Net Metering - Time of Use Metering

Time of Use Metering

Time of use (TOU) net metering employs a specialized reversible smart (electric) meter that is programmed to determine electricity usage any time during the day. Time-of-use allows utility rates and charges to be assessed based on when the electricity was used (i.e., day/night and seasonal rates). Typically the production cost of electricity is highest during the daytime peak usage period, and low during the night, when usage is low. Time of use metering is a significant issue for renewable-energy sources, since, for example, solar power systems tend to produce energy during the daytime peak-price period, and produce little or no power during the night period, when price is low. When this is the case, the effective output of a solar panel is increased, as more electricity can be consumed than is produced. Italy has installed so much photovoltaics that peak prices no longer are during the day, but are instead in the evening, reversing the result - less electricity can be consumed than produced using time of use net metering. TOU net metering affects the apparent cost of net metering to a utility.