Assessment of harmonic distortions on power and energy measurements

This paper presents the results of a study aiming to assess the effects of harmonic distortion on power and energy measurements by watt-hour meters. The readings from several different meters installed in large customers have been compared in order to verify the effects on tariff parameters commonly used. Based on present tariff model and corresponding legal framework in Brazil, results show that moderate harmonic distortion has no significant effect on tariff parameters and invoice amount. Therefore, neither the utilities nor the customers seem to be paying high prices for not taking or taking harmonic distortions into account