Approval of Loss Compensation Functions and Equations Programmed in Electricity Meters
2012-09-05
Purpose
The purpose of this information bulletin is to advise electricity stakeholders of Measurement Canada's (MC) change in policy for the type approval of loss compensation functions and the applicable equations programmed in electricity meters. At the present time, the Agency has not established any requirements or specifications for the type approval of loss compensation functions or the equations programmed in meters to adjust for transformer and/or line losses.
Background
In the past, MC's Approval and Calibration Services Laboratory assessed loss compensation functions by reviewing the equations programmed in the meter based on equipment specifications (i.e. transformer specifications and/or wire properties). Upon acceptance, a type approval was granted for the meter and the meter's ability to process the loss compensation equations. The Notice of Approval issued for the meter would only state that the loss compensation function was approved. However, no further information was included to prescribe the proper application of the loss compensation with respect to energy direction, actual active or reactive conditions, or any other pertinent metrological factors.
This process may have inadvertently led to the misconception that the loss compensation equations programmed in the meter were acceptable to MC as means of addressing loss compensation adjustments in billing. However, the adjustment of the legal unit of measure by using equations based on equipment specifications (i.e. transformer specifications and/or wire properties) is not currently recognized under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations. New legislative requirements, technical methods and algorithms will need to be developed to support the proper application and use of loss compensation in revenue metering.
Important Notice
Effective December 1, 2012, MC will no longer make reference to loss compensation functions in the type approval of electricity meters. The Agency is launching a consultation with key electricity stakeholders to review the application of loss compensation, with the goals of identifying the appropriate equations, approval of type and verification requirements, and preparing any proposed regulations needed to recognize and support this revenue metering practice. An additional online consultation will take place before the final requirements are implemented.
With respect to other measurement functions (i.e., I2h and V2h) submitted for approval of type, MC will continue to evaluate those for which established approval of type specifications exist. Meter manufacturers are also advised that the Agency will be reviewing any other features previously included in approval of type evaluations that are not addressed by current approval of type specifications.
Participation Request
Stakeholders interested in participating in the consultation are invited to provide their contact information along with the rationale and reference source for the proposed equations to the undersigned by November 1, 2012.
Dave Flieler
Senior Program Officer, Electricity
Program Development Directorate
Telephone: 613-969-4092
Fax: 613-969-3665
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