Net Metering
What is net metering?
- Net metering is available to DEC 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 Douglas Electric Cooperative and the electricity you generate using your renewable generating equipment.
- If the facility generates more electricity than the you
use, DEC credits you its avoided cost for wholesale electric
power. That means DEC 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 Douglas Electric Cooperative’s net metering contract. It must be filled out, signed and returned to DEC prior to DEC'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 is installed and you have
a signed copy of the final county electrical inspection
notice, call DEC 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 DEC's existing transmission and distribution system.
- Current automated meter reading (AMR) technology requires that your facility must accommodate two meters.
- 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 DEC'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 DEC'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.
- DEC requires a readily accessible, lockable manual disconnect switch at the point of delivery
- Approval for operation in parallel with the DEC's system
must be obtained prior to the operation of any net metering
system.
To receive more information on the service please contact
us.
