Net metering is a program offered by NSPI to encourage renewable generation within our service area. It allows customers to offset part or their power bill by running their own generating unit in parallel with our system. Customers taking advantage of this program are called customer-generators.
Net metering provides incentive to customers who want to develop their own renewable generation. Net metering is a low-cost, easily administered method of encouraging customer investment in renewable energy technologies. It increases the value of the electricity produced by renewable generation and allows customers to "bank" their energy and use it a different time than it is produced, giving customers more flexibility and allowing them to maximize the value of their production.
Net metering customers will pay their monthly base charge as usual. Business customers will also pay their demand charges as usual. If the customer-generator uses more energy then they generate, they will be billed for the difference at their regular rate. If the customer generator generates more then they use, the surplus kilowatt-hours will be banked or carried over to the next bill. Surplus kilowatt-hours can only be carried over for 12 months.
Given the differences in the size, operation and efficiency of various renewable energy technologies, it is the responsibility of the customer to estimate his/her own savings. Typically, renewable energy systems require relatively high levels of financial investment to purchase and install the equipment. The productivity of the intermittent renewable energy sources will vary considerably by location and type. NSPI assumes no responsibility for the financial viability of any customer-owned technology.
No. NSPI does not design, engineer or install the generating systems for its customers. There are a variety of businesses that provide these services. You should consult with an electrical contractor or engineering consultant.
Yes, as long as both the generating unit and the net metering account(s) are located on the same parcel of land. Any additional costs associated with such an arrangement will be the responsibility of the customer.
Net metering will normally be accomplished using a single meter capable of registering the flow of electricity in two directions (bi-directional). This meter is approved by Measurement Canada and NSPI’s internal standards. If the eligible customer-generator’s existing meter is not capable of measuring the flow of electricity in two directions, (in most cases utility meters are not bi-directional) the customer is responsible for incremental costs to install a bi-directional meter. The incremental cost for the meter varies depending on the application (residential vs. commercial)
Yes, for safety reasons and compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code Regulations, generation connections require the installation of an isolation switch located between the meter and the customer’s equipment. The installation of an isolation switch allows utility repair crews to work safely on our distribution system. The technical details can be found in the net metering interconnection guidelines and in the net metering interconnection agreement.
If you want to operate your system during an NSPI power outage, the generating system must have special transfer and isolating capabilities installed. During an outage, your generating facility must be disconnected from our distribution system to protect our crews as they work on the grid to restore power. The generating facility may be reconnected to our distribution system only after it has been restored and stabilized. Details outlining these requirements can be found in the net metering interconnection guidelines and in the net metering interconnection agreement.
For customers billed under the time-of-day rate, NSPI will measure self-generation sold to and purchased from NSPI by the same time-of-day periods used for billing purposes. Customers will be billed for their surpluses and consumption by each time-of-day period without transfer of surplus energy from one time-of-day period another (from one rate to another).
Yes. All customers are eligible, but there is a limit to the total net-metered generating capacity that can be subscribed. The service is available on a first-come, first-serve basis to a total subscribed capacity of 11,000 kWs, For example, if each generator under this program were to have a capacity of 20 kWs there would be a cap of 550 participants thus equaling the total 11,000 kW capacity.
- Your payment and credit records must be in good standing with NSPI.
- The qualifying renewable-energy generator meets NSPI’s requirements.
- The installation must comply with NSPI technical requirements, the Canadian Electrical Code regulations, and be acceptable to NSPI’s Electrical Inspection Department. Technical requirements for interconnection are described in NSPI’s net metering interconnection guidelines. You must sign the net metering interconnection agreement.
Generating units that use renewable energy sources and have a production capacity of 100kWs or less. Eligible renewable energy sources include wind, solar, fuel cells, geothermal, biomass, tidal or others as approved by NSPI.
The service is ordinarily applicable to single-account customers. Multi-account customers will have net metering service available only to those service accounts, which are located on the same parcel of land as the generator and are owned by the same customer.
There are no application fees. However, customers will be responsible for all costs incurred by NSPI to deliver the net metering service that are beyond the standard connection costs to regular customers. Examples of cost may include line extensions, metering changes, upgrading existing lines, additional poles, etc.
Customers thinking about installing renewable generating units of no more than 100 kW in capacity can apply by completing the net metering application form and net metering interconnection agreement with NSPI. Completed applications can be mailed to: Nova Scotia Power, PO Box 910, Halifax NS. B3J 2W5, Attention: Erika Smeltzer.
Net metering application form
To find out more about net metering, contact us at nspower.ca.