Metering

Issue Summary | Industry Response | Issue Management | Electricity Metering Accuracy Program

ISSUE SUMMARY

Electronic “smart” meters are a critical component of increased consumer price sensitivity in electricity markets. This sensitivity will allow energy users to better manage their consumption, leading to more efficient electricity systems. As with other measurement devices, including gas meters, weigh scales and gas pumps, the Canadian government regulates aspects of performance.  

 
Through the Metering Task Group (MTG), CEA works closely with Measurement Canada (an Industry Canada Agency) to ensure that the meters deployed by electricity utilities meet stringent performance criteria while remaining economically viable.  

INDUSTRY RESPONSE

CEA’s Electricity Metering Accuracy Program (e-MAP) works with the regulator to:

• develop regulations that lower the cost of owning and verifying the accuracy of electronic meters;
• improve access to new metering technology by embedding established international standards in Canadian regulations;
• add new efficiencies to current practices for accreditation of meter verifiers, meter verification and meter shop operations.

In 2000, Measurement Canada, an agency of Industry Canada, began the Electricity Trade Sector Review (ETSR) seeking input from all stakeholders as to how electricity metering should be regulated. In 2001 the CEA responded with a formal proposal entitled the electrical Measurement Accuracy Program (e-MAP). Over 90% of the e-MAP recommendations were adopted by Measurement Canada. Today the e-MAP Implementation Working Group works closely with Measurement Canada to implement the 16 ETSR recommendations.

The e-MAP process has successfully developed a new compliance plan for meter fleet management. Remaining issues are examined through the broader Metering Task Group, or sub-groups such as the Software Security Joint Working Group, the Test Console Joint Working Group and the LUM & VA review teams. 

ISSUE MANAGEMENT

The issue of metering is managed by the CEA Distribution Council.

Key Contact
Devin McCarthy
Director, Transmission and Distribution
Tel:  613-688-2960
Email:  mccarthy@electricity.ca