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Virtual usage points

A virtual usage point (VUP) - also known as a virtual meter - is a reproducible computed time series that behaves like a meter channel and enables totals to be calculated without adding physical devices. A VUP derives interval data by applying a rule or formula to one or more real meter channels. Formally:

V(t)  =  x1(t) + x2(t) + …

What it’s used for

  1. Aggregation: Sum multiple meters to get a building, feeder or site total.
  2. Disaggregation / residuals: Parent meter minus the sum of sub-meters to get unmetered load, losses, or common-area usage. Example: residual(t) = parent(t) − Σ child_i(t) so that parent = Σ child_i + residual.
  3. Behind-the-meter load: Combine grid import/export with on-site generation to estimate true site consumption.

How it’s defined

Inputs: Named channels (e.g., NMI/MPAN + register), all on the same interval.

Formula: A linear combination with coefficients.

Scope & timing: Effective dates, timezone/DST handling, interval alignment rules.

Data quality rules: What to do if inputs are missing (fail, estimate, carry-forward), rounding/negative guards.

Error propagation: Input errors, clock skew, or mismatched intervals flow into the result.

Regulatory status: Often fine for analytics and internal billing but not suitable for market settlement.

Using virtual usage points

The Virtual Usage Point Hierarchy screen shows the composition of a virtual usage point in a tree structure. A virtual usage point can be composed of other virtual usage points. This means the tree structure can be several levels deep. A usage point that is directly below a virtual usage point in this structure, is referred to as a child of the virtual usage point.

The configuration of a virtual usage point can be modified via a context-sensitive menu. From the menu you can:

Use the Export to Excel button to generate a CSV file representing the virtual usage point hierarchy displayed on the screen.

How to add a single child usage point

From the Add child dialog: 1. Search for a usage point by: * Name, or * NMI 2. Select the matching suggestion. 3. Click the Ok button to save the change.

How to bulk load children

  1. Click the Download button.
  2. Open the downloaded file in Excel or in a text editor.
  3. Below the first row (which will be labeled [NMI] child) enter the NMI of each child usage point. Each NMI must be on a separate line.
  4. Save the changes to the file.
  5. Click the Select files... button to upload the file.

Enable/disable a usage point in the hierarchy

The child of a virtual usage point contributes to the latter's readings when it is enabled. Use the Enable/Disable menu options to include/exclude a child usage point's readings from those of its parent.

Delete a usage point

Use the Delete menu option to delete a child from a parent virtual usage point. The child usage point is not deleted, only its relationship with the parent.