What is Net Energy Metering?
Net energy metering is defined as the process of netting a customer’s electric consumption against the customer’s electric generation at a defined frequency (e.g., every 15‐minutes, every hour, etc.). Essentially, this rate program allows residential and small commercial customers with DER systems less than 10kW-DC and interconnection agreement to sell the excess energy generated by their DER system (in excess of their consumption) at the rate identified in the program. Typically, this allows for lower monthly costs.
Bill Calculation:
Use the Consumption Details on the back of the bill. Subtract the amount of the Received from the Renewable Generated consumption. Add that to the amount purchased from the utility (volumetric).
Example: 399 kWh – 306 kWh = 93 kWh + 214 kWh = 307 kWh total used
(NOTE: the graphic above is for illustration purposes and does not represent current prices)
How does the bi-directional meter work?
When a customer generates less energy than they consume, the Utility provides electricity to the customer and the bi-directional meter measures that amount as volumetric energy. Conversely, when the customer generates more energy than they consume, the excess energy (received energy) is sent back to the Utility and the bi-directional meter measures that amount as received energy. At the end of each billing period, the Utility uses the volumetric and received energy measurement readings from the meter to calculate the customer’s bill.
What is the current credit rate for power put back on the Georgetown grid from my DER system?
The current renewable energy received credit rate for eligible customers is $0.04692/kWh. Existing customers in good standing on the net metering program rate as of October 1, 2020 will continue to receive a credit of $0.09580 per kWh until September 30, 2022. Please see the graphic above to see how your bill is calculated.
If I don’t have a REC meter, how will I know what my DER generates?
Most DER systems monitor the energy produced by your system. You can then reference the reported amount from your system and compare it to your bill. See the bill calculation image above for further assistance.
Are there any surcharges once my system is operational?
There are not any surcharges once the system is operational. Enjoy your cost savings!
What happens if I generate more electricity than I use?
The maximum amount of energy that can be sold to Georgetown cannot be greater than the volumetric energy delivered to the customer.
Are there any rebates for installation?
At this time, there are not any rebates for installation of DER systems to the customer from the City. Confer with your installer for any further information.
My system is installed, how long will it take for my account to start reflecting the billing changes?
Once a work order has been issued when interconnection is approved, it will take anywhere from 5-10 business days for the new meter to be installed and for your billing to begin reflecting the net meter changes.
I went through the interconnection process, a meter was connected, but I am not seeing the appropriate changes that I was expecting on my bill. Is there something wrong or will I be charged for additional inspection?
- Please review the Net Energy Metering bill calculation to ensure you fully understand the credit for excess energy. The Net Energy Metering ordinance is can also be accessed here.
- Contact your installer if your system is not producing the estimated energy
- If there are any further questions regarding billing, please contact Customer Care at customercare@georgetown.orgor at 512-930-3640.
I have sized my system appropriately to my usage and I am I still having to pay an electric bill. I thought this was supposed to offset my charges on my bill?
You can possibly offset all of the volumetric charges on your bill. Keep in mind that there are base and PCA charges that can’t be offset. Please see the Net Energy Metering ordinance here for more information. Please note that the amount of energy that can be sold back cannot be greater than the energy supplied by the Utility.
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