Should a utility meter harmonics?

Much time and effort has been spent by electrical and metering engineers on the definitions of electrical energy under nonsinusoidal conditions. The author, however, has not seen much in the literature discussing the broader issue of how a utility should treat the presence of harmonic distortion at a metering point. This issue has been largely academic until recently, because it has simply not been possible to meter 50 Hz energy and distortion energy separately. Now that microprocessor based electronic meters capable of doing so are on the market, it is time to discuss the matter. The author presents various questions which need to be answered before a metering strategy for harmonic rich loads can be implemented. This paper is intended to provoke some discussion and lead to decisions reflected in metering specifications and conditions to supply contracts and if necessary, in electricity supply legislation.<>