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Net Metering

 
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What is Net Metering?

Net metering is a provision that allows consumers to install small, grid-connected renewable energy systems to reduce their electric bills. Under net metering, excess electricity produced by the renewable energy system can flow into the utility grid, spinning the existing electric meter backwards.

Example of Net Metering Using a Residential Photovoltaic System

The electric meter spins backwards as it registers excess energy flowing from a solar-electric generator into the O&R electric grid. The electric meter spins forward as it registers the normal flow of energy from the O&R electric grid into the customer's home.
New York

In 1997, New York enacted a net metering law for residential photovoltaic systems of 10 kW or less. Later, that law was expanded to include farm waste generating systems of 400kW or less.

Details about Orange & Rockland's net metering program can be found on page 39 of Service Classification Rider N in Orange and Rockland's Schedule for Electric Service. Additionally, the New York State Public Service Commission has developed uniform interconnection requirements for net metered systems. To be approved for interconnection to the electric grid, systems must use type-tested inverters.

For more information, contact Orange & Rockland's Lenny Leon at 845-577-3229 or by email.

New Jersey

New Jersey's net metering law, enacted in February 1999, requires that net metering be offered to residential and small commercial customers with photovoltaic and wind-powered generation systems. Direct all inquiries to:

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
Office of Clean Energy
44 South Clinton Street
Post Office Box 350
Trenton, NJ 08625-0350
Phone: 609-292-7471
Toll Free number: 1-877-786-5278
Fax: 609-777-3330
info@njcep.com
Pennsylvania

In June 2006, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission adopted new regulations for the net metering of customers with on-site generating facilities using certain alternative energy sources, including, but not limited to, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal power, wind power, geothermal power, and biomass energy. Under the regulations, net metering is available to residential services up to 50kW and all other service locations up to 1,000kW.

Details about PCL&P's net metering program can be found in Service Classification Rider B in PCL&P's Schedule for Electric Service.

For more information, contact PCL&P's Lenny Leon at 845-577-3229 or by e-mail.