Net Metering FAQs

Home | About WMECo | Contact Us | Site Map | Online Services

Net Metering

Net Metering FAQs

Net Metering FAQs

Expand All

	Who do I contact to learn more about Net Metering?
	If you still have questions after reading this document and the Net Metering Web page, you may submit an e-mail to wmecodg@nu.com or call the DG and net metering information line at (413) 787-1087.
	Will WMECO seek capacity payments for Class II and Class III net metering facilities?
	At this time, WMECO is not planning to seek capacity payments from ISO-NE for electricity generated by Class II or Class III generation facilities.
	I’ve been asked to provide my WMECO account number and my meter number. Where can I find them?
	Both your account number and meter number can be found on your monthly bill. The account number is located at the top right corner, and the meter number is located just below your address and above your billing period information on the bill.
	I’ve been asked to provide my Application I.D. What is it and how can I find it?
	For customers with existing generation, your Application I.D. is a unique number assigned to the application you submitted before installing your Distributed Generation (DG) system. It can be found on the copy of the application that we mailed back to you after you submitted your DG application. If you don’t have that number handy, you may leave it blank, as long as you provide other information on the application that helps us identify you, such as your name, phone number, address and WMECO account number. The same applies to customers who are newly applying for generation.
	How often can I submit a Schedule Z application?
	The Schedule Z application can be submitted no more than twice per year.
	What are the generation reporting requirements of Class II and Class III Host Customers as listed in Section D of Schedule Z?
	Class II and Class III customers will be required to install an ION 7330 revenue grade meter with Ethernet or phone line connection to record the amount of electricity generated by their solar, wind or agricultural facility. WMECO is communicating with existing customers about this requirement. Customers applying for generation interconnection and net metering will be supplied with the details as part of the application process.
	What are the generation reporting requirements of a Class I Host Customer as listed in Section D of Schedule Z?
	Class I customers will be required to submit a written report twice a year to WMECO of the amount of electricity generated. This information can be found on your production meter or inverter. WMECO is in the process of working out implementation details. The first report will be due to WMECO by September 30, 2010. Future reports by Class I net metered customers will be due by January 31 and September 30.
	How do I fill out the Net Metering/Schedule Z application?
	The Schedule Z application is 5 pages long. Customers need only fill out the sections that apply to them. Most customers (excluding Agricultural net metering and Neighborhood net metering customers) will fill out sections A, D, E and J.
	Is it a requirement that I submit the Net Metering Application, a.k.a. Schedule Z?
	If you are an existing customer and would like to receive increased compensation as provided by the new Net Metering tariff, then you’ll need to submit the Schedule Z application. If you do not submit the application, you will continue to receive compensation at the average lossadjusted monthly clearing price set by ISO New England. Customers that are newly applying for Distributed Generation and net metering must submit the Schedule Z application.
	Can I share or allocate my net metering credits with other customers?
	Yes. Customers who are net metered can share a percentage of their credits with other WMECO customers. On the Schedule Z application, please fill out section G. Page 4 provides you with space to indicate the customer(s) information you would like to allocate credits to. It’s important to note that the percentage you allocate to other WMECO customers stays the same every month, even if your excess generation varies month to month.
	Does everyone get compensated at the same rate for excess generation?
	No. Depending on your customer rate class (i.e. residential customer, small, medium or large business, etc.) the compensation will vary. Also, because the supply portion of your bill changes several times per year (twice for residential and small business customers and four times per year for medium and large business customers), the compensation you receive for supply rate for excess generation will fluctuate.
	How will I be compensated for excess generation under the new net metering tariff?
	A credit will be applied to your monthly bill (see Net Metering Web page for compensation specifics). These credits will carry forward from billing period to billing period.
	I’m already getting compensated for excess generation – what changed with the new net metering rules?
	The Net Metering tariff expanded the size limit of generation that qualifies for net metering from 60 kilowatts (kW) to 2 megawatts (MW). Additionally, the compensation amount for customers with renewable generation like solar, wind or agricultural, increased (see Net Metering Web page for specifics).