prove far more expensive in the long run. Investing in a reliable, compliant, and accurate metering solution from the outset is the best way to ensure your business avoids these pitfalls and thrives over the long term.

If in doubt, call Wild Energy!

833-563-6300