By: Matt Valenti, Application Engineer

For decades, MV-90 has served as the cornerstone of primary metering for utilities managing large commercial and industrial (C&I) customers. This system provides reliable, interval-based data on energy usage and demand, which is critical for billing and settlement. Yet as grid expectations evolve, the need for real-time operational awareness has grown beyond what MV-90 was designed to deliver.

The Limits of Interval-Only Metering

MV-90 excels at collecting consumption data in 15-, 30-, or 60-minute intervals. But its primary focus is metering, not monitoring. It does not track voltage sags, flicker, harmonic distortion or transformer loading in real time. As a result, utilities may lack visibility into power quality events that impact equipment performance or customer operations, especially in facilities with sensitive processes, on-site generation or growing electrification loads like EVs.

Enhancing Visibility with Grid-Edge Monitoring

This is where real-time grid-edge monitoring tools, such as those offered by Edge Zero, come into play. These systems provide granular power quality insights and real-time alerts that complement, rather than replace, MV-90. By layering high-resolution monitoring onto existing metering infrastructure, utilities can extend visibility into conditions that would otherwise go undetected until a failure occurs or a customer complaint arises.

For example, EdgeSensors, when deployed at substations or along medium-voltage feeders, provide:

• One-minute interval measurements of voltage, current, harmonics and power factor

• Real-time alerts for voltage anomalies, load imbalances and transformer overloading

• Integration with utility systems for streamlined response and planning

A Dual Approach for a Smarter Grid

The result is a more complete operational picture. Utilities benefit from earlier detection of faults, improved response times and enhanced service quality. C&I customers gain transparency and confidence in power reliability, especially important when operations depend on stable voltage and predictable delivery.

Importantly, this enhanced monitoring doesn’t require a major overhaul. MV-90 continues to fulfill its core role in energy measurement, while edge monitoring systems offer a path to improved reliability and customer service without disrupting existing workflows.

Looking Ahead: Data, Reliability and Resilience

As utilities prepare for a future shaped by distributed energy, digital automation and rising customer expectations, combining traditional metering with real-time monitoring provides a practical and scalable path forward. This approach bridges the gap between energy data and power performance, supporting a more responsive and resilient grid.