What is net metering?
“Net metering” is a term to describe the situation in which residences or commercial buildings with solar or wind systems produce more electricity than needed at certain times of day, and put that energy back onto the electric grid for use by other consumers. The electric utility measures the amount of energy taken from the grid and the amount contributed to the grid from renewable energy, with the “net” amount billed to the customer.

In the case of Berea’s Net Metering Program, where a net metering customer puts more clean electricity onto the grid than it takes from the grid, the utility doesn’t literally pay the customer; rather the bill reflects a credit amount that can be applied to the next billing cycle.

Net metering customers still pay monthly service fees to the utility, regardless of how much electricity is taken from or contributed to the grid.

The scope of the program is small: it would allow up to 25 households or businesses to have renewable energy systems that generate up to 10 or 25 kilowatts, respectively.

In addition to a house at the Berea College Ecovillage, two Berea families now have solar electricity systems that help clean the air and protect the health of Kentuckians. Since Fall 2006, many more residents have expressed interest in solar electricity. However, until the program is renewed, residential and business customers won’t be able to confidently invest in renewable energy systems. A solid net metering program is key to developing clean, safe energy in our city.