Understanding "Behind the Meter" and "In Front of the Meter" in the Utilities Sector: A Comprehensive Overview

We are SSE Energy Solutions, providing local low-carbon assets and infrastructure solutions to decarbonise organisations across the UK.

We do this by investing, designing, owning, operating, maintaining, and optimising local energy infrastructure. Our goal is to accelerate reducing your carbon footprint and working towards a net zero future together.

Our team of experts collaborate with you to create bespoke renewable energy solutions such as solar and storage to help meet your sustainability goals.

1. Distributed Energy Generation or Distributed Energy: BTM systems enable consumers to generate electricity on their own premises, reducing dependence on traditional utility providers. Solar panels and wind turbines are common examples of BTM generation systems. These installations allow individuals and businesses to generate clean energy, lower their carbon footprint, and potentially save on energy bills.
2. Energy Storage: BTM solutions often involve energy storage systems, such as batteries, which allow users to store excess electricity for later use. By capturing surplus energy during low demand periods, batteries can help consumers offset peak demand costs and improve grid stability. Additionally, in regions with unreliable power grids, BTM storage systems provide backup power during outages. This is getting considerable focus in emerging markets such as Data Centres where disruption to energy supply is so damaging.
3. Energy Conversion: instead of traditional batteries storing electricity, new options use surplus onsite electricity to generate and store energy in alternate forms such as hydrogen or heat. With many industrial processes requiring anything from low grade heat to high temperature steam, this type of storage has three benefits: it removes the need for grid export capacity, which can be constrained in many regions; it allows for much longer energy storage, months if needed, increasing the ability to smooth out intermittent generation; it decarbonises heat generation for consumers, which currently relies almost exclusively on gas.
4. Energy Management: Behind the Meter solutions enable consumers to have greater control over their energy usage. Advanced energy management systems and smart grid technologies provide real-time data on energy consumption, enabling consumers to make informed decisions about their energy usage. This data-driven approach can lead to more efficient energy consumption patterns, cost savings, and increased energy resilience, as well as offering a means of commercial gain through energy trading back to the grid.
5. Decentralised Energy Generation: BTM systems promote decentralised energy generation, reducing the reliance on centralised power plants and transmission infrastructure. An added benefit is that the electricity system becomes more efficient because transmission and distribution losses, which are around 10% in the UK electricity system, are avoided.
6. Increased Energy Independence: BTM solutions empower consumers to take control of their energy production, leading to increased energy independence. By generating their own electricity, consumers can reduce their exposure to fluctuating energy prices and enhance their energy security.
7. Environmental Sustainability: BTM solutions, particularly those leveraging renewable energy sources, contribute to a more sustainable energy future. By reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity, BTM systems help lower carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and promote a cleaner environment.
8. Cost Savings: Through BTM systems, consumers have the potential to reduce their energy costs over the long term. By generating their own energy, storing energy during low-demand periods, and managing their consumption more efficiently, consumers can lower their reliance on grid-supplied electricity and potentially save on utility bills.

1. Centralised Power Generation: FTM systems involve large-scale power plants that generate electricity from conventional sources such as coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, or renewable sources like hydroelectric, geothermal, and wind power. These power plants produce electricity in bulk, which is then distributed to consumers through the grid.
2. Grid Infrastructure and Transmission: FTM systems rely on extensive grid infrastructure, including transmission lines, substations, and distribution networks, to transport electricity over long distances. This infrastructure ensures reliable and efficient delivery of electricity from power plants to end consumers.
3. Demand Management and Load Balancing: Utilities play a crucial role in managing energy demand and maintaining grid stability. They monitor and manage the overall energy supply-demand balance, adjusting generation capacity as needed. FTM systems allow utilities to optimise the use of diverse energy resources and ensure a stable electricity supply across the grid.

Use cases of BTM in the Commercial and Industrial Sector:

Commercial Solar Installations: Many businesses and industries are adopting BTM solar installations to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint. Large commercial buildings often have vast rooftop spaces that can accommodate significant solar panel arrays. By generating electricity on-site, businesses can offset a portion of their energy consumption, lower their operational expenses, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and net zero targets.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems: BTM applications also include the implementation of combined heat and power (CHP) systems, also known as cogeneration. CHP systems simultaneously produce electricity and utilise the waste heat generated for heating or cooling purposes within a facility. This highly efficient approach reduces energy waste, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and provides businesses with greater energy independence.

Community Solar Projects: Community solar projects involve multiple participants sharing the benefits of a solar installation located off-site. This allows individuals who are unable to install solar panels on their own property, such as renters or those with shaded roofs, to access renewable energy. By subscribing to a community solar project, participants receive credits or reduced electricity bills based on their share of the solar generation, effectively participating in BTM generation without physical installation on their premises.

Microgrids: Microgrids are localised energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main utility grid. They often incorporate various BTM resources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage, to provide reliable power to a specific community or facility. Microgrids are particularly useful in remote areas, critical facilities like hospitals or military bases, or during natural disasters when the main grid may be compromised. By incorporating BTM elements, microgrids enhance energy security, resilience, and the ability to manage energy demand effectively. BTM solutions offer practical and sustainable alternatives within the utilities sector. From residential rooftop solar installations to commercial energy storage and community solar projects, these applications provide individuals, businesses, and communities with greater control over their energy production, consumption, and management. As technology continues to advance and the demand for renewable energy grows, BTM solutions will play an increasingly vital role in shaping a decentralised, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy landscape.