Maine Net Energy Billing
| Program Type | Net Metering |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Photovoltaics, Solar Hot Water Heating, Solar Thermal Electric, other renewable energy sources |
| Amount | Credited to customer at retail rate |
| Required Documentation | Interconnection agreement with utility |
| Official Web Site | http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/electricity/index.shtml |
All electric utilities in Maine are required to offer their customers net metering. While investor-owned utilities are required to offer net metering for systems up to 660 kW in size, municipal utilities and electric cooperatives are only required to net meter systems up to 100 kW in size, though they may choose to net meter systems up to 660 kW.
Customers may net meter systems that generate electricity with PV, solar thermal, geothermal, tidal power and other forms of renewables. There is no cap on how much a utility must net meter. But Maine’s Public Utilities Commission requires notification if a utility’s net-metered capacity reaches more than 1 percent of its total generating capacity.
Net excess generation produced by a customer in a month period is credited at the customer’s retail rate for up to 12 months. At the end of the 12-month period, any overall excess generation is credited to the utility with no compensation for the customer. The utility may choose to, at its own expense, install separate meters to measure both energy consumed and net excess generation.
Customers must sign a interconnection agreement with their utility. For systems under 10 kW in size, the application fee for the agreement is $50 plus $1 per kW. The state does not explain whether or not the customer must pay for a bi-directional meter or not.
