Continuing from our previous blog, this discussion looks at metering for Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGC).

A power station that generates electricity from a renewable energy source can apply to participate in the Renewable Energy Target.​​  To be eligible for power station accreditation, some or all of the power generated must be generated from an eligible renewable energy source. Once a power station is accredited, LGC can be created for electricity generated from the renewable energy source.

As part of this accreditation, a power station within the National Electricity Market (NEM) must use NEM standard metering as defined in the National Electricity Rules or those outside the NEM must use metering of the relevant jurisdictional standards.

Further metering guidance is found at: http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/Scheme-participants-and-industry/Power-stations/Eligibility-criteria/metering-guidance

Using such electricity billing meters accurately measures the amount of electricity generated by the power station and provides information usually in half-hourly intervals.  Such half-hourly interval consumption is useful for benchmarking and to promote and facilitate energy efficiency, which will be for another discussion later.  In addition, the metering information will ascertain whether the renewable energy source like solar is performing to design since installation. 

The Clean Energy Regulator assesses LGC for eligibility for registration, subject to section 26 of the Renewable Energy Electricity Act 2000, which includes metering standards.

In addition, first-time power station accreditation and validation questions are outlined here: http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/DocumentAssets/Documents/RET%20power%20station%20validation%20questions.pdf

Please contact Susmet to assess whether your company has NEM compliant metering and your LGC are valid.  This will avoid any embarrassment with answers to validation questions, finding LGC ineligible for registration and possible subsequent audit from the Clean Energy Regulator.  The generated electricity information may also be put to good use in measuring solar system design performance since installation. 

Disclaimer:

This blog is part of a continuing series discussing sustainability and energy management issues. Contributions featuring achievements, techniques, products, and processes are welcome. Please feel free to contact Susmet to suggest ideas on future issues. Whilst every effort is made to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or statement appears in this blog, Susmet accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the consequences of any such inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement.