Net Metering Service Option

The Net Metering Service Option provides interested customers with the option to generate electricity from small-scale renewable sources, up to 100 kilowatts (kW), to offset their own use, while maintaining a secure connection to the grid for times when they need to purchase electricity. Net metering programs facilitate the safe interconnection of customer-owned generating resources to utility-owned networks. A bi-directional meter is installed to measure the additional electricity a customer requires from the electricity grid, as well as any excess generation that may be supplied back to the grid.

Image outlining how customer owned renewable generation powers a home and can be fed to the Provincial Electricity Grid.

GETTING CONNECTED

We’re here to help facilitate the process of getting you safely connected to the grid. There are 8 important steps to the interconnection process.

Visit an installer/supplier
Getting informed by understanding your options should be your first step. Visit a qualified supplier or installer who will be able to provide you information on the systems that are available and appropriate for you. This is not the time to buy!
Submit Application Form
Download the Net Metering Interconnection Application Form, complete all the required information and send to netmetering@newfoundlandpower.com. There is a lot of technical information required. Most of this information you will be able to obtain from the supplier/installer visit, if not we can help guide you through the application process.
Newfoundland Power Review
After receiving your completed application, we will develop specific interconnection requirements and cost estimates for your project. These include any required changes or upgrades to the system and any changes to metering equipment.
Project Approval
Once you have reviewed and accepted the interconnection requirements as well as paid any identified cost, your application will be considered approved and the required construction work can be scheduled.
Permits
Your electrician/installer must then obtain an electrical permit for the installation of your generating facility.
Interconnection Agreement
Following the installation of the generating equipment, you will be required to enter into an Interconnection Agreement with Newfoundland Power.
Connection to the Grid
Once the Agreement is signed and electrical inspections are passed, we will advise you in writing that interconnection with the grid can proceed.
Testing Your System
The final step is energizing and testing your system. We may require that a representative of Newfoundland Power be present during this process.

Net Metering Fact Sheet

Net Metering Interconnection Requirements

Net Metering Interconnection Application

Sample Net Metering Interconnection Agreement

We recognize that some of the information related to Net Metering is very technical in nature. However, these requirements are needed to ensure safe interconnection to the provincial electricity system and the reliability of delivery for all customers.

Here are some additional FAQs to help you better understand our Net Metering Service Option.

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When can customers apply for the Net Metering Service Option?

We began accepting applications effective July 1, 2017. There is no application fee to become a net metering customer.

Residential and commercial customers considering the Net Metering Service Option should discuss project plans with us before purchasing or installing equipment since requirements for specific systems will vary depending on capacity, generation type, location and the existing distribution infrastructure in the vicinity of the generation facility. We’re here to help ensure your proposed net metering system meet these requirements and is sized appropriately.

How will Net Metering appear on electricity bills?

Net metering customers will continue to pay the applicable, regular monthly basic customer charge, and business customers will continue to pay demand charges, if applicable. If more energy is used than generated in a given month, there will be an energy (kWh) charge on your monthly bill. If more electricity is generated than used there will be no energy (kWh) charge and the surplus will be banked and applied to future bills. Customers will receive a credit for any surplus remaining at the end of the annual review period. Compensation for these credits would be at the same rate Newfoundland Power pays to purchase power from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

A statement will be included with your monthly electricity bill to show the energy provided to the grid as well as any remaining banked generation credits.

Can Net Metering be used to offset mulitple accounts

The Net Metering Service Option is available on a single account basis with only one net metering point per account and property. Meter aggregation is not permitted.

Is there a limit on customer-owned generating capacity?

Provincially, the total installed customer-owned generation capacity cannot exceed 5 megawatts, as set out in the Net Metering Exemption Order. Individual customer generation facilities shall be sized to not exceed the annual energy requirements of the buildings or facilities located on the customer’s serviced premises up to a maximum of 100kW. Based on assessments and experience in other jurisdictions, the cap of 100 kW per customer is more than adequate to provide generation for a typical or average residential property to meet their own power needs.

The utilities will continue to monitor and evaluate the net metering program to ensure it provides a reasonable option for interested customers.

Who is responsible for the cost of installation and maintenance of alternate energy sources?

Customers are responsible for all associated capital, operating and maintenance costs of their generation equipment and any upgrades and/or revisions required to the existing utility system to accommodate the additional generation including utility metering. A capital contribution is required for any line extensions necessary to extend the utility distribution system to the point of interconnection.

Please email netmetering@newfoundlandpower.com if you require additional information or have further additional questions at this time.