Net Metering
What is net metering?
- Net metering is available to CPI members who own and operate
a facility that generates electricity from renewable sources
such as hydro, wind, solar or fuel cell.
- Net metering facilities are intended to offset or meet
all of your own electrical requirements.
- Net metering measures the difference between the electricity
you buy from Consumers Power and the electricity you generate
using your renewable generating equipment.
- If the facility generates more electricity than the you
use, CPI credits you its avoided cost for wholesale electric
power. That means CPI pays you for any wholesale power costs
that were not made, or "avoided", because the
net metering facility displaced the need to purchase power.
What are the steps to take?
- Request a copy of CPI's net metering contract. It must
be filled out, signed and returned to CPI prior to CPI's
inspection and installation of bi-directional metering.
- Pick a contractor for the installation. The Oregon Office
of Energy's web site lists qualified contractors for state
tax credit incentives. You can find it at http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/
- Once your generation equipment and meter
adapter is installed and you have a signed copy of the
final county electrical inspection notice, call CPI so we
can inspect and install bi-directional metering at the facility.
General Interconnection Requirements
- Nameplate generating capacity of not more than twenty-five
(25) kilowatts
located on your premises
- Facility interconnects and operates in parallel with CPI's
existing transmission and distribution system.
- Current automated meter reading (AMR) technology requires
that your facility have an adapter
to accommodate two meters (CPI meters are of the form
2S configuration).
- You are responsible for the design and installation of
the generation system, including engineering, design, permits,
installation and wiring. You also are responsible for the
costs of meeting CPI's interconnection requirements as outlined
in the net metering agreement.
- All equipment on your side of the delivery point shall
be maintained in satisfactory operating condition and shall
remain your property and responsibility.
- You are responsible for having your net metering facility
inspected and approved by the county electrical inspector
confirming it meets all applicable Oregon codes.
- Net metering facilities must not adversely affect the
safety of CPI's personnel or the reliability and power quality
of the utility system.
- Net metering facilities must automatically disconnect
from the utility system when power to the utility system
is lost.
- CPI requires a readily accessible, lockable manual disconnect
switch at the point of delivery
- Approval for operation in parallel with the CPI's system
must be obtained prior to the operation of any net metering
system.
To receive more information on the service please contact
us.
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