Winds of Change Newsletter, February 2006     See sidebar for table of contents

Net Metering: Grassroots Energy Generation for Everyone

by Frank Young (excerpted)

How would you like to make your electric meter run backwards?

“Net metering” is a concept that would change West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) rules to allow homeowners to be reimbursed for any excess electricity they may generate from alternative sources like solar, wind and other means.

Recently, on behalf of WV Environmental Council, I intervened in the WV PSC’s ongoing, although nearly stalled, investigation into implementing net metering in West Virginia.

Several states have implemented some form of net metering while maintaining regulated rates for electricity.

Net metering is the practice of measuring the difference between the total generation and total consumption of electricity by customers, usually home and small business owners with small generating facilities, such as solar panels. One of the goals inherent in a net metering program is the encouragement of private investment in renewable energy resources.

“In essence, net metering allows a homeowner to generate power for the home and to supply any excess electricity to the power company,” explained former PSC Chairman James D. Williams. “This power moving onto the grid has a value, but there’s also a cost for the company to maintain the lines and to safely move that power. So, we’ve asked the companies to suggest what they think would be a fair way to compensate the supplier, how that compensation for the new power could be efficiently tracked, and what other considerations they think would be prudent to make sure such a program would work.”

It’s been more than three years since the state PSC opened its “investigation” into tariff (rate) filing or rulemaking that would allow and regulate net metering in West Virginia. Almost no one has been making requests or comments to the Commission on net metering matters.

Net metering is an important piece of the renewable energy puzzle in West Virginia. With net metering there is a bigger incentive for residents to invest in solar and wind power equipment, and other renewable energy sources.

TAKE ACTION

Registering your comments about net metering is easy. Comments need not be either technical or lengthy. Short and concise comments are best. If you think of or learn of other net metering related comments later, you can always submit additional comments. Be sure your letters include the Case Number: 02-1495-E-GI-Net Metering.
Send comments to:
Executive Secretary
WV Public Service Commission
201 Brooks Street, Charleston WV 25323