Net Metering Overview

  • Net Metering is an arrangement between the Cooperative and a member.
  • It lets you install renewable fuel generation on your premises and interconnect it with the Cooperative’s distribution system.
  • This arrangement is intended to allow members to meet all, or part, of their electricity requirements by using renewable fuel generation on the member’s premises.
  • If the member uses more electricity than they have generated for that billing period, they pay only for the net energy that they have received from the system, plus any fixed monthly charges provided by the rate schedule.
Net Metering Rate Schedule (PDF)

How Does Net Metering Work?

Net metering works by tracking your energy consumption and production and then calculating the difference at the end of the month.

  • When you use more electricity: The meter records kilowatt-hours (kWh) whenever your consumption exceeds the energy produced by your renewable equipment.
  • When you generate excess electricity: In situations where you generate more electricity than you use, the meter credits kilowatt-hours back to your account.
  • Net use calculation: At the end of each month, your meter reading reflects the net use — the balance between the energy you consume and the energy you generate.

Eligibility

  • Residential Net Metering is available for members with a renewable fuel generator that has a rated capacity not exceeding 20 kilowatts (kW).
  • Non-residential Net Metering is available for members with a renewable fuel generator not exceeding 1 megawatt.

Steps to Take Before Construction or Installation

  • Submit the Interconnection Form: Ensure you fill out and submit sections 1 through 4 of the Interconnection Form (PDF) and submit it to NNEC for approval before starting any construction or installation.
  • Compliance with Local Regulations: Obtain the necessary electrical permits and undergo the required electrical inspections as per your local government regulations.
Interconection Form (PDF)

Other Requirements

Insurance

Members are required to maintain insurance coverage. This ensures adequate protection against potential liabilities.

  • Generators with a rated capacity of up to 10 kW: Maintain homeowners, commercial, or other suitable insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000. This is essential for liability protection against any loss related to the use of your renewable fuel generator.
  • Generators rated in excess of 10 kW: Maintain homeowners, commercial, or other insurance providing coverage of at least $300,000 for the liability of the insured against loss arising out of the use of a renewable fuel generator.

Equipment

  • Lockable disconnect requirement: For the safety and maintenance of your renewable generator, NNEC requires a lockable disconnect capable of interrupting the maximum rated capacity of your generator.
  • Location and labeling:
    • Placement: This disconnect must be installed within sight of NNEC’s metering device.
    • Identification: Clearly label the disconnect to indicate that it is for the renewable generator.

Regulations & Standards

  • Capacity: The capacity of the renewable generator must be less than the capacity of the secondary and service entrance limitations, and shall not overload the electric distribution transformer beyond the manufacturer or nameplate ratings, unless the member reimburses the electric distribution company for its cost to modify any facilities needed to accommodate the interconnection.
  • IEEE 1547 Compliance: The installation shall comply with IEEE 1547, Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems, July 2003, as well as all other applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Additionally, the grounding scheme must comply with IEEE 1547, and shall be consistent with the grounding scheme used by the electric distribution company.
  • UL Listed: The renewable generator and inverter must be UL listed.  The customer may be required to select a grounding scheme that coordinates with the Cooperative’s electric distribution system.
  • Voltage Imbalance: The renewable fuel generator shall not create a voltage imbalance of more than 3%  at any other customer’s meter (for NNEC) if the electric distribution company transformer, with the secondary connected to the point of interconnection, is a three-phase transformer unless the customer reimburses the electric distribution company for its cost to modify any facilities needed to accommodate the interconnection.

Additional Information

Additional information can be obtained from the Virginia State Corporation Commission.  If you have other technical questions for NNEC, please contact Steve Bushong, Engineering Services or if you have billing questions, please contact Richard McLendon, Member Services. Inquiries can be made by calling (804) 333-3621.

Total Capacity

The total connected capacity of all net metering connected to the Cooperative shall not exceed the following percentages of system peak:

  • For residential members, 2% of the Cooperative’s system peak.
  • For non-residential members other than nonprofit and non-jurisdictional members, 1% of the Cooperative’s system peak.
  • For nonprofit and non-jurisdictional members, 2% of the Cooperative’s system peak.

Below is the chart detailing the capacity available for installation in the NNEC territory as of January 11, 2024.

kW
System Peak114,255
Residential Cap2,285.10
Residential Installed2016.04
Residential Available269.06
Non-Residential Cap1,142.55
Non-Residential Installed13.34
Non-Residential Available1,138.55
Non-Profit/Jurisdictional Cap2,285.10
Non-Profit/Jurisdictional Installed4.00
Non-Profit/Jurisdictional Available2,271.76

Explore Solar Potential with NREL’s PVWatts® Calculator

  • A tool is available through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that estimates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems.
  • The tool, PVWatts®, is a free application that allows consumers to easily develop estimates of the performance of potential PV installations.
  • NREL is a third-party research laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and is not associated with Northern Neck Electric Co-op.
PVWatts® Calculator