NH Governor's Office of Energy & Community Services - Electric Industry Restructuring: Net Metering

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ELECTRIC INDUSTRY RESTRUCTURING

REDUCING ELECTRICITY COSTS AND EXPANDING CONSUMER CHOICE THROUGH NET METERING

On June 25, 1998, Governor Shaheen signed into law a net metering bill aimed at expanding renewable energy choice for New Hampshire families and businesses. At a State House ceremony, the Governor hailed the progress made with the passage of this new law, under which customers can get full credit for any power they choose to generate from small-scale renewable energy generation installed on their homes or businesses.

The net-metering bill directs utilities to credit homeowners and small businesses that generate a portion of their own electricity through wind turbines, solar (photovoltaic) electric systems or hydro power All utilities selling power in New Hampshire will be required to permit "net metering," whereby the customer pays only for the net electricity supplied by the utility each month. Net metering provides an incentive for home and business owners to install renewable energy systems that generate clean energy. A few utilities currently permit some form of net metering.

On January 12, 2001 the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission approved net metering and interconnection rules for homeowners and small businesses with grid-tied renewable energy systems under 25kw in size. The rules allow owners of eligible renewable energy systems to "net meter," or spin their electric meters backwards, when their systems are generating more electricity than the home or business is using at any given time.

Contact the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (603-271-2431) or you local utility for additional information.

Contact Information for Net Metering and Interconnection of Renewable Energy Systems in New Hampshire:

Public Service of New Hampshire: Supplemental Energy Sources 634-2311

Granite State Electric: Engineering Dept. 890-7009

Unitil (Concord Electric, Exeter Hampton Electric Co.) Protection and Control Group: 773-6456

New Hampshire Electric Cooperative: Engineering 536-8834

Connecticut Valley Electric Company: Transportation and Distribution Planning 802-747-5409

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