from Scott in Milwaukee, WI:
#445
With respect to "net metering" how do Wisconsin utilities approach cogeneration and CHP technologies?
That’s a little complicated!
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) issued an order on January 26, 1982, requiring all regulated utilities to file tariffs allowing net metering to customers that generate electricity with systems up to 20 kilowatts (kW) of capacity. The order applies to investor-owned utilities and municipal utilities, but not to electric cooperatives. All distributed-generation (DG) systems, including renewables and combined heat and power (CHP), are eligible. There is no limit on total enrollment.
The PSC has not adopted administrative rules for net metering. Utilities' net-metering tariffs contain some variations. Customer net excess generation (NEG) is generally credited at the utility's retail rate for renewables, and at the utility's avoided-cost rate for non-renewables. NEG credit is carried over to the customer's next bill. If NEG credit exceeds $25, then the utility must issue a check for the amount, payable to the customer.
Published Tuesday, November 10, 2009