Understanding Net Metering with FPUA Fort Pierce Utilities Authority
Net metering enables customers to own or lease renewable generation, interconnect with the electric system, and offset consumption. Customers can use solar energy in their homes and the excess energy generated can be sold back to the grid. The rate utilities pay for excess generation varies and is subject to policy debates. Florida law requires net metering, with specific rates, terms, and conditions prescribed by statutes and commissions. The application process for net metering through FPUA involves meeting certain requirements and obtaining permission to operate.
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Net Metering with FPUA FORT PIERCE UTILITIES AUTHORITY
What is Net Metering? Enables customers to: own or lease renewable generation interconnect with electric system offset consumption Utilities allow customer-owned generation to offset electric needs. When the generation exceeds customer needs, the excess energy flows back into the electric grid, and the utility compensates the customer. Excess energy sold back in any hour of the month offsets grid consumption in any hour of the month
Understanding Net Metering Solar array converts energy from the sun to electricity Use solar energy in home RGS Output Meter measures kWh produced Converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) Bi-directional meter measures energy provided from the grid and excess energy supplied to the grid Manual PV Disconnect
The Rate Utilities Pay for Excess Generation Varies The rate utilities pay for this excess customer-owned generation delivered to the grid varies and is the subject of much policy and political debate FPUA s meters separately record the total energy provided from the grid and total excess energy supplied to the grid
Net Metering Required by Florida Law IOU net metering rates, terms and conditions prescribed by Florida statutes/Public Service Commission Municipal electric utilities determine own net metering rates, terms and conditions On or before July 1, 2009, each municipal electric shall develop a standardized interconnection agreement and net metering program for customer-owned renewable generation. Each governing authority shall establish requirements relating to the expedited interconnection and net metering of customer-owned generation Net metering means a metering and billing methodology whereby customer-owned renewable generation is allowed to offset the customer's electricity consumption on site. Customer-owned renewable generation means an electric generating system located on a customer's premises that is primarily intended to offset part or all of the customer's electricity requirements with renewable energy.
Application Process Apply through City of Fort Pierce, St. Lucie Village or St. Lucie County, jurisdiction dependent Photovoltaic (PV) installation must meet certain requirements for FPUA: Inverter Standard Compliance Accessibility of AC Disconnect Clear AC kW size of system After Proof of Passed Inspection is provided: Customer Meter Change-out Standard Interconnection and Power Purchase Agreements processed PTO (Permission to Operate) granted
FMPA Net Metering Policy FMPA buys net metering customer excess generation, in compliance with All- Requirements Project contract: FMPA agrees to sell and deliver, and project participant agrees to purchase and receive all electric capacity and energy which project participant shall require for the operation of its municipal electric system . ARP member cannot directly purchase electricity from anyone other than FMPA including its own customers ARP policy does not dictate the rate that individual members pay their net metering customers 3.03. ARP participant may, in its sole discretion and at its sole cost and expense, offer its net metering customers a renewable production incentive for excess kilowatt hours generated by the customer-owned renewable generation and delivered to ARP participant s electric distribution system.
FMPA Net Metering Policy FPUA ultimately determines the net metering credit amount to customers. ARP Net Metering Policy adopted June 26, 2008. FMPA buys excess generation at ARP Renewable Generation Credit rate: Quarterly energy rate * monthly kWh of excess customer-owned renewable generation o Quarterly energy rate = three-month average of ARP energy rate. FMPA will update the quarterly energy rate every April 1, July. 1, Oct. 1 and Jan. 1.
Customer Benefits & Challenges Benefits Challenges Reduces customer s power bill Federal tax credit incentives for building and installing new PV rooftop systems Enhancements in technology allow for easier installation and better performance Emissions-free renewable energy Alignment with federal energy policy on net- zero emissions Possible financing costs and interest Optional storage costs Possible financial costs from tree-trimming, brush clearing and cleaning Florida property insurance premiums may increase Adds cost to roof replacement labor Adds cost to maintain solar panels Solar is not reliable 24/7, so it may not meet all customer demand-loads UL-1741 requires inverters to shut down during utility outage to avoid lineworker injuries
Solar Company Solicitations Solar Companies that advertise door-to-door may not be providing FPUA customers with correct information. Pushing for FPUA customers to say Yes , without all the information. Financing options (affordability) Roof Replacement needed soon Energy Efficiency not yet done . Too much shade on rooftop
