Nebraska Net Metering
| Program Type | Net Metering |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Photovoltaics, Wind, Geothermal Electric, other specified renewable energy sources |
| Amount | Varies by utility company, but usually $0.001 per kW/h |
| Required Documentation | Agreement with your utility provider |
| Official Web Site | http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/laws/browse-chapters.php?chapter=70 |
While the payoffs may not be great, Nebraska does have a net metering program that will hopefully serve as a springboard toward the proliferation of renewable energy. Any renewable energy system rated at 25 kW or less can qualify, and energy is generally purchased by the utilities companies at the wholesale price of $0.001 per kW/h. However, a cap is set at 1% of the average monthly peak energy demand for a given utility company, so any energy produced from renewable sources after that point will not be paid back.
If you have a solar energy system in place, you get to retain the renewable energy credits that it generates, and credits are carried over onto next month’s energy bill. Unlike some states that only require utilities companies to reimburse customers in the form of credits, Nebraska’s program makes utilities companies offer payouts at the end of the year for any excess credits remaining. This program is certainly a start, but let your legislators know that more favorable payout rates and a higher energy production cap would help solar energy gain even more popularity.
