net meter

verb (used with or without object)

1. to connect (a customer's alternative power-generating system) to a public utility's power grid to offset the cost of power drawn by the customer from the grid:

   You can net meter wind turbines and solar panels and sell energy back to the grid.

noun

1. an energy meter that can run both forward and backward so as to measure the net power the customer will pay for.

Word History and Origins

Origin of net meter¹

First recorded in 1975–80