For a meter that has to show the net meter registration of a set of submeters, Planon supports the 'combined meter' concept. All linked submeters are part of this combined meter. A 'combined meter' is a configuration of meters that can be used, for example, in situations where consumption tariffs vary based on factors such as time of day or day of the week, distinguishing between peak and off-peak periods. It involves the installation of multiple submeters alongside a main meter.

The purpose of this configuration is to measure and differentiate consumption during peak hours and off-peak hours. Typically, two or more submeters are installed to measure the same unit of consumption. One submeter records the consumption during peak hours when the tariff is usually higher, while another submeter records the consumption during off-peak hours when the tariff is generally lower.

The registered consumption values from the submeters are then accumulated to the main meter. The main meter does not independently measure consumption but serves as an aggregator, summing up the reading values obtained from the submeters. The accumulated values on the main meter are then used for billing purposes or other calculations related to consumption.

Additionally, the configuration of a combined meter can also be used in scenarios where one submeter is dedicated to consumption, while another submeter is used to measure production or the return of resources.

In summary, the combined meter setup enables the differentiation of peak and off-peak usage, as well as the distinction between resource consumption and production or return. You can use the Combined meter? setting to indicate whether a meter is a combined meter. See Counter fields / Gauge fields.