Meter-based load control

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for load control based on a meter via a multiport meter for controlling loads. The meter comprises a grid port configured to connect the meter to a power grid, one or more auxiliary ports each configured to connect the meter to a distributed energy resource (DER), and a load port configured to connect the meter to a premises load. A grid switch is connected to the grid port and configured to connect the grid port to the load port. One or more auxiliary switches are each connected to an auxiliary port and configured to connect the auxiliary port to the grid port and the load port. A meter or control device communicating with the meter comprises a processing device configured to process power grid data measured by the meter and to control the state of the grid switch and one or more auxiliary switches. The system is configured to detect consumption levels through the grid port, compare the detected consumption levels to a threshold consumption level, and open at least one of the one or more auxiliary switches if the detected consumption level is greater than the threshold consumption level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to meter-based load control for a multi-port meter compatible with distributed energy resources.

Background Art

[0002] Electric meters are used to measure and control consumption in an end-user's premises. More generally, a meter may be provided in any resource distribution system such as a power grid that transmits power to measure the power consumption of a particular premises. Thus, a meter may include a measurement component for measuring the consumption of the premises and / or monitoring power characteristics. A meter may also include a communication component for communicating with other devices on a network.

[0003] Distributed energy resource (DER) devices such as solar panels, small natural gas-fired generators, electric vehicles (EVs), EV chargers, wind turbines, battery storage systems, smart devices, or other types of controllable loads such as HVAC systems or electric water heaters, when provided in a premises, any power generated or stored by the DER device may also be measured by a multi-port meter and used in the premises or output to the power grid. Further, a DER device such as an EV charger, EV, or energy storage device may receive power from the power grid for storage and use at a later time. Thus, a multi-port meter connected to one or more DER devices may be required to control the power flow between several energy sources and several (large) loads. What makes this requirement more complex is the fact that the operation of DER devices can be intermittent and require changing levels of power input and / or provide changing levels of power output during different time periods.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In existing designs, separate load control switches are implemented for load control of specific devices. However, the use of separate (external) switches increases system complexity and, furthermore, increases costs for the end user. Therefore, an improved system is needed for managing and controlling loads in DER-compatible systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In general, aspects of this disclosure may provide methods and systems for providing meter-based load control.

[0006] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a multi-port meter for controlling a load is provided. The meter is, A grid port configured to connect the meter to the power grid, One or more auxiliary or DER ports, each configured to connect a meter to each distributed energy resource (DER), A load port configured to connect the meter to the on-site load, A grid switch connected to a grid port and configured to connect the grid port to a load port, One or more auxiliary switches, each connected to one of the one or more auxiliary ports, and configured to connect the auxiliary ports to grid ports and load ports, The system includes a processing unit configured to process power grid data measured by a meter and to control the state of grid switches and one or more auxiliary switches, The meter is, Detect consumption events, In response to a consumption event, open at least one of one or more auxiliary switches. It is configured in this way.

[0007] A key advantage of the meter relating to this disclosure is that, if the total consumption through the grid port exceeds a specified value, one or more auxiliary switches (also known as DER switches) can be opened to reduce or prevent the risk of exceeding the limits of upstream equipment or the set customer demand limits (the latter reducing or avoiding demand charges).

[0008] A consumption event may be any event in which it is desirable for a customer of a power utility to change their power consumption in response to demand or consumption of power. A consumption event may be a local event (i.e., based on local detection of consumption by or through a meter) or a global event (i.e., based on peak or off-peak power consumption, or any other demand response event). For example, if a customer's consumption level exceeds a threshold (i.e., based on local detection of consumption through a meter), it may be desirable to reduce the total demand at the power source by reducing their individual consumption of power. Therefore, detecting a consumption event may include detecting a consumption level and determining that a consumption event exists if the detected consumption level is greater than a threshold consumption level.

[0009] In this embodiment, the multiport meter is an N-port meter with multiple auxiliary ports and multiple auxiliary switches. In such a case, when a consumption event is detected, the meter may be configured to open all of the auxiliary switches. The switches may be opened simultaneously, or they may be opened in a predetermined order based on the preferences of the property / residential owner. For example, devices considered to be of higher priority to the property may be left in the ON state (i.e., closed switch) for a longer period of time. Alternatively, only some, rather than all, of the switches may be opened.

[0010] In some embodiments, the meter may have progressively increasing first, second, and third threshold consumption levels, and may respond to consumption levels exceeding each threshold level by opening a progressively increasing number of switches each time a threshold level is exceeded, until all switches are opened in response to exceeding the maximum or last threshold consumption level.

[0011] In some embodiments, the meter is configured to prevent all auxiliary switches from closing simultaneously. An advantage of this is that it can prevent overloading of the premises load by power supply from the power grid and multiple DER sources.

[0012] In other embodiments, the meter may be configured to close all auxiliary switches only if the output through each of the auxiliary ports of one or more DERs exceeds a threshold. For example, the multiple auxiliary switches may comprise a first auxiliary switch and a second auxiliary switch, each associated with a first and a second auxiliary port, respectively. The meter may be configured to close the second auxiliary switch only if the power flow through the first auxiliary port exceeds a second threshold when the first auxiliary switch is closed. In one embodiment, the first auxiliary port is functionally connected to a first DER device, which is a solar inverter.

[0013] The consumption level through a grid port may be determined by any suitable means. For example, the consumption level may be determined based on one or more of the power transmitted through the grid port and the current through the grid port, in combination with the assumed, or otherwise known, voltage at the grid port. Alternatively, consumption events may be detected by receiving information (e.g., from a utility provider or the power grid) indicating that a demand response program is being implemented.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multiport meter is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) compliant multiport meter, also known as an ANSI-type 43S multiport meter.

[0015] It will be understood that the meter may be controlled via dedicated hardware or software running on a processing unit or other computing device. The processing unit may be incorporated into the meter, or it may be incorporated into an external device, such as a control unit, that is connected to or otherwise communicates with the meter. The control unit may be an external device configured to control the switches of the meter and may have one or more communication channels for communicating with the meter.

[0016] Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a system for controlling the load of a power meter is provided. This system comprises a multiport meter, one or more processors, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium. A multiport meter is A grid port configured to connect the meter to the power grid, One or more auxiliary ports or DER ports, each configured to connect a meter to each distributed energy resource (DER), A load port configured to connect the meter to the on-site load, A grid switch connected to a grid port and configured to connect the grid port to a load port, It comprises one or more auxiliary switches, each connected to one of the one or more auxiliary ports, and each configured to connect the auxiliary ports to grid ports and load ports, Non-temporary computer-readable media, when read by one or more processors, Steps include detecting consumption events passing through grid ports, responding to detecting a consumption event, opening at least one of the one or more auxiliary switches comprises instructions for causing one or more processors to execute.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the load of a power meter is provided, the method comprising: functionally connecting the grid port of a multi-port meter to a power grid; functionally connecting the load port of the multi-port meter to a premise load; functionally connecting each of one or more auxiliary ports of the multi-port meter to each distributed energy resource (DER); detecting a consumption event; responding to the consumption event by opening at least one of one or more auxiliary switches connected to one or more auxiliary ports; and each of the one or more auxiliary switches is configured to connect each auxiliary port to the grid port and the load port.

[0018] The consumption event may be detected by various means. For example, the consumption event may be detected by receiving information (e.g., from a utility provider or power grid) indicating that a demand response program is being implemented. Alternatively, detecting a consumption event may include detecting a consumption level and, if the detected consumption level is greater than a threshold consumption level, determining that a consumption event exists.

[0019] In an embodiment, the multi-port meter is an N-port meter having a plurality of auxiliary ports and a plurality of auxiliary switches, the method including opening all of the auxiliary switches if the detected consumption level is greater than a threshold consumption level.

[0020] In other embodiments, the multiport meter is an N-port meter equipped with multiple auxiliary ports and multiple auxiliary switches. This method includes preventing all auxiliary switches from closing simultaneously.

[0021] Multiple auxiliary switches may include a first auxiliary switch and a second auxiliary switch associated with a first and a second auxiliary port, respectively. In such embodiments, the method may include closing the first auxiliary switch and closing the second auxiliary switch only if the power flow through the first auxiliary port exceeds a second threshold.

[0022] This method may include determining the level of consumption passing through a grid port based on one or more of the following: power transmitted through the grid port, current passing through the grid port, and voltage at the grid port.

[0023] These embodiments described above are mentioned not to limit or define the scope of the subject matter, but to provide examples that aid in its understanding. Exemplary embodiments are described in the detailed description below, where further explanation is provided. The advantages provided by the various embodiments may be further understood by examining this specification and / or by practicing one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of an exemplary system related to this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method related to this disclosure is shown. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating a further exemplary method relating to this disclosure is shown. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating a further exemplary method relating to this disclosure is shown. [Figure 5] A schematic block diagram of an exemplary power meter relating to this disclosure is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure are described only as illustrative examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Industrial applicability]

[0026] Herein, aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments. It will be understood that the embodiments illustrated and described herein are provided as exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the illustrated embodiments only.

[0027] Broadly speaking, the systems and methods relating to this disclosure utilize disconnection switches in multi- or N-port meters for direct control of large loads, particularly in U.S. meter formats 43S, 42S, and other possible ANSI meter formats currently conceptualized. Embodiments of this disclosure may also include automatic behavior of the switches based on predetermined measured states. For example, the method may be implemented by a predetermined algorithm. The algorithm may be implemented in hardware or software, for example, in a processing unit, such as the meter's processor, or in the processor of an external computing device such as a control device that communicates with the meter. The control device may receive information from the meter, such as the number of connected (DER) devices, whether generators or loads, the current power generated or consumed by those devices, the current consumption through grid ports connected to the grid, and decide whether to open or close the switches associated with the meter's ports, thereby functionally connecting or disconnecting the devices from the meter.

[0028] A key advantage is that providing an in-meter disconnect switch associated with each auxiliary port offers a meter-based load control solution that is generally simpler and less expensive than existing systems that utilize separate load control switches. Being an integral part of the meter, the switch further enables the easy implementation of advanced logical control processing, which is limited by the requirements for coordination between the meter and the external switch, as is the case with separate load control switches. Furthermore, by implementing meter-based control of distributed energy resource loads, this disclosure may provide utility companies with a better outlook on distributed energy resources.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system comprises a multiport power meter 102 having ports 110, 112a, 112b, and 114. The grid port 110 is configured to connect to a utility grid 104 or to other power sources such as a specific generator in a building. The load port 114 is configured to connect to a load 108, for example, to on-site equipment such as a house or other building.

[0030] Auxiliary ports 112a and 112b are connected to or configured to be connected to distributed energy resources (DERs). DERs 112a and 112b may include, but are not limited to, solar panel arrays, wind turbines, hydroelectric turbines, batteries or other energy storage systems, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, EVs, or generators. Thus, auxiliary ports 112a and 112b may also be referred to as DER ports, and the terms auxiliary port and DER port are used interchangeably in this disclosure.

[0031] Meter 102 is illustrated as an N-port meter with two DER ports 112a,b (four ports in total), but it will be understood that meter 102 may be a multi-port meter (i.e., with a single auxiliary / DER port) or an N-port meter with two or more DER ports. In other words, port 112b is an optional port, and in addition to port 112b, further optional ports may be provided. Each DER port may be connected to each DER device such that there is a one-to-one relationship between the DER port and the DER device, so that the meter can control each DER device individually (e.g., enable or disable). Alternatively, multiple DER devices may be connected to a single DER port so that multiple DER devices can be controlled by the meter via a single action. This may be advantageous in situations where the use of multiple DER devices is strongly correlated, such as in the case of machine washing machines and machine dryers, or in situations where multiple identical DER devices are provided (such as multiple EV chargers in a household with multiple EVs). It will be further understood that meter 102 may have additional auxiliary ports that are not connected or configured for connection to a DER device.

[0032] The auxiliary ports 112a,b and grid port 110 may each be equipped with disconnection switches 102a,b,c configured to connect various ports to each other and to the load port 114. If each DER device 106a,b in system 100 can be individually connected to a unique DER auxiliary port (i.e., one device in total in the case of a multi-port meter with one DER port, two devices in the case of a four-port meter with two DER ports, etc.), While the DER devices 106a and 106b are registered in the demand response program and the main in-house load port 102 continues to receive power, the auxiliary disconnection switches 102b and 102c may be used to switch the relevant ports on the meter 102 on or off. It means that.

[0033] As briefly mentioned earlier, conditional logic may be applied to various use cases of system 102 in the demand response program. Exemplary use cases are described below with reference to Figures 2-4. These use cases are provided as examples, and it will be understood that other use cases may be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 200 for load balancing according to the present disclosure. In step 202, the meter detects a consumption event. For example, the meter may receive information indicating a consumption event, such as a demand response event (e.g., from a utility provider or power grid), and / or detect that the total consumption through the grid port exceeds a specified value.

[0035] To detect consumption levels, a meter may, for example, monitor the values ​​of current or power passing through a grid port. For example, a meter may determine the total consumption through a port by measuring the current and voltage across the grid port. Alternatively, instead of measuring consumption levels through a grid port, a meter or controller may receive information (e.g., from a utility company) indicating that the total consumption of the power grid has exceeded a threshold level, for example, as part of a demand response program. In this case, the threshold level may be, for example, a threshold percentage of the total capacity of the power grid. Instead of receiving information, the method may be implemented on a time basis, for example, to reduce usage during peak periods. For example, the method may include determining whether peak hour rates are currently applied.

[0036] Following this detection of a consumption event, in step 204, one or more auxiliary or DER switches may be opened to prevent the system from exceeding upstream equipment limits (e.g., as part of a demand response program) or customer demand limits (e.g., to avoid or reduce demand charges).

[0037] Optionally, in steps 206 and 208, the method may further include, for example, determining at a later point in time that the condition in step 202 is no longer met and closing all previously opened switches. For example, the method may include determining that consumption through a grid port has fallen below a threshold, receiving information indicating that consumption across the power grid has fallen to a desired level, or determining, for example, based on time or current rate sheet, that the peak usage period has ended. It will be understood that the thresholds in steps 202 and 206 may be the same threshold, or they may be different thresholds. For example, the threshold in step 206 may be lower than the threshold in step 202. This can reduce the risk of auxiliary switches being repeatedly opened and closed due to, for example, natural signal noise or other small fluctuations in consumption levels.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a second flowchart illustrating a further exemplary method 300 for load balancing according to the present disclosure. In step 302, a plurality of (i.e., at least two) DER devices are connected to each auxiliary (DER) port of an N-port meter. The meter may be programmed or have hardwired logic to determine how many of the DER ports are connected to a DER device. In response to the connection of a plurality of DER devices, the meter may in step 304 implement restrictions on closing auxiliary switches corresponding to auxiliary ports connected to a DER. For example, as shown in method 300, the meter may prevent all associated auxiliary switches (i.e., corresponding to auxiliary ports connected to a DER) from being closed simultaneously. For example, if the meter has two DER ports, each connected to a single DER device, the meter may prevent both DER ports from being closed simultaneously. By leaving at least some of the auxiliary switches connected to a DER open at any given time, the meter may again prevent the system from exceeding upstream equipment limits or customer demand limits (e.g., to avoid demand charges).

[0039] Figure 4 shows a third flowchart illustrating a further exemplary method 400 for load balancing according to the present disclosure. In step 402, a plurality of (i.e., at least two) DER devices are connected to each auxiliary (DER) port of an N-port meter. For example, the first auxiliary port may be connected to a solar inverter, while the second auxiliary port may be connected to a battery or other energy storage means such as a V2X (vehicle-to-everything) compatible EV charger. More generally, the second auxiliary port may be connected to any load, while the first auxiliary port is connected to any energy source for generating power, for example, to supply to a power grid. The meter may be programmed or have hardwired logic to determine how many of the DER ports are connected to DER (or other) devices. In step 404, the meter may close a first auxiliary switch corresponding to the first auxiliary port in response to the connection of the plurality of DER devices. In step 406, the meter may compare the input power through the first auxiliary port to a threshold power level. If the meter detects, or otherwise determines, that the first DER device (such as a solar inverter) is generating power at an output level higher than a threshold power value, the meter may allow the second auxiliary switch (e.g., connected to a load) to close (step 408b). Alternatively, if the meter detects that the first DER device is generating power at an output level lower than a threshold power value, the meter may prevent the second auxiliary switch from closing (step 408a). This method can help load balancing of a system where a DER device or other load connected to the second auxiliary switch consumes or stores energy, for example, when the second DER device is an EV charger, EV, or energy storage device.As a result, the meter can protect the premises load 108 from reduced power supply by preventing the second auxiliary switch from closing unless the DER device (or other energy source) connected to the first auxiliary switch is generating an output higher than a specified power value, while simultaneously allowing the second DER device to be powered or charged only via renewable energy sources such as solar power.

[0040] While the exemplary method 400 comprises only two DER devices, method 400 may be generalized to any meter connected to two or more DER devices. For example, in a meter comprising any N DER devices connected to N auxiliary switches, the meter may detect when the output of an energy-supplying DER device connected to a closed auxiliary switch falls below a threshold and prevent further (currently open) auxiliary switches connected to energy-consuming or energy-storing devices from being closed.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary power meter 500. The meter 500 has a plurality of ports 506a to n. Optionally, each port 506 of the meter 500 may have associated switches 508a to n, configured to functionally connect (e.g., when switch 508 is closed) or disconnect (e.g., when switch 508 is open) each port 506a to n to the other ports of the meter 500. The meter may have any number of ports 506, e.g., two, three, four, five, or six or more ports. At least one port is connected to or can be connected to a DER device.

[0042] The power meter 500 further comprises a storage medium 502, such as memory, and a processor 504. The storage medium 502 may store a computer program or code that, when read by the processor, causes the power meter 500 to perform steps of a method such as method 200, 300, or 400. The storage medium 502 and the processor 504 together may form a controller. It will be understood that the controller may be an internal controller that forms a component of the power meter 500, or an external controller that is connected to or communicates with the power meter 500. Similarly, the functions of the controller may be implemented as hardware or software, as desired.

[0043] From the above disclosure, it will be understood that the orchestration of the functions of the system described above may be provided in the meter itself or by an external control device. Although this disclosure has described preferred embodiments as described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and the claims are not limited to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art can modify and change the information in light of this disclosure, and it is intended that such modifications and changes will be included within the scope of the attached claims. Each feature disclosed or illustrated herein may be incorporated into any embodiment, either alone or in any suitable combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A multi-port meter for controlling load, wherein the meter is A grid port configured to connect the above meter to the power grid, One or more auxiliary ports configured to connect the above meters to each distributed energy resource (DER), A load port configured to connect the above meter to the on-site load, A grid switch connected to the above grid port and configured to connect the above grid port to the above load port, One or more auxiliary switches are connected to one of the one or more auxiliary ports mentioned above, and are configured to connect the auxiliary ports to the grid ports and the load ports, respectively. The system includes a processing device configured to process power grid data measured by the above-mentioned meter and to control the state of the grid switch and one or more auxiliary switches, The above meter is, Detect consumption events, In response to the above consumption event, open at least one of the one or more auxiliary switches described above. It is configured in such a way. meter.

2. Detecting demand response is Detecting consumption levels, This includes determining that a consumption event exists if the detected consumption level is greater than the threshold consumption level. The meter according to claim 1.

3. The above multiport meter is an N-port meter equipped with multiple auxiliary ports and multiple auxiliary switches. The meter according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The above meter is configured to open all of the above auxiliary switches in response to the above consumption event. The meter according to claim 3.

5. The above meter is configured to prevent all of the above auxiliary switches from closing simultaneously. The meter according to claim 3.

6. The above-mentioned plurality of auxiliary switches include a first auxiliary switch and a second auxiliary switch associated with the first and second auxiliary ports, respectively. When the first auxiliary switch is closed, the meter is configured to close the second auxiliary switch only when the first auxiliary port is connected to a power generator and the power flow through the first auxiliary port exceeds the second threshold. The meter according to claim 3.

7. The above-mentioned first auxiliary port is functionally connected to the first DER, The first DER mentioned above is a solar inverter. The meter according to claim 6.

8. The above multiport meter is an ANSI type 43S multiport meter. A meter according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The above consumption level is the consumption level passing through the above grid port, The above meter is, The consumption level is determined based on one or more of the following: power transmitted through the grid port, current passing through the grid port, and voltage at the grid port. The detected consumption level is configured to be compared against a threshold consumption level. The meter according to claim 2.

10. Detecting the above consumption events includes receiving information indicating that a demand response program will be implemented. The meter according to claim 1.

11. A method for controlling the load of a power meter, wherein the above method is Functionally connecting the grid port of a multiport meter to the power grid, The load port of the above multiport meter is to be functionally connected to the on-site load, Functionally connecting one or more auxiliary ports of the above multiport meter to each distributed energy resource (DER), Detecting consumption events, In response to the above consumption event, this includes opening at least one of the one or more auxiliary switches connected to the one or more auxiliary ports, Each of the one or more auxiliary switches described above is configured to connect its respective auxiliary port to the grid port and the load port. method.

12. Detecting the above consumption events means Detecting consumption levels, This includes determining that a consumption event exists if the detected consumption level is greater than the threshold consumption level. The method according to claim 11.

13. The above multiport meter is an N-port meter equipped with multiple auxiliary ports and multiple auxiliary switches. The above method includes opening all of the above auxiliary switches in response to the above consumption event. The method according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The above multiport meter is an N-port meter equipped with multiple auxiliary ports and multiple auxiliary switches. The above method includes preventing all of the above auxiliary switches from closing simultaneously. The method according to claim 11 or 12.

15. The above-mentioned plurality of auxiliary switches include a first auxiliary switch and a second auxiliary switch associated with the first and second auxiliary ports, respectively. The above method, Closing the first auxiliary switch mentioned above, The first auxiliary port is connected to a power generator, and the second auxiliary switch is closed only when the power flow through the first auxiliary port exceeds a second threshold. The method according to claim 14.

16. The above multiport meter is an ANSI type 43S multiport meter. The methods of claims 11 to 15,

17. The above consumption level is the consumption level passing through the above grid port, The above method, The power transmitted through the grid port, the current passing through the grid port, and the voltage at the grid port are used to determine the power consumption level passing through the grid port. This includes comparing the detected consumption level with a threshold consumption level. The method according to claim 12.

18. Detecting a consumption event includes receiving information that indicates the implementation of a demand response procedure. The method according to claim 11.

19. A system for controlling the load on a power meter, The above system comprises a multiport meter, one or more processors, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium. The above multiport meter is, A grid port configured to connect the above meter to the power grid, One or more auxiliary ports configured to connect the above meters to each distributed energy resource (DER), A load port configured to connect the above meter to the on-site load, A grid switch connected to the above grid port and configured to connect the above grid port to the above load port, The system comprises one or more auxiliary switches, each connected to one of the one or more auxiliary ports mentioned above, and configured to connect the auxiliary ports to the grid ports and the load ports, respectively. The above non-temporary computer-readable medium, when read by one or more of the above processors, The steps include detecting consumption events passing through the above grid port, The steps include: In response to detecting a consumption event, opening at least one of the one or more auxiliary switches described above; The system includes instructions that cause one or more of the above-mentioned processors to execute the following: system.

20. Detecting consumption events is To detect the consumption level passing through the above grid port, The detected consumption level is compared to the threshold consumption level, This includes determining that a consumption event exists if the detected consumption level is greater than the threshold consumption level. The system according to claim 19.

21. The above consumption level is the consumption level passing through the above grid port, The above non-temporary computer-readable medium, when read by one or more of the above processors, The consumption level is determined based on one or more of the power transmitted through the grid port, the current passing through the grid port, and the voltage at the grid port. The detected consumption level is compared to the threshold consumption level. The system includes instructions that cause one or more of the above-mentioned processors to execute the following: The system according to claim 20.

22. Detecting a consumption event includes receiving a set of instructions that cause one or more of the above processors to execute a demand response program. The system according to claim 19.

23. The above multiport meter is an ANSI type 43S multiport meter. The system according to any one of claims 19 to 22.

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