The Utility Accessible Net Metering Disconnect
The Utility Accessible Net Metering Disconnect
(OP)
Apparently it's a deal breaker for residential PV systems, so the industry has successfully lobbied against it. An NREL report can be found at http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/42675.pdf.
I'm truly amazed that the report can discuss utility worker safety practice with no mention of OSHA.
The various other disconnects are listed with no mention of the fact that of the eight, only the meter base is accessible (well it's supposed to be anyway) to the utility 24/7.
One item we being asked to trust is the invisible, inaccessible, relay inside the inverter. OSHA has already published an interpretation regarding the use of a similar electronic device (a PLC) for safety related functions. ht tp://www.o sha.gov/pl s/oshaweb/ owadisp.sh ow_documen t?p_table= INTERPRETA TIONS& p_id=25947. It can only qualify as an alternate means after an employer (utility in this case) has jumped through too many impossible hoops.
So we are back to the meter. I'm not aware that meters have ever been recognized as a suitable load break device, although they are commonly used that way. Meters are also known to pull the guts out of meter bases when extracted.
So finally to my question. How are utilities that have waived the disconnect rule, or those that are regulated by commissions that have waived the rule, obtaining the isolation required by OSHA? For example; it is determined that the terminations on the secondary bushings of the distribution transformer must be redone de-energized. The utility side is disconnected by pulling a primary fuse or elbow. System maps indicate one of the affected customers has a PV system, though. No one is home, and the sun is shining. What is your next step?
Thanks.
I'm truly amazed that the report can discuss utility worker safety practice with no mention of OSHA.
The various other disconnects are listed with no mention of the fact that of the eight, only the meter base is accessible (well it's supposed to be anyway) to the utility 24/7.
One item we being asked to trust is the invisible, inaccessible, relay inside the inverter. OSHA has already published an interpretation regarding the use of a similar electronic device (a PLC) for safety related functions. ht
So we are back to the meter. I'm not aware that meters have ever been recognized as a suitable load break device, although they are commonly used that way. Meters are also known to pull the guts out of meter bases when extracted.
So finally to my question. How are utilities that have waived the disconnect rule, or those that are regulated by commissions that have waived the rule, obtaining the isolation required by OSHA? For example; it is determined that the terminations on the secondary bushings of the distribution transformer must be redone de-energized. The utility side is disconnected by pulling a primary fuse or elbow. System maps indicate one of the affected customers has a PV system, though. No one is home, and the sun is shining. What is your next step?
Thanks.






RE: The Utility Accessible Net Metering Disconnect
If the customer's meter base doesn't respond well to the meter being pulled, isn't that the customer's problem? But the important thing is that we don't need permission to disconnect the customer's generation.
RE: The Utility Accessible Net Metering Disconnect
If still energized when pulled and the base does not respond well, the puller bears the safety risk.
Customer may (be)disagree(able) when he learns late on Fri. afternoon that his base that was functioning just fine Fri morning now needs to be replaced.
Do you have the table that goes with 860-039-0015(1)(a)? If so, could you post it? Thanks.
RE: The Utility Accessible Net Metering Disconnect
The customer is always welcome to provide the disconnect we can't require. We will require it for every installation we are permitted to require it.
RE: The Utility Accessible Net Metering Disconnect
Don't know why they couldn't have included a four line two column table in the on-line version.
RE: The Utility Accessible Net Metering Disconnect
RE: The Utility Accessible Net Metering Disconnect