What it means
The meter marks the line between the utility and the customer. Generation behind the meter serves the site directly, so that energy does not travel over the wider grid first. Common forms are gas turbines, gas engines, solar, batteries and fuel cells.
Why large loads use it
- Bridge power: run the site while waiting for a grid connection.
- Backup: keep running during grid outages.
- Cost control: cut demand from the grid during costly peak hours.
- Full supply: in some cases, run with little or no grid power.
What limits it
On-site generation still needs fuel supply, air permits, water in some designs, and equipment that can have long lead times. If it runs in parallel with the grid, the utility must study and approve that. In Texas, SB 6 added rules for some large loads that pair with existing power plants. Check the PUCT for the current rules.
Questions people ask
Does behind-the-meter generation avoid the interconnection process?
Not usually. A site that also takes grid power, or that sends power to the grid, still needs utility studies and agreements. Only a fully separate system avoids them, and that brings its own risks.
Is behind-the-meter the same as off-grid?
No. Most behind-the-meter systems stay connected to the grid. Off-grid means no grid connection at all.
Related
More glossary
- What is time to power?
- What is powered land?
- What is a powered shell?
- What is large load interconnection?
- What is a point of interconnection?
- What is an interconnection queue?
- What is queue position?
- What is ERCOT?
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