Meter socket disconnect lockout

Abstract

A meter socket disconnect system mechanically locks out a disconnect positioned to prevent distributed energy sources from providing power to the utility. The lockout system can mechanically secure the disconnect in an open position via one or more mechanical systems, and a tagout system includes a visual indicator identifying that the lockout system has secured the disconnect in the open position. The tagout system also includes a mounting mechanism to secure the visual indicator to require user interaction with the visual indicator to access the lockout system. Distributed energy sources can supply power when the lockout system has secured the disconnect in the open position.

Description

METER SOCKET DISCONNECT LOCKOUTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is being filed as a PCT International application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 678,341, titled “METER SOCKET DISCONNECT LOCKOUT,” filed August 1, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Modem electrical systems often rely on distributed power sources, such as generators, solar panels, and batteries, to meet the energy needs of various applications. These distributed power sources can be interconnected with an electric grid, such as via an electrical bus, to form a comprehensive power network. Thus, the distributed power sources can supply electrical power to and / or consume electrical power from the electrical grid.

[0003] While distributed power sources connected to an electric grid can provide flexibility and adaptability, the configuration can also introduce challenges related to safety and maintenance because of the potential for bidirectional power flow. For example, the distributed power sources may need to be electrically isolated, either for maintenance purposes or to address potential malfunctions. Existing solutions for electrically isolating the distributed power sources often involve electronic or softwarebased systems to perform a lockout, which may be prone to failure, require significant resources for implementation and maintenance, or not clearly indicate when a distributed power source is electrically isolated. Additionally, such systems may not provide a fail-safe mechanical mechanism to ensure the reliable isolation of power sources.SUMMARY

[0004] In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a meter socket disconnect lockout. In some embodiments, and by non-limiting example, a meter socket disconnect system comprises a disconnect, a lockout system operable to secure the disconnect in an open position and a tagout system operable to visually indicate that the lockout system is in use, wherein when the disconnect is in the open position, one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to a utility.

[0005] In some examples, the lockout system comprises a mechanical device. In additional examples, the one or more distributed power sources comprise any one of:(i) a backup generator, (ii) one or more photovoltaic panels, (iii) a batten- system, or (iv) any combination of (i)-(iii). In some embodiments, the meter socket disconnect system further comprises a controller operable to: detect when the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility; and instruct a distributed power source of the one or more distributed power sources to supply power based on the detection. In some examples, to detect when the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility’ comprises to detect when the lockout system has secured the disconnect in the open position.

[0006] In certain examples, the lockout system comprises any one of: (i) a handle,(ii) a switch, (iii) a lockout box, (iv) a valve, (v) a cable, (vi) a knob, or (vii) any combination of (i)-(vi). In some examples, the tagout system comprises a visual indicator and a mounting system operable to secure the visual indicator to require user interaction with the visual indicator to access the lockout system. In example implementations, the visual indicator comprises any one of: (i) a user name; (ii) user contact information, (iii) a lockout date, (iv) a lockout time, (v) an expected completion time, or (vi) any combination of (i)-(v). In some embodiments, the meter socket disconnect system is a component of a utility meter.

[0007] In some examples, the meter socket disconnect system comprises a meter collar. In example implementations, the meter collar is operable to monitor power on the utility. In additional examples, the meter collar is operable to disconnect the distributed power sources from the utility in response to determining the utility7has an outage. In some examples, one or more of the distributed power sources is connected via a main panel.

[0008] In another aspect, a method comprises operating a lockout system to secure a disconnect in an open position; and mounting a tagout system to visually indicate that the lockout system is in use, wherein when the disconnect is in the open position, one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to a utility’ . In some examples, the method further comprises performing maintenance; and after the maintenance has completed, removing the tagout system and operating the lockout system to adjust the disconnect in a closed position.

[0009] In another aspect, a method comprises disconnecting one or more distributed power sources from a utility in response to a disconnect of a meter socket disconnect system being secured in an open position by a lockout system of the meter socket disconnect system, wherein the meter socket disconnect system comprises atagout system to visually indicate that the lockout system is in use, and wherein the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility when the disconnect is in the open position; detecting the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility; and instructing a distributed power source of the one or more distributed power sources to supply power based on the detection. The method can further comprise connecting the one or more distributed power sources to the utility' in response to the tagout system and the lockout system being operated to secure the disconnect in a closed position. In some embodiments, detecting when the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility- comprises detecting the disconnect is in the open position.

[0010] In a further aspect, a system for electrically disconnecting one or more distributed power sources from a utility comprises a disconnect, a lockout system operable to secure the disconnect in an open position, and a tagout system operable to visually indicate that the lockout system is in use. wherein when the disconnect is in the open position, one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to a uti 1 i ty. The tagout system can comprise a visual indicator and a mounting system operable to secure the visual indicator to require user interaction with the visual indicator to access the lockout system.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system is a component of a utility meter. In other embodiments, the system is a component of a meter collar. In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a controller operable to detect when the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility- and instruct a distributed power source of the one or more distributed power sources to supply power based on the detection.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an operating environment for a meter socket disconnect system.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the operating environment for the meter socket disconnect system of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example meter socket disconnect system.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a meter socket disconnect system installed at an example residence.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a meter socket disconnect system installed at another example residence.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of performing lockouttagout procedures using a meter socket disconnect system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

[0019] Lockout-tagout procedures are essential for ensuring the safety of personnel performing maintenance on the electric grid or any other electrical system. These procedures are designed to protect workers from the unexpected release of electrical energy that could lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Lockout-tagout procedures therefore need to be implemented for electrically isolating distributed power sources, also known as distributed energy resources (DERs), to ensure the safety of the personnel. Current products and solutions control the disconnect electrically, automatically connecting and disconnecting local systems and the electric grid. A technician (e.g., linesman or maintenance crew) therefore has no control over who can turn the disconnect back on and when the disconnect can be operated. An electrical lockout therefore is not a sure solution for protecting from the unexpected release of electrical energy.

[0020] Systems and methods are described herein for lockout-tagout procedures to electrically isolate distributed power sources. Specifically, there is a provision to mechanically lockout a disconnect in an open position to isolate any power sources from feeding the bus (i.e., feeding the local electric components and systems, inverter power from back feeding the utility). When a disconnect is in a lockout position, a visual flag indicates that the disconnect is locked out in the open position. By having a mechanical lockout and visual indicator, a technician or crew can verily that the disconnect will not accidentally turn on and provide power to electric lines and system while the technician is working. With the lockout-tagout procedures described herein, a technician or crew can therefore physically lockout and tagout the disconnect whenworking to prevent improper adjustment of the disconnect, ensuring the safety of the technician or crew.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an operating environment 100 for a meter socket disconnect system. The operating environment 100 includes a meter socket disconnect system 102 that includes a lockout system 104, a tagout system 105, and a disconnect 106. The operating environment 100 also includes distributed power sources 108, the utility 110, a utility meter 111, and a main panel 112.

[0022] The distributed power sources 108 and the main panel 112 can be components of a local grid (e.g., microgrid), such as a residence, commercial building or site, or the like. The distributed power sources 108 can include multiple types of electric devices, including backup generators, photovoltaic panels, battery systems, appliances, and the like for example. In embodiments, the main panel 112 is the electrical breaker box where the power from the utility 110 enters the local grid. The main panel 112 may be a central distribution point routed to other components of the local grid, such as the distributed power sources 108.

[0023] The utility 110 includes electric systems and components provided by a utility entity, such as power lines connected to generation stations of the utility 110. The utility meter 111 tracks electricity usage by the sources and loads connected to the utility 110. The utility meter 111 can be installed in a meter socket that serves as a physical and electrical interface between the utility 110 and the local grid. A meter socket is configured to house the utility meter 1 11 and / or meter collars (i.e., meter socket adapters). For example, the meter socket is configured to interface with the utility meter 111 and / or meter collars with jaw connections and / or the like. In some examples, one or more distributed power sources 108 are electrically connected to the utility 110 via the main panel 112.

[0024] In some embodiments, the meter socket disconnect system 102 is integrated into a meter collar, such as at the meter socket the utility meter 111 is positioned. For example, the meter socket disconnect system 102 can be integrated into the utility meter 111. the meter socket, or a meter collar (e.g., a device configured for installation between the meter socket and the utility meter 111). The meter socket disconnect system 102 is therefore positioned and between the local grid (e.g., the main panel 112, the distributed power sources 108. etc.) and the utility 110. The disconnect 106 can be operated so the local grid is electrically connected to or disconnected from the utility 110.

[0025] The disconnect 106 is a mechanical system configured to be operated to connect and disconnect the local grid (e.g., the distributed power sources 108 and / or the main panel 112) from the utility 110. The lockout system 104 is a mechanical lockout system that can lockout (i.e., prevent operation ol) the disconnect 106 to prevent the disconnect from being operated to a position that enables electricity to flow between the utility 110 and the devices of the local grid. The disconnect 106 and the lockout system 104 can be an integrated component in some embodiments. For example, the disconnect 106 can comprise a handle, and the lockout system can be part of the handle.

[0026] An example disconnect 106 includes a handle that is movable between two positions, with a first position (e.g., open position) causing an electrical disconnect and a second position (e.g., closed position) causing an electrical connection. Another example disconnect 106 is a rotatable meter collar or rotatable utility meter 111. The rotatable disconnect 106 is configured to be rotated between a first position and a second position to cause a disconnection or connection similar to the handle. A switch (e.g., a push button, a toggle switch, a rotary switch, a slide switch, rocker, tactile switch, etc ), a knob, a valve, a sliding actuator, and a cable, are further examples of the disconnect 106, among others.

[0027] The lockout system 104 can be one or more of various mechanical devices or components of the disconnect 106 for locking out the electrical disconnect 106 in a position so the disconnect 106 electrically disconnect the utility’ 1 10 from one or more devices, such as the distributed power sources 108 and / or other devices of a local grid. The lockout system 104 can physically arrest the disconnect 106 in a disconnect position (e.g., open position), prevent operation of the disconnect 106, and / or the like. For example, when the disconnect 106 is a handle, the lockout system 104 can comprise a structure to secure the handle when in the position that opens the disconnect 106, such as a hole to place a locking mechanism to secure the disconnect 106. Other example lockout system 104 components include a cover, a lockout box, and / or the like to prevent physical access to the disconnect 106. The lockout system 104 can comprise a cable, openings, locks, fasteners, latches, clamps, interlocking features, and / or the like for securing the disconnect 106 in a position (e.g., open position) in certain embodiments.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lockout system 104 can include multiple features for multiple users to use the lockout system 104. For example, the lockout system 104can comprise multiple openings (e.g., a hasp with multiple openings) each configured to accept securing mechanisms. In this configuration, multiple users can secure the lockout system 104 and ensure the disconnect 106 is not operated without each user interacting with the lockout system 104 to indicate the respective user is no longer in potential danger of electrical shock due to bidirectional power flow caused by the distributed power sources 108. The lockout system 104 can therefore prevent operation of the disconnect 106 unless all technicians are not interacting with components of the operating environment 100, such as performing maintenance for the utility 110.

[0029] The tagout system 105 is a visual flag system to indicate that the mechanical lockout of the lockout system 104 should not be removed without approval from a person, for a time period, and / or the like. For example, the tagout system 105 includes a flag or other visual indicator and a mounting system for the visual indicator such that the visual indicator must be removed or otherwise interacted with to interact with the lockout system 104 and operate the disconnect 106. The tagout system 105 therefore ensures that the lockout system 104 is not used at an improper time to enable operation of the disconnect 106, such as when a person is working on the electrical systems and components of the operating environment 100.

[0030] Examples of the tagout system 105 comprise tags, zip ties, wire, fasteners, and / or the like. The tagout system 105 can include visual information such as a warning, information associated with the user, the reason for preventing operation of the disconnect 106, and so on. When the lockout system 104 and the tagout system 105 secure the disconnect 106 in the open position, the distributed power sources 108 will be unable to provide power to the utility 110 to protect technicians that may be performing maintenance or other work.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram 200 of the operating environment 100. The circuit diagram 200 illustrates the electrical connections between the meter socket disconnect system 102, the distributed power sources 108, the utility 110, and the main panel 112. As the circuit diagram 200 illustrates, the disconnect 106 will prevent the distributed power sources 108 from providing power to the utility 110 when the disconnect 106 is in the open position.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view 300 of an example meter socket disconnect system 102. The perspective view 300 illustrates a meter collar 302, the lockout system 104, and the tagout system 105. The meter collar 302 is configured to connect to a meter socket and is an interface between the utility 110 and the local components (e.g.,the distributed power sources 108. the main panel 112). The meter collar 302 can act as an intermediary system between the utility' meter 111 and the main panel 112, enabling electrical power disconnection between the utility 110 and local systems associated with the main panel 112 (e.g., a micro-grid). The meter collar 302 for example can detect outages of the utility' 110 and disconnect the local systems during the outage. The meter collar 302 can also provide remote monitoring capabilities, including grid voltage monitoring to detect grid outages, microgrid voltage monitoring (e.g., to synchronize phase before grid reconnect), grid current monitoring (e.g., for user engagements, for energy storage and charger applications such as EV charger integration), and / or the like. The meter collar 302 communicates in real time with other systems via wireless and / or wired connections in example implementations. In some embodiments, the meter collar 302 is powered by the utility' 110, the distributed power sources 108, and / or a dedicated power source such as a battery to ensure operation during events such as outages.

[0033] The disconnect 106 and the lockout system 104 are integrated into or otherwise connected to the meter collar 302, The disconnect 106 includes a handle 304, and the lockout system 104 includes a securing system 306 and a lock 308 to secure the handle 304 to the securing system 306. The handle 304 can be moved between two positions to open or close the disconnect 106. The handle 304 causes the disconnect 106 to be open or otherwise disconnected when the handle 304 is secured to the securing system 306.

[0034] The tagout system 105 includes a visual indicator 310 and a tagout mounting system 312. The visual indicator 310 can include information such as the user that performed the lockout-tagout, the time and date the lockout-tagout was performed, an expected completion time when the lockout will be removed, contact information, and the like. The tagout mounting system 312 mounts or otherwise secures the visual indicator 310 so the visual indicator must be removed or otherwise interacted with to remove the lock 308 and adjust the position of the handle 304.

[0035] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a meter socket disconnect system 102 installed at an example residence 400. The residence 400 includes the meter socket disconnect system 102 at the meter collar 302, the main panel 112, a local controller 402, and a home standby 404. The home standby 404 can be a backup generator, fuel cells, a battery, and / or the like. The local controller 402 and the home standby 404 may be examples of the distributed power sources 108.

[0036] When the meter socket disconnect system 102 secures the disconnect 106 in the open position, the home standby 404 and other distributed power sources 108 of the residence 400 will not be able to supply power to the utility 110 the residence 400 connects to. The local controller 402 can control the distributed power sources 108 of the residence 400 including the home standby 404. For example, the local controller 402 can cause the distributed power sources 108 to begin operation or cease operation in response to conditions of the residence 400. For example, if the disconnect 106 is secured in the open position, the local controller 402 can instruct the home standby 404 to operate to generate electricity. The residence 400 can therefore receive power while disconnected from the utility 110, and the home standby 404 cannot provide the generated power to the utility 110.

[0037] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a meter socket disconnect system 102 installed at another residence 500. The other residence 500 includes the meter socket disconnect system 102 at the meter collar 302, the main panel 112, the local controller 402, the home standby 404, photovoltaic panels 502. and a battery system 504. The residence 400 and the other residence 500 may have different combinations of distributed power sources 108 in other examples. The photovoltaic panels 502 and the battery system 504 may be examples of the distributed power sources 108.

[0038] When the disconnect 106 is secured in the open position, the home standby 404, photovoltaic panels 502, the battery system 504. and other distributed power sources 108 of the other residence 500 will not be able to supply power to the utility 110 the other residence 500 connects to. The local controller 402 can control the distributed power sources 108 of the other residence 500. For example, the local controller 402 can cause the distributed power sources 108 to begin operation or cease operation in response to conditions of the other residence 500. For example, if the disconnect 106 is secured in the open position, the local controller 402 can instruct the photovoltaic panels 502, the battery system 504, and / or the home standby 404 to operate to generate or supply electricity. The other residence 500 can therefore receive power while disconnected from the utility 110 without providing power to the utility 110.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 600 of performing lockout-tagout procedures using a meter socket disconnect system.

[0040] The method 600 begins at operation 602, and a lockout system is operated. For example, a user operates the lockout system 104 to mechanically lockout thedisconnect 106 to prevent electricity from flowing. The user may operate the lockout system 104 to prevent electricity from flowing in an area that maintenance will be performed in certain embodiments, such as at the utility 1 10.

[0041] In operation 604, a tagout system is operated. For example, the user can operate the tagout system 105 to indicate that the mechanical lockout of the lockout system 104 should not be removed without approval. For example, the user may indicate that approval must be granted by the user before the lockout system 104 is operated and the position of the disconnect 106 is changed. The tagout system 105 can include a flag or other visual indicator and be mounted to the lockout system 104.

[0042] In operation 604, maintenance is performed. For example, the user performs maintenance to one or more components that the lockout system 104 is preventing electricity from flowing to. In some embodiments, the maintenance is performed at the utility 110.

[0043] In operation 608, the tagout system is removed. For example, the user removes or otherwise disengages the tagout system 105. Removing the tagout system 105 indicates that the lockout system 104 can be operated and the position of the disconnect 106 changed.

[0044] In operation 610, the lockout system is operated. For example, the user operates the lockout system 104 to enable electricity to flow again by changing the position of the disconnect 106.

[0045] Referring to the above processes generally, it is noted that certain aspects may be performed in different orders. Embodiments of the present invention, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and / or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. The functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, tw o blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved.

[0046] The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the invention as claimed in any way. The embodiments, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed invention. The claimed invention should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardlessof whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed invention.

[0047] The example embodiments described herein may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. However, the manipulations performed by these example embodiments were often referred to in terms, which are commonly- associated with mental operations performed by a human operator. No such capability of a human operator is necessary in any of the operations described herein. Rather, the operations may be completely implemented with machine operations. Useful machines for performing the operation of the example embodiments presented herein include general purpose digital computers or similar devices.

[0048] From a hardware standpoint, a CPU typically includes one or more components, such as one or more microprocessors, for performing the arithmetic and / or logical operations required for program execution, and storage media, such as one or more memory cards (e.g., flash memory) for program and data storage, and a randomaccess memory, for temporary data and program instruction storage. From a software standpoint, a CPU typically includes software resident on a storage media (e.g., a memory card), which, when executed, directs the CPU in performing transmission and reception functions. The CPU software may run on an operating system stored on the storage media, such as, for example, UNIX or Windows, iOS, Linux, and the like, and can adhere to various protocols such as the Ethernet, ATM, TCP / IP protocols and / or other connection or connectionless protocols. As is well known in the art, CPUs can run different operating systems, and can contain different types of software, each type devoted to a different function, such as handling and managing data / information from a particular source or transforming data / information from one format into another format. It should thus be clear that the embodiments described herein are not to be construed as being limited for use with any particular type of server computer, and that any other suitable type of device for facilitating the exchange and storage of information may be employed instead.

[0049] A CPU may be a single CPU, or may include plural separate CPUs, wherein each is dedicated to a separate application, such as, for example, a data application, a voice application, and a video application. Software embodiments of the example embodiments presented herein may be provided as a computer program product, or software, which may include an article of manufacture on a machine accessible or non- transitory computer-readable medium (i.e., also referred to as “machine readable medium’7) having instructions. The instructions on the machine accessible or machine- readable medium may be used to program a computer system or other electronic device. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks or other type of media / machine readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions. The techniques described herein are not limited to any particular software configuration. They may find applicability in any computing or processing environment. The terms “machine accessible medium”, “machine readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” used herein shall include any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or transmitting a sequence of instructions for execution by the machine (e.g., a CPU or other type of processing device) and that cause the machine to perform any one of the methods described herein. Furthermore, it is common in the art to speak of software, in one form or another (e.g., program, procedure, process, application, module, unit, logic, and so on) as taking an action or causing a result. Such expressions are merely a shorthand way of stating that the execution of the software by a processing system causes the processor to perform an action to produce a result.

[0050] While various example embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A meter socket disconnect system, comprising: a disconnect; a lockout system operable to secure the disconnect in an open position; and a tagout system operable to visually indicate that the lockout system is in use, wherein when the disconnect is in the open position, one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to a utility.

2. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the disconnect comprises a mechanical device.

3. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the one or more distributed power sources comprise any one of: (i) a backup generator, (ii) one or more photovoltaic panels, (iii) a battery system, or (iv) any combination of (i)-(iii).

4. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 1, further comprising a controller operable to: detect when the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility; and instruct a distributed power source of the one or more distributed power sources to supply power based on the detection.

5. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 4, wherein to detect when the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility comprises to detect when the lockout system has secured the disconnect in the open position.

6. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the meter socket disconnect system comprises any one of: (i) a handle, (ii) a switch, (iii) a lockout box, (iv) a valve, (v) a cable, (vi) a knob, or (vii) any combination of (i)-(vi).

7. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the tagout system comprises: a visual indicator; and a mounting system operable to secure the visual indicator to require user interaction with the visual indicator to access the lockout system.

8. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the meter socket disconnect system is a component of a utility meter.

9. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the meter socket disconnect system comprises a meter collar.

10. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 9, wherein the meter collar is operable to monitor power on the utility.

11. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 9, wherein the meter collar is operable to disconnect the one or more distributed power sources from the utility in response to determining the utility has an outage.

12. The meter socket disconnect system of claim 9, wherein the meter collar is configured to rotate between two positions to operate the disconnect.

13. A method comprising: disconnecting one or more distributed power sources from a utility in response to a disconnect of a meter socket disconnect system being secured in an open position by a lockout system of the meter socket disconnect system, wherein the meter socket disconnect system comprises a tagout system to visually indicate that the lockout system is in use, and wherein the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility when the disconnect is in the open position; detecting the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility; andinstructing a distributed power source of the one or more distributed power sources to supply power based on the detection.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: connecting the one or more distributed power sources to the utility in response to the tagout system and the lockout system being operated to secure the disconnect in a closed position.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein detecting when the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility comprises detecting the disconnect is in the open position.

16. A system for electrically disconnecting one or more distributed power sources from a utility, the system comprising: a disconnect; a lockout system operable to secure the disconnect in an open position; and a tagout system operable to visually indicate that the lockout system is in use, wherein when the disconnect is in the open position, one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to a utility.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the tagout system comprises: a visual indicator; and a mounting system operable to secure the visual indicator to require user interaction with the visual indicator to access the lockout system.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the system is a component of a utility meter.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the system is a component of a meter collar.

20. The system of claim 16, further comprising a controller operable to:detect when the one or more distributed power sources are prevented from providing power to the utility; and instruct a distributed power source of the one or more distributed power sources to supply power based on the detection.

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