Understanding your bi-directional meter

In this article, we explain what a bi-directional meter is and what sort of homes might have one. We cover the information you will need to provide to your FIT administrator, and how to read it and how to submit your meter readings.

What is a bi-directional meter and who might have one?

A bi-directional meter is a generation meter that measures the flow of energy in two directions. Homeowners that receive Feed in Tariff payments might have a bi-directional meter if they have a battery, or if they are planning to install one in the future.

If your meter is one of the following models, or has labels saying ‘import, export and net’ it’s likely your meter is bi-directional:

• Emlite ECA2
• Eastron SDM230D Modbus 
• Owen Brothers OB418

What information do I need to provide my FIT administrator?

As the generator, it is your responsibility to provide your FIT administrator information about your bi-directional meter. This is used to prove your system is eligible for FIT payments, and that you’re sending the correct meter readings.

We’ll need the following information, most of which can be requested from your installer:

• A signed copy of your storage declaration, which includes a diagram showing where your battery is installed within your installation, and the appropriate accompanying evidence. Here’s an example to help you to understand what to look for.
• Photographic evidence of your bi-directional meter clearly displaying the serial number and current reading.
• Your meter may already measure the net output. If it doesn’t you will need to get confirmation from your installer as to whether it can be reprogrammed to measure the net output.

You may have already provided some, or all, of this information. If you haven’t yet sent it all to us, please email it to hello@goodenergy.co.uk to be processed.

How are bi-directional meters different from standard meters?

Bi-directional meters measure energy flowing in two directions, so they do not record generation in the same straightforward way as standard meters. This means the meter can display a range of different readings depending on the setup and position of the meter. Because of this complexity, extra steps are needed to identify the correct reading required for FIT submissions.

Both the position of the meter and the set up may impact your FIT eligibility. This is why it’s important that you have a full understanding of how your system is setup (the appropriate declaration form and required evidence mentioned above will help with this). It’s your responsibility as the FIT generator to provide this information about your setup to us.

How do I read my bi-directional meter?

Since bi-directional meters can show multiple readings, identifying the correct one for FIT submissions requires following the outlined extra steps above. You’ll need to submit your meter readings each quarter to continue getting your FIT payments. This involves emailing your meter reading, which can include a photograph if you are unsure, to hello@goodenergy.co.uk.

Every two years, your meter will need to be re-verified. If you have been notified of an overdue meter verification for your FIT account please forward on a clear photo of your bi-directional meter with the full serial number and reading visible to verifymyfitmeter@goodenergy.co.uk.

If you have any more questions about your bi-directional meter, how it’s set up, or how it might affect your FIT eligibility, please contact your installer.