Just got a letter from edison stating that starting this year, net metering solar california residences have the option to be paid out for the excess energy they produce per year. I opted for yes.
1. To not opt into the program and just give any extra energy to edison which was the status quo prior to AB 920. 2. To opt into the program but to wait for you anniversary date and finish your 12 month tally of net metering for the option to kick in. 3. To opt into the program immediately and forgo waiting for your anniversary date. If you don't specify then number 2 is the automatic default.
Thanks - I'm install solar soon (hopefully), but my system won't be big enough to totally offset my electricity usage. Had AB 920 been signed when I originally designed the system I may have designed it larger. Oh well, there's always phase 2 where I expand the system.
Dated January 29, 2010 Our net metering option letter just arrived. I doubt there's any wiggle room, but I'm going to call the lady who runs the renewable energy program here locally. Maybe I can negotiate. I'd waive my right to 'STICK IT' to em via a $500 check for our surplus at the end of 2011 ... if THEY will let me onto the now closed TOU (time of use) metering program. Even if/when EV's come back into vogue, the difference in fee calculation of what we can generate during the day, versus what electricity we'd use after 6PM would be a win/win for both the utility as well as us. Will they go for it? I doubt it. .
Have they done away with TOU metering all together, or just for PV buy back grid tie systems? I think TOU metering is one of the smartest things ever for efficient use of grid power.
For So Cal Edison, Yes. From my post on buritos "Edison installed a TOU meter" post: SCE - Special Time-of-Use Rates The relevant part stating: "... SCE's Rate Schedule TOU-D-1 (and2) is closed to new customer enrollment as of October 1, 2009; however, existing customers can benefit if they avoid using most of their electricity weekdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., except holidays, and use between 400 and 600 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month ..." So it turns on the generosity of your utility provider. SCE? not generous ... and somewhat backward thinking.
It is just crazy not to sell a commodity that has different value depending on the time of use (TOU) at the same rate 24/7. From a practical point of view, in terms of using the grid efficiently, reducing idle spinning capacity, reducing emissions etc TOU metering serves all kind of useful functions. By better pricing demand in a way that follows supply, load shifting becomes an economic decision, and if it is less expensive to shift the load to an off peak time both parties benefit. It is another example of how taking a broad brush/out of the box (although TOU metering can hardly be considered very far out of the box!) thinking is what is required to begin to solve the issues facing us.
I have a question regarding "the wording" in my letter... "If you provide more energy to PG&E's electric system (PG&E grid) than you receive on a 12 month basis, you would be identified as a "net generator." As a result, you would have the ability to receive a once-per-year compensation for the excess electricity you supply to the PG&E grid." OK, I'm on Time of Use (TOU). The way this is written, it sounds like I could end up with a net credit (say $200) but if I don't generate MORE electricity than I use, then I don't get my money. My question is this, is the letter written this way because TOU is no longer available, thus this letter is covering people without TOU? That would make sense. I'm still qualified to participate in the program, and it doesn't look like I will have to "sacrifice" my TOU status to enter (thank you). Is this how you would interpret it? I'm going to sign up for the program too. We've generated about $200 - $300 for the last 2 years. While I'm leaving over $100 on the table by doing this, I'm moving my "true up" period from end of July to February, which means we might get a couple hundred dollar check just in time for the Xmas/January Visa bill.
Hello, Thank you for your information. I have 100% solar, with end of year credit (on page one of bill), but still pay SCE at the end of the year (see page three and four of bill). I have been asking about a TOU meter since 2006, and did not know the SCE program closed. I read AB 920, which is essentially incorporates some changes to current CPUC code. We are "Net surplus customer-generator" and it appears that and I am now required to purchase and install an additional meter(s). Do you know if I purchase and install my own TOU meter, will SCE still supply? Their expired TOU program requires you to pay for them to purchase and install their meter. I would rather get my own. I appreciate any advice. Thank you.
