Net Metering

Net metering programs serve as an important incentive for consumer investment in on-site renewable energy generation. Net metering enables customers to use their own generation from on-site renewable energy systems to offset their consumption over a billing period by allowing their electric meters to turn backward when they generate electricity in excess of their demand, enabling customers to receive retail prices for the excess electricity they generate. Without net metering, a second meter is usually installed to measure the electricity that flows back to the provider, with the provider purchasing the power at a rate much lower than the retail rate.

Net metering is a low-cost, easily administered method of encouraging customer investment in renewable energy technologies. It increases the value of the electricity produced by renewable generation and allows customers to "bank" their energy and use it at a different time than it is produced, giving customers more flexibility and allowing them to maximize the value of their production. Providers may also benefit from net metering because when customers are producing electricity during peak periods, the system load factor is improved.

For a more detailed description of state net metering policies and links to the authorizing legislation, see the DSIRE database, which is a project of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council funded by the U.S. DOE and managed by the North Carolina Solar Center.

To get started here at Southside Electric Cooperative, simply fill out the net metering interconnection form. The form should be filled out and returned before purchase or installation of the renewable energy generation system. Once filled out and turned in, an employee from Southside Electric Cooperative will contact you for follow up. An inspection appointment will be set to verify the system complies with the requirements for net metering. These requirements are, but are not limited to, an accessible lockable disconnect, sizing (less than 20KW), and the inverters used on the renewable energy system are approved per IEEE 1547 (on loss of Utility Voltage, the renewable energy system stops pushing generated electricity to the Utility Distribution System).

If you should have additional questions you may contact:

Mark Hadley @ 434-645-3289 or email mark.hadley@sec.coop