Q: What is net metering?
A: Net metering is a program that allows members to take advantage of a grid-tied renewable generation system. With net metering, excess generation can be transferred to the grid, allowing the member to offset the cost of power from GCEA. GCEA adheres to the net metering program as defined by Colorado statutes.
Q: How does net metering work?
A: The key element is the meter. The meter records kWh (kilowatt-hours) delivered to the member and kWh received from the member. This is referred to as “net” energy, meaning the meter records the aggregate of both forward and reverse energy.
For example, if your solar panels generate 10 kWh during the day, and you bake a cake and run your washer/dryer that uses a total of 10 kWh, then your net consumption for the day would be zero. Using the same example, if you don’t bake the cake and your daily usage was only 5 kWh, then your net would be negative 5 kWh. In this case, 5 kWh was generated as a surplus and placed back on the grid. The 5 kWh in this example would be placed in your “bank” to use later.
Each day there is either a negative or positive kWh value that is based on the net consumption or generation – if you generate more than you use in a day, you will have a negative kWh value, and if you use more than you generate you will have a positive kWh value. At the end of each billing period, all of these values are added up, and your monthly bill will either show 0 kWh used and the banked kWh for that month if you generated more than you used during that period or will show a positive value of the net kWh consumed in excess of generation.
Q: What is a bank?
A: The bank is a way to account for the excess generation. Think of the grid as being a large battery that can be charged and discharged. Your renewable generation places excess generation back on the grid, like charging a battery. If you have solar, for example, in the evening when your system is not functioning, then you take energy from the grid to run your home and appliances. The bank allows you to accumulate the surplus kWh generated by your system on a day-to-day basis. You will see your accumulated bank on your monthly bill if your generation exceeds your usage.
Q: What are my options for my bank?
A: Members can choose an annual true-up where GCEA will pay for excess generation from a renewable energy system, or a perpetual rollover option where GCEA will carry forward your excess generation as an energy (kWh) credit from month to month perpetually until you move or terminate service, at which time no payment shall be made by GCEA for any remaining excess energy balance.
Q: What is a true-up?
A: Once a year, payment is made to the member for the generated kWh in their bank. The bank is then returned to zero. The true-up time is either in October or April. The choice of true-up in the spring or fall is made on the application is made for net metering during new construction or else when a member moves into a property with existing net metering. The value of the energy accumulated in the bank is paid at the wholesale rate GCEA pays its power provider at the time of the true-up.
A net metering goal is to have a “net-zero” energy usage, meaning that your generation system completely offsets your energy consumption. The true-up payment for the banked kWh is at a much lower rate than the cost of retail electricity.
Q: What is the perpetual rollover?
A: There is a one-time election that can be made to allow the generated kWh bank to carry forward, month to month, perpetually. This option avoids the annual true-up, allowing the member to continuously bank generated kWh. Note, energy in the kWh bank is forfeited if the member moves or transfers their service. The perpetual rollover option is a permanent election and once chosen cannot be changed.
Q: Why am I still receiving an electric bill when I have solar?
A: The service availability fee remains on your bill regardless of the energy you use or generate. This flat fee is designed so that all members pay their fair share of the cost of investment in poles, wires, transformers, and equipment it takes to provide you with electric service.
Q: Why does the cooperative need to know about my residential solar?
A: Safety is a primary goal of the cooperative. Additional protection must be noted for net metering members because unexpected generators could cause distribution system back-feed resulting in injury or death.
Q: Does GCEA offer any solar rebates?
A: No, GCEA does not offer rebates for solar. We do offer rebates for many other energy-efficiency products. Please see our website: https://gcea.coop/rebates for more information.
Q: Does GCEA offer any incentives for going solar?
A: The GCEA net metering rate is an excellent program designed for a member to take advantage of grid-tied renewable generation systems such as solar.