A metering device that tracks not just how much electrical energy a customer consumes, but exactly when they consume it. It divides the day into specific blocks, such as peak, off-peak, and shoulder periods. This allows utilities to charge higher rates during high-demand hours to encourage load shifting.
Heard on the job
The client wants to install a time-of-use meter so they can run the heavy kilns at night on the cheaper tariff.
Also heard as
- TOU meter
Related terms
Load factor
The ratio of average electrical load to peak load over a specific period.
Load shedding
Deliberate disconnection of blocks of customer load to stop frequency or voltage from collapsing.
Digital meter
An electronic device used to measure and display electrical quantities using a digital readout.