Net Metering And Virtual Net Metering Overview

Net metering requires electric distribution companies to credit power produced by renewable energy systems installed behind a customer meter. Net Metering allows customers with eligible renewable energy systems to receive bill credits for all power generated up to 125 percent of the on-site consumption during a billing period. To participate in net metering, a renewable energy system must be sited on the customer’s premises. Eligible customer-sited net metering systems must be sized to meet on-site loads, based on a three-year average of electricity consumption at the property.

Virtual Net Metering allows eligible customers to connect their electric load regardless of whether the renewable system is located on the customers properties. Eligible Virtual Net Metering customers include state agencies, quasi-state agencies, municipalities, public housing authorities, public schools, private schools, non-profits, federal government and hospitals. Virtual Net Metering projects are eligible up to 10 MW per project site. The state Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering law was enacted in 2011.

• If you live in the Pascoag Utility District, learn about your net metering policies.
• If you live on Block Island, learn about your net metering policies.

For further information about the programs, please visit Rhode Island Energy's RI Net-Metering page