Net Metering

Net Metering F.A.Q.s

1. What is net metering?
   Net metering is a method of metering the energy delivered 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. Read the Net Metering Rate Tariff.  ( 23 KB)



2. What is a renewable resource?
   Under current Maryland law, solar (photovoltaic), wind, combined heat and power (CHP), or biomass qualify as renewable power sources for generators that produce electricity



3. 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.



4. What is CHP (combined heat and power)?
   CHP is a process in which there is simultaneous or sequential production of useful thermal energy, such as to make hot water for a laundry, and electrical or mechanical power (to run that laundry.) The CHP cannot exceed 30 KW.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. 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.



7. 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.



8. What does a net meter cost?
   By law, there is no additional cost to the member for needing, requesting and installing a net meter.



9. Will my bill be different?
   No, the only difference would be a line item showing negative energy (kwh) use 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.



10. 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. Typically three weeks is sufficient.



11. What do I need to provide to Choptank before the net meter is installed?
    Based on the size of the system, Level 1, 2, 3, or 4, must be completed and filed. In most cases a Level 1 or 2 will be sufficient. A site visit may also be required, 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.



12. What level application do I complete?
    A Level 1 Application is used for systems under 10 KW capacity. Use the Level 2 Application for systems 10 to 2000 KW with lab certified interconnection interconnect equipment. Levels 3 and 4 are for larger more complex interconnect requests.
    
    Level One Interconnection Application ( 238 KB)
    
    Level Two through Level Four Interconnection Application ( 202 KB)



13. What is the certificate of completion?
    Notifies Choptank that the renewable generation source is ready to generate power to the grid. Also provides utility interconnect confirmation to the State for various tax rebates and renewable energy credits.



14. 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.

Net Metering Requirements

Choptank Electric Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 430, Denton MD 21629 Toll Free: 877-892-0001