Arkansas Net Metering
| Program Type | Net Metering |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal Electrics and other renewables |
| Amount | Credited to system owner at retail rate toward future bills |
| Required Documentation | Interconnection agreement with the utility |
| Official Web Site | http://www.arkansasenergy.org/ |
Arkansas has offered net metering in the state since July 2002. However, under the state’s law, customers do not receive any actual cash for net metering a system. Rather excess generation is credited forward, at retail rate, toward future electricity bills. At the end of a 12 month period any overall excess generation is granted back the customer’s utility.
Residential renewable electric generation systems up to 25 kW are eligible to enroll in the program. Non-residential renewable energy systems up to 300 kW also are eligible to net meter their system. In addition to solar power, systems generating power from wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass and microturbines are eligible.
Only investor-owned utilities and cooperative utilities are covered under the net-metering law. Municipal utilities are not covered by the net-metering law.
To be eligible, customers must sign an interconnection agreement with their utility and must submit it to the utility at least 30 days before connecting the system.
Under the state’s interconnection standards, customers are responsible for costs associated with interconnecting the system to the utility. This includes, in some cases, a disconnect or shut off switch that disconnects the system from the grid if it goes down. If additional metering equipment is needed to net meter, the customer must also pay for that. Utilities also charge customer generators a net metering tariff.
While customers are not currently eligible to receive financial compensation for power generated by their system, they do own the renewable energy credits generated by their system and can sell them.
