NET METERING
IS SOLAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
WHAT IS NET METERING?
LCEC Net Metering Guidelines
The LCEC Net Metering program allows LCEC customers with a renewable generation system (RGS) to offset all or part of their energy use. To offset energy use, the output from the customer’s RGS must be used downstream of the meter where it is connected.
Energy not consumed when it is produced is sent to the grid as excess energy and is accumulated and accounted for in reserves to be drawn upon as needed to offset future energy use from LCEC. Unused reserves (also referred to as banked usage) remaining after the December billing will be payable to the member in January at the calculated avoided wholesale rate for the prior year. Payable amounts less than $250 will be applied as a credit on the bill. All other amounts will be paid by check. Since the avoided purchase power cost is variable and is less than the retail rate, it is prudent for members to install a RGS that produces up to the amount of energy the member uses in a year.
Guidelines:
- Operation of the RGS, except for testing and inspection, prior to the installation of the new LCEC bidirectional meter is prohibited and may result in meter tampering penalties. Members will not receive credit for excess kWh generation for periods of operation prior to the installation of the bidirectional meter.
- A manual disconnect switch is required for all RGS installations. The manual disconnect switch should disconnect only the renewable source and not the entire member service. The manual disconnect switch for all tier systems shall be installed as shown in the LCEC Electric Service and Meter Requirements. Please reference our ESMR-Handbook’s Distributed Energy Resources section for more details. If you have any questions about Meter Service Requirements please contact the Meter Service
Department at (239) 656-2106. - The RGS must shut down when the LCEC grid shuts down in order to prevent dangerous back feed. This is required to protect the public, LCEC employees and contractors who may be working on the grid.
- For inverter-based systems, the Gross power rating (GPR) shall be calculated by the total installed AC generating capacity of the inverter(s). However, for systems where the total DC generating capacity is less than the inverter AC output, the GPR shall be calculated by multiplying the total installed DC generating capacity by 0.85.
- The member on the account must complete the following before the RGS can be operational. Once all documentation has been received, LCEC will install the bidirectional meter.
- Application and Compliance Form
- Interconnection Agreement
- Proof of inspection by the local authorities
- Pay an application fee to LCEC
- Proof of insurance in the amounts specified in the Tier 2 and Tier 3 Interconnection Agreements
Benefits of Net Metering
- Offsets electricity costs
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
- Excess energy rolls forward each month
- Customer receives credit for excess energy left over at the end of the calendar year
- Encourages use of renewable energy sources
- Reduces healthcare costs associated with air pollution
Updated Interconnection Agreement and Compliance Form
We have recently updated our Interconnection agreement, Application and Compliance Form,
and our ESMR handbook regarding disconnect switch specification for all tiers. Please
ensure the most recent updated forms are submitted and installation of all equipment meet
LCEC specifications to avoid delays.
Net Metering Service Standards
Click here for printable copy
Interconnection Tiers
Interconnection is the connection of the RGS (renewable generation system) to the LCEC electric grid. An interconnection tier is based on the size of the RGS. Follow the steps below depending on the size of your RGS. For additional information or assistance contact LCEC Customer Care at 239-656-2300 or 1-800-599-2356 or email [email protected]
All interconnection tiers require a Disconnect Switch. Please carefully review our Disconnect Switch Specifications before installation.
Tier One (0-10kW)
Follow these steps to participate in the program:
*Supporting documentation includes: An electric one-line diagram and spec sheet of the inverter and other installed equipment. An interconnection fee of $35 will be billed to the account after the agreement is approved.
Tier Two (>10kW-100kW)
Follow these steps to participate in the program:
*Supporting documentation includes: An electric one-line diagram and spec sheet of the inverter and other installed equipment along with proof of insurance. You will be advised of the interconnection fee after LCEC receives and reviews your completed application and interconnection agreement. This fee will be billed to the account after the agreement is approved.
Fax final permit approval to: 239-656-1889 or email [email protected]
Tier Three (>100kW-1MW)
Follow these steps to participate in the program:
*Supporting documentation includes: An electric one-line diagram and spec sheet of the inverter and other installed equipment along with proof of insurance. An application fee of $1,000 will be required to process the interconnection request.
How to Read Your Bidirectional Meter
Your bidirectional meter measures power flows going into and out of your home or business. The difference between a bidirectional meter and a traditional meter is that the bidirectional meter has three different readings: (1) delivered, (2) received, and (3) net; whereas the traditional meter only has one reading: (1) delivered.
RC (Received) is the power flow coming out of the home.
Using the examples above:
(DL) 04552 kWh
– (RC) 00489 kWh
(NT) 04063 kWh
These measurements are cumulative. You will need to read the meter (1st of month) and log the measurements then read the meter again (1st of next month) to compare the reading.
NT less than 0 is displayed as 100000 minus the reading. For example, if NT is -5, the display will read 99995.