Defined term

Behind-the-meter generation

Behind-the-meter generation is electricity generation located on the customer side of the utility billing meter or other defined customer-grid boundary.

Also known as BTM generation

grid · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-060 · Last verified August 20, 2026

Definition and boundaries

Definition

Behind-the-meter generation is electricity generation located on the customer side of the utility billing meter or other defined customer-grid boundary.

Applicable jurisdiction: US; meter and tariff definitions vary

Definition claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026

In plain language

For Behind-the-meter generation, the controlling utility tariff, interconnection document, meter arrangement, and jurisdiction matter more than a generic national description.

What it is not

It is not necessarily off-grid, non-export, customer-owned, or invisible to all utility meters.

Decision context

Why it matters

Meter arrangement, separate production metering, site load, export, tariff, ownership, and program rules determine how the generation appears in billing and system data.

Applicable jurisdiction: US; meter and tariff definitions vary

Decision-context claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026

Information boundary

This page provides general educational context, not a site design, production guarantee, utility determination, contract interpretation, legal opinion, tax conclusion, or individualized financial advice. Verify property, equipment, utility, jurisdiction, program, and agreement details before acting.

Concept relationships

Affects

  • Electricity pricingPublished conceptBehind-the-meter generation can affect how Electricity pricing is evaluated
  • Payback periodPublished conceptBehind-the-meter generation can affect how Payback period is evaluated

Primary sources

What to do next

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