Validity
The metering data exposed by EPIC shortly after the actual time the data is measured, will be non-validated metering data values. This validity of the data should not be confused with the quality of the data – even if all power values have a quality factor "normal" (N) this does not yet mean that they are validated. The validity of the data applies to the complete set of values in a time schedule. Data is validated by processes and checks carried out by Elia. When a metering data value is validated, the values are guaranteed to be correct by Elia.
Quality
Power values can be measured, calculated or estimated. Every power value in the message is assigned a quality label which can be one of the following:
- N (Normal) This refers to normal measured values, usually determined by a single properly functioning metering device.
- I (Inexact) Power values may be labelled as inexact for a number of reasons. It may be because there was a problem with the meter, or that values were calculated from combined measurements from several metering devices of which one was malfunctioning. In this case Elia still has to verify the values and it is possible that these values will be corrected later.
- S (Substitute) If no measurement is available, an estimated value is used.