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Net Metering F.A.Q.s
- What is net metering?
Net metering is a method of metering the energy supplied by Choptank
Electric and metering the excess energy produced at a residence or
place of business that has a generator driven by a renewable
resource.
- What is a renewable resource?
Under current Maryland law, solar (photovoltaic), wind or biomass
qualify as renewable power sources for generators that produce
electricity.
- What is biomass?
Biomass is a term for a non-hazardous, organic material that is
available on a renewable or recurring basis. Materials from a
lumber mill or vineyard and animal waste are qualifying materials
which can be put through a process to use as a fuel for electric
generation.
- Are all net meters the same?
Choptank tries to use the same type meter for each installation,
which is a bi-directional meter which measures and displays the
amount of electric flowing in either direction. Other utilities
handle the net metering issue in various ways, with a host of
metering options.
- What are the benefits of net metering?
The chief benefit belongs to the owner of the generation. They
will receive a credit for excess energy fed into the Choptank
infrastructure. This credit will help offset the cost of the
generator.
- How much is the credit?
The amount of the credit is directly related to the amount of
electricity fed to Choptank's system. The number of kilowatt
hours multiplied by the current generation, power cost adjustment
and transmission charges located on the right side of your bill
can be used to determine credit amount.
- What does a net meter cost?
By law, there is no additional cost to the member for needing,
requesting and installing a net meter.
- Will my bill be different?
No, the only difference would be a line item showing "Renewable
Credit" if excess energy was fed to Choptank's system during
that billing period. Net metering does not affect the other
billing components such as, but not limited to, demand
charges, consumer charges or power factor charges.
- When do I need to notify Choptank that I need a
bi-directional, net energy meter?
Choptank would like as much notice as possible to insure we have
the proper metering in stock so it can be in place as soon as
your generator is on line. Your installer should be able to give
you a time frame once you have made the decision to go forward
with the project. At this writing three weeks is sufficient.
- What do I need to provide to Choptank before the net meter
is installed?
An application form
( 97 KB)
indicating make, model and size of the generator must be completed
and filed. We would also like to make a site visit, because the
unit must have an automatic switch that disconnects the generator
from Choptank's grid if there is a power outage. This must be
in place to conform with Maryland law.
- Who do I need to contact at the co-op?
Call the Choptank Customer Service Center, 1-877-892-0001 and
tell the customer service representative you need a net meter
installation and they will transfer you to the appropriate co-op
staff person.
Other Energy Articles
Choptank Electric Cooperative, Inc., Route 404 & Route 328,
Denton, Maryland 21629 Toll Free: 877-892-0001

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