PG&E offers backup power meter device
The in-house developed device was designed to enable customers to easily and safely connect backup power to their homes.
The so-called personal microgrid backup power transfer meter device is intended primarily for customers in high fire-threat districts to enable them to run backup power sources during outages.
The device, which fully integrates with PG&E’s smart meter system, comes with a universal adapter for the easy and safe connection of off-the-shelf backup power options.
Once connected, the backup power transfer meter does the switching to generator power when the utility power is off and automatically switches back to utility power when it becomes available.
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Moreover, with the backup power transfer meter, the user can choose which appliances or rooms to power.
“We know that using extension cords with a portable generator is not the most practical solution and that the cost of purchasing and installing a transfer switch can be prohibitive – in in the thousands of dollars,” comments Vincent Davis, Vice President, Customer Operations & Enablement at PG&E.
“That’s why we created this new backup power transfer meter technology to help our customers maximise connectivity of their backup power source to their home through their electric meter and electrical panel.”
The backup power transfer meter development was initiated in 2020 and following successful lab testing and customer outreach, started to be deployed to customers in early 2021, with about 100 installed to date.
Installation is straightforward and generally takes approximately one hour, with customers also being advised on backup power use during outages.
Status visibility is available to PG&E grid operators and the switching time delays are of the order of a few seconds.
PG&E has applied for a United States Patent for the backup power transfer meter technology, which is expected to be approved by 2023.
The utility also plans to make the technology available to utilities throughout the United States as a resource to help the many potentially vulnerable electricity customers.
