Net Metering FAQ (From Idaho Power)
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is a program that allows customers to generate power on their property and connect it to a utility’s power system. The electric meter “spins” backwards, providing a credit for energy produced against charges for energy used. Systems connected to the grid are referred to as “interconnected.”
How does Net Metering work?
For residential and small commercial customers, the renewable source of generation is connected on the customer’s side of the electric meter. Energy generated is consumed inside the residence first and any excess would flow from the meter to the power lines. At the end of the month, if consumption outpaces production, a monthly power bill is sent to the customer for the energy consumed. If production outpaces consumption, a credit appears on the bill.
How much would I be paid for my power and how much would I have to pay for the power I use?
Residential and small commercial customers are paid for excess generation at the same base retail rate that they are charged for electricity. Other customer classes are paid under a different, calculated rate structure. Contact Idaho Power for more information.
What type of generation is allowed under the Net Metering tariff?
Idaho Power’s Net Metering program is restricted to wind, solar, hydro, biomass and fuel cell technologies. Other renewable technologies may be included in the future.
Who is eligible to go on the Net Metering tariff?
The Net Metering program is open to residential (Rate 01) and small commercial (Rate 07) customers. Other rate classes can connect up to 100 KW of generation but the connection and credit are calculated differently.
Is there a limit to the size of generation from the customer?
Yes. For residential and small commercial customers, generation is limited to 25 kilowatts of nameplate generation or less. Other rate classes can connect higher levels but under different requirements and rate structures. Contact Idaho Power for more information.
Are there any costs involved to go on the Net Metering tariff?
Yes. There is a $100 application fee for processing, project review, the connections, and review of the lines and transformers. If the project requires upgrades to Idaho Power equipment, the applicant also will pay those costs.
Is it a legal requirement Idaho Power provide Net Metering?
No. This program falls within a tariff filed with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) and is only for Idaho Power and its customers. Several other utilities serving different parts of Idaho have their own Net Metering programs that also are filed with the IPUC.
Is there a limit to how many Idaho Power customers can participate in Net Metering?
Yes. At this time Idaho Power limits the total amount of customer-owned generation to 2.9 MW. The actual number of systems will vary depending on the size of the individual installations.
Why does Idaho Power offer a Net Metering program?
The Net Metering program helps to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce electric demand on the electric system. Net Metering is part of a suite of options offered to customers to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Will Idaho Power offer their customers systems for sale and installation?
Idaho Power does not offer or install systems for customers. There are a number of qualified dealers that provide sales and installation services.
Where can I learn more?
To learn more about the net metering program, rules and application process, visit burton:801/AboutUs/BusinessToBusiness/GenerationInterconnect/default.cfm, or call 208-388-2323 or 800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley.
Net metering is a program that allows customers to generate power on their property and connect it to a utility’s power system. The electric meter “spins” backwards, providing a credit for energy produced against charges for energy used. Systems connected to the grid are referred to as “interconnected.”
How does Net Metering work?
For residential and small commercial customers, the renewable source of generation is connected on the customer’s side of the electric meter. Energy generated is consumed inside the residence first and any excess would flow from the meter to the power lines. At the end of the month, if consumption outpaces production, a monthly power bill is sent to the customer for the energy consumed. If production outpaces consumption, a credit appears on the bill.
How much would I be paid for my power and how much would I have to pay for the power I use?
Residential and small commercial customers are paid for excess generation at the same base retail rate that they are charged for electricity. Other customer classes are paid under a different, calculated rate structure. Contact Idaho Power for more information.
What type of generation is allowed under the Net Metering tariff?
Idaho Power’s Net Metering program is restricted to wind, solar, hydro, biomass and fuel cell technologies. Other renewable technologies may be included in the future.
Who is eligible to go on the Net Metering tariff?
The Net Metering program is open to residential (Rate 01) and small commercial (Rate 07) customers. Other rate classes can connect up to 100 KW of generation but the connection and credit are calculated differently.
Is there a limit to the size of generation from the customer?
Yes. For residential and small commercial customers, generation is limited to 25 kilowatts of nameplate generation or less. Other rate classes can connect higher levels but under different requirements and rate structures. Contact Idaho Power for more information.
Are there any costs involved to go on the Net Metering tariff?
Yes. There is a $100 application fee for processing, project review, the connections, and review of the lines and transformers. If the project requires upgrades to Idaho Power equipment, the applicant also will pay those costs.
Is it a legal requirement Idaho Power provide Net Metering?
No. This program falls within a tariff filed with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) and is only for Idaho Power and its customers. Several other utilities serving different parts of Idaho have their own Net Metering programs that also are filed with the IPUC.
Is there a limit to how many Idaho Power customers can participate in Net Metering?
Yes. At this time Idaho Power limits the total amount of customer-owned generation to 2.9 MW. The actual number of systems will vary depending on the size of the individual installations.
Why does Idaho Power offer a Net Metering program?
The Net Metering program helps to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce electric demand on the electric system. Net Metering is part of a suite of options offered to customers to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Will Idaho Power offer their customers systems for sale and installation?
Idaho Power does not offer or install systems for customers. There are a number of qualified dealers that provide sales and installation services.
Where can I learn more?
To learn more about the net metering program, rules and application process, visit burton:801/AboutUs/BusinessToBusiness/GenerationInterconnect/default.cfm, or call 208-388-2323 or 800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley.
