SCE&G Net Metering
| Program Type | Net Metering |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Photovoltaics, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric, Small Hydroelectric |
| Amount | Customer net excess generation (NEG) is credited to the customer's next bill at the utility's retail rate |
| Required Documentation |
Certification by Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or comparable entity endorsed by the South Carolina Energy Office |
| Official Web Site | http://www.sceg.com/en/small-business/net-metering |
In July of 2008 the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) put into effect a directive that all investor owned utilities offer a net-metering service to their renewable customers. This was a very vague directive that hasn’t really been completely hashed out.
Essentially, the net-metering program in South Carolina credits the renewable energy producer at the same rate the utility charges for service. The excess energy that is not used by the producer is then pushed back into the energy grid at the same rate. The excess is then tallied, and the kilowatt hours (kWh) that are contributed are reimbursed to the producer at the end of the year, which in the case of South Carolina is June 1st. Only grid-tied systems are applicable to the net-metering program.
There are two options to producers who wish to participate in the net-metering program. The first requires producers to switch to a time-of-use (TOU) tariff that can incorporate high demand charges into its fee structure. The second requires producers to pay an additional monthly fee to net-meter. Unfortunately, these two options are the result of the vagueness of the net-metering directive handed down by the South Carolina PSC.
