Net Metering
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CEC members who generate their own electricity using solar, wind, fuel cells, or hydroelectric power may interconnect with CEC’s electric grid by entering into a Net Metering Agreement with CEC. Net Metering means that the member-generator will only be billed for the difference in what the member uses and what they generate during a billing month. The agreement is a formal contract that spells out the responsibilities of member-generator and CEC when members wish to send electricity back onto CEC’s grid.
Note: Some alternative energy sources may qualify for a State of Oregon incentive through the Oregon Department of Energy, or the federal tax credit, before installing the system.
No matter what energy source you choose for your electricity, conservation is the most cost effective resource available to us and most people should look for ways to reduce their energy usage before pursuing their own generation.
What is Net Metering?
CEC members who generate their own electricity using solar, wind, fuel cells, or hydroelectric power may interconnect with CEC’s electric grid by entering into a Net Metering Agreement with CEC. Net Metering means that the Customer-generator will only be billed for the difference in what the customer uses and what they generate during a billing month.
Can I sell power back to CEC if I generate more than I use in a month?
Yes. If you generate excess electricity in a billing month, that energy is credited to your account at the average system cost for wholesale power over the applicable valuation period, which is what CEC would pay to purchase energy on the open market. The current rate is $0.0421 per kWh, and was updated November 1, 2023.
Can I bank my extra energy?
Central Electric does not “bank” kilowatt hours to be used at a later date. The cooperative also does not do “aggregated metering” (tying in multiple meters to one system).
Why do I still have to pay a facilities charge?
The facilities charge will continue to be paid by each member connected to Central Electric’s distribution lines or grid. This cost is attached to each meter and helps cover the cost of infrastructure like lines and poles. It is not based on the amount of energy a member may or may not use.
Where do I start?
Here are the steps to begin:
- Contact a few vendors to provide you system quotes. These vendors will match your system size with the usage in your home.
- Select a vendor.
- Obtain CEC pre-approval. Your vendor will provide you the system details, site plan, and one-line diagram you will need to fill out a CEC Net Metering Agreement. Every system must be reviewed and pre-approved by CEC before work begins.
– Small Net-Metering Agreement (for qualifying Net-Metering Facilities with a maximum nameplate generating capacity of not more than twenty-five (25) kW)
– Large Net-Metering Agreement (for qualifying Non-Residential Net-Metering Facilities with a maximum nameplate generating capacity greater than twenty five (25) kW and not more than 1 MW.) - CEC will review the application and if pre-approved we will send a confirmation email to both the member and contractor. If the house electrical service needs to be upgraded a CEC engineer will be in contact. In the case of a service upgrade the new service will need to be in-process before a net metering pre-approval can be given from CEC.
- Once the system is complete the final county inspection report will be emailed to billing@cec.coop.
- Please allow three weeks for a new bi-directional net meter to be installed on the system. Be sure to keep your system turned off. CEC will turn the system on once the new meter is installed.
For further details call Central Electric at 541-548-2144.
