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Net Energy Metering (NET Metering)
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is NET Metering?
2. How does NET Metering work?
3. How do I apply?
4. Can I complete the application online?
5. I'm currently on the Residential  Rate 11. Can I stay on this rate?
6. I currently have an electric hot water heating Rate 3, 14, or 15. Can I keep this rate?
7. I am building a new home and plan to add solar or wind power. How do I initiate NET metering for my new home?
8. How long will it take for me to be interconnected?
9. Why do I have to fill out so much paperwork?
10. Why and when do I have to grant authorization to someone to represent me?
11. My generation system is running fine and causing no problems now; why does it need to be authorized by CVPS?
12. I’ve just bought a house with a renewable energy generator connected to the grid. Do I have to notify CVPS when I set up my new electric account?
13. Will I get paid for electricity I feed back into the grid?
14. How much will it cost to participate in NET metering? Do I need any special  equipment?
15. What will my bill look like?
16. What is the billing “true-up?”
17. Will having my own generator ensure that I will have power during a power
    outage?
18. Why do I have to notify CVPS if I add to or change the components of my generating system?
19. Who should I contact for additional information?
    

1. What is NET Metering?
NET Metering is a program available to CVPS customers who generate electricity using a photovoltaic (solar), wind turbine, fuel cells, or hybrid (both wind turbine and photovoltaic) electrical generating system, or other renewable energy facilities. Residential customers and small commercial customers (i.e., on a commercial rate schedule) with a photovoltaic, wind turbine, or hybrid electrical generating facility of 150 kilowatts (kW) or less are eligible for NET Metering.

2. How does NET Metering work?
If you install a solar, wind, or generation system at your residence or business and qualify for the NET Metering program, you can interconnect your system to CVPS’s distribution system and CVPS will credit your account for the electricity you export to the electric grid against charges for your electric usage.  The power grid becomes an “energy bank” that you put energy into when you are generating and have excess, and take out when you need energy.  When you go on the NET Metering program, the rate at which you are charged (for the energy you take from CVPS) or credited (for the energy you export) will depend on, and is the same as, the rate tariff you are on.

3. How do I apply?
Fill out or complete the items listed below. All the listed components, correctly filled out, constitute a complete standard NET Metering application:

Sample CVPS line diagram for NET Metering. (Your diagram may be significantly different.)

You can mail or e-mail copies in pdf format to us.
Central Vermont Public Service
Attention: Net Metering Services
P.O. Box 608
Rutland VT  05702-0608
Email: Nbowen@cvps.com

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4. Can I complete the application online?
No, but you can obtain a copy of the Form online.  The Public Service Board (PSB) requires that you mail or fax an original, signed copy of the form to CVPS -- preferably accompanied by the other required application documents. The application form can be found on the Vermont Public Service Board Web site in both PDF and “Wordperfect” formats.

5. I'm currently on the residential Rate 11. Can I stay on this rate?
An existing Rate 11 customer can remain on Rate 11 as long as the customer stays at their current residence. However, the rate 11 schedule is currently closed as of Aug. 1, 1987, and cannot be transferred to a new owner or requested for new or existing accounts. You may be required to pay for a special upgraded meter that can perform as both a NET meter and Rate 11 meter.

6. I currently have an electric Hot Water heating Rate 3, 14, or 15.
Can I keep this rate?
This is a decision that you will need to make.  If you decide to keep the off peak water heating rate, energy you produce will not be applied to the off peak rate.  It is possibly that you will have energy credits and still pay for all the energy metered on the off peak rate. Net Metering requires all the energy to go in and out through one meter.  Off peak rates charge for energy at different prices and may be time-of-day dependant.  This makes measuring the system output of the NET Metering system difficult.    If instead you decide you want your NET Metering generation to produce energy for your water heating needs, you will need to give up the off peak rate and have an electrician re-wire the off peak service and feed it from your residential rate meter.

7. I am building a new home and plan to add solar or wind power. How do I initiate NET Metering for my new home?
To establish an account under your name for your new home, contact the CVPS call center at 1-800-649-2877 to set up an account, and request a Work Request number (WR#) be assigned. Once you have an account set up under your name, you can fill out and send us the application materials. When all application materials have been received, and we have inspected your installation, CVPS will install a NET meter and start your net metering account.

8. How long will it take for me to be interconnected?
Typically interconnection occurs within 30 business days following CVPS ’s receipt of a complete application. The site inspection is the final step in the process and should take about a half an hour.  It is best if someone can be available to show the inspector around.  A few tests must be completed in order to verify the safe operation of the generation in connecting to the grid.  The inspector, upon completion of the inspection, may install a new meter and small signs or placards on the meter socket, and label the utility poles in the area to identify your generation to line workers.

9. Why do I have to fill out so much paperwork?
CVPS needs each of the materials requested so we can correctly set up your NET Metering account and to ensure the safety and reliability of the electric grid for everyone. Most of the paperwork is also required by the NET Metering tariff, which is state implemented.   For more information view PSB Rule 5.100 .

10. Why and when do I have to grant authorization to someone to represent me?
Information about your account is confidential. CVPS cannot share your account information with your contractor without receiving your written authorization. The authorization can also be used to give your contractor the authority to complete most of the paperwork needed to apply for the NET Metering program. This permission is granted for a limited time frame. If you do not require CVPS to share your account information with your contractor and plan to fill out all the application materials yourself, then you do not need to submit a letter releasing information to your contractor.

11. My generation system is running fine and causing no problems now; why does it need to be authorized by CVPS?
CVPS is required by Rule 5.100 to authorize the interconnection of all generation systems to CVPS's grid. Generation systems must meet all the requirements of Rule 5.100 and receive written permission from CVPS to interconnect. The requirements in Rule 5.100 help ensure safety and reliability for all customers on the grid. As part of the inspection for NET Metering, CVPS will install a NET meter suitable to record net export of energy to the grid, which will ensure that customers with NET Metering accounts receive proper credit for the electricity their system exports to the grid.

12. I’ve just bought a house with a renewable energy generator connected to the grid. Do I have to notify CVPS when I set up my new electric account?
Yes, call the Customer Information Center at 800-649-2877 and they will set you up with an NET Metering account that will credit your energy bill with the electricity you export to the grid.  You will also need to fill out a form for the Vermont Public Service Board to transfer the CPG (Certificate of Public Good) from the old home owner to the new owner.  The transfer form may be found on the Vermont Public Service Board web site.

13. Will I get paid for electricity I feed back into the grid?
You will not receive cash or a check but will get full retail credit for energy generated by your system and exported to the grid.

14. How much will it cost to participate in NET Metering? Do I need any special equipment?
Aside from your cost to build the generation system, project costs required by CVPS to interconnect will vary by scope, size, and complexity. Possible costs include metering equipment and utility equipment upgrades necessary to interconnect your generator.

15. What will my bill look like?
You will still receive your regular CVPS bill on a monthly basis.  The bill will contain all the information it usually does, but in addition with NET Metering, it shows you important information such as how much you are either accumulating in credits or charges from CVPS, and usage history. You will be charged monthly for the Customer Charge, Efficiency Vermont charge, any rental water heater or security lighting charges, and taxes. You will not be paid for any excess energy production at the end of the annual reconciliation date.

16. What is the billing “true-up?”
The “true up” is the monthly review of your electric energy use and credits to remove any expired energy credits.  The NET Metering law states: “Any accumulated kilowatt-hour credits shall be used within 12 months, or shall revert to the electric company, without compensation to the customer.”  Any retired credits will be displayed on your CVPS bill. 
Please note: Credits from excess net generation are applied to electric energy charges only (net energy usage). Net generation credits:

1) cannot be applied to non-energy charges;
2) cannot be applied to other accounts;
3) cannot be carried over from one reconciliation period to the next;
4) cannot be applied to a water heater rental or security light rental;
5) cannot be applied to off peak water heating such as Rate 3 or 15.

Even if you have generation credits during a billing period you will still be billed for other charges (e.g. customer charges, demand charges, minimum charges, monthly meter charges).

17. Will having my own generator ensure that I will have power during a power outage?
Power outage coverage depends on how your system is configured. The contractor who installs your system should be able to provide you with guidance on this. Generally, NET Metering systems do not supply stand-alone power.  When the power grid goes down, your power will be off too.

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18. Why do I have to notify CVPS if I add to or change the components of my generating system?
Your Vermont CPG (Certificate of Public Good) from the Vermont Public Service Board specifies the equipment you use so if you change equipment, the contract may have to be updated. And your new equipment will need to be reviewed by our engineers so we can assure the continued safety and reliability of the connection of your system to the power grid. We appreciate your cooperation.

19. Who should I contact for additional information?
You can email us at nbowen@cvps.com or call us at 802-747-5270.