Entry

Required

Description

Tariff Component

YES

The main identifier for the component.  Must be unique within  the Tariff.

Reading Group

YES

This is the field that identifies the component as a "Meter Reading" rather than a "User-Defined Component".

Type (Reading Type)

YES

Specifies the type of reading, most commonly "Consumption".  Other reading types include "demand" and "power factor".  Only the reading types applicable for the utility type associated with the Reading Group will appear in the pick list.

Consumption
Demand
Power Factor

Can only be assigned to one Tariff Component per Tariff since there is only one of those readings per meter.

Derived components can be used multiple times in a Tariff definition because they are used to help derive the final Consumption value.  For example, with smart electrical meters, there can be off-peak and on-peak consumption values. Each of those individual values can be added to calculate its own Consumption (Derived) value.  For example, Off-Peak Consumption (Derived), On-Peak Consumption (Derived) and the actual total Consumption value for a utility bill.

Demand vs. Demand (Apparent):  Use Demand vs. Demand (Apparent) unless you understand Demand (Apparent) or specifically know that the meter is using Demand (Apparent).

Different Utility Meters allow for different values to be read.  For example, an Electrical Meter can have Power Factor but a Water Meter will not.

Unit

YES

Specifies physical unit.  Only the units applicable for the selected Reading Type will appear in the pick list.

Constant Value or Formula

NO

Does not apply to Meter Readings.

Description

NO

A brief description of the component.  Will also be displayed as the tooltip when the mouse pointer hovers over this field on the billing data entry form.

Final Total

NO

Does not apply to Meter Readings.