Net Metering

Net metering is a special metering and billing agreement between CVEC and our members that enables the connection of small, renewable energy-generating systems to the power grid.

Overview:

Net metering is a special metering and billing agreement between CVEC and our members that enables the connection of small, renewable energy-generating systems to the power grid. Net metering programs help promote small-scale renewable energy systems, ensure that customers have a reliable source of energy from CVEC during times when their renewable generators are not running, and benefit electric power-generating system, the economy, and the environment.

When a net metering member's renewable generator is producing more power than is being consumed, the electric meter runs backward, which in turn generates credits. Conversely, the meter runs forward as normal when a net metering customer uses more power than is being produced. Net metering members are charged only for the "net" power consumed from CVEC over a designated period.

Net metering systems help to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels, to increase the range of our current energy sources, and to minimize the environmental impact of electricity generation and consumption. It has been shown that operators of net metering systems tend to be very aware of their energy consumption, so they usually use less energy than the average member of electricity.

CVEC Guidelines:

Any installation of power generating systems at homes, farms and businesses serviced by CVEC must follow certain guidelines. This includes small emergency generators, standby power systems, net energy metering, and any other interconnected systems designed to export energy to the power distribution system.

It is the intent of CVEC to allow members to install generation equipment, provided the member's equipment does not adversely affect the safety or operation of the Cooperative's power distribution system and meets the following criteria:

         A. Interconnected systems are rated less than 20 MW of total generation capacity

         B. Not intended for wholesale transactions

         C. Not anticipated to affect the transmission system

You can download our guidelines for installations here. It is not a complete description or listing of all rules and regulations pertaining to generation systems. The member requesting to install a generator is responsible for and must also follow the rules and regulations of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) and local authorities as well as the Cooperative's Terms and Conditions and applicable service rules.

Your cooperative stands ready to work with you to guide you through the application process and to ensure that your generation equipment is installed in a proper and safe manner.

We can help you determine the appropriate procedures to follow for your specific generator installation and provide you with the application form and other documentation that you will need for a successful project. CVEC does not keep a list of recommended installers. This checklist might help you with your choice.

See our summary of documentation, fees and insurance for net metering & generator installations. Download and complete the necessary forms dependent on whether or not your generator will be interconnected to the CVEC distribution system.

If interconnected (operating parallel):

  • select the forms on the first tab if the generator will be subject to net energy metering
  • select the forms on the second tab if the generator output will be dedicated solely to power production

Below is a summary of documentation, fees, and insurance for generator installations. Download and complete the necessary forms dependent on whether or not your generator will be interconnected to the CVEC distribution system. If you are interested in installing a residential or small commercial generator system, choose Net Energy Metering.

 

Net Energy Metering

Governing Rules

Sizes:

For individual standard residential net metering applications, the maximum generator size is 20 kW. The individual maximum allowable generator size for those on nonresidential tariffs is one megawatt (1000 kW).

The state of Virginia allows CVEC members to install net metering capacity based on CVEC’s peak annual load and the threshold differs between residential, non-residential, or non-jurisdictional customer classes. See below for the available NEM Capacity Available: As of January 10, 2024:

NEM Program Availability

  NEM-10 Program Cap (KW) Current NEM Installations (KW) Remaining NEM-10 Program Capacity
Residential 11,425 5,897 5,528
Commercial 5,712 671 5,041
Nonprofit & Nonjurisdictinal 5,712 1,997 3,716


Click here to view to the CAP Calculator.

For more information, email Andrew Cotter at: Acotter@mycvec.com
 

Residential | ≤ 10 KW:

  • Application Fee: $0
  • Inspection Fee: $50
  • Required Application Form: Form NMIN
  • Contract: None
  • Insurance: $100,000

Residential | >10 KW to ≤ 20 KW:

  • Application Fee: $0
  • Inspection Fee: $50
  • Required Application Form: Form NMIN
  • Contract: None
  • Insurance: $300,000

Commercial | ≤ 10 KW:

  • Application Fee: $0
  • Inspection Fee: $50
  • Required Application Form: Form NMIN
  • Contract: None
  • Insurance: $100,000

Commercial | > 10 KW to ≤ 1,000 KW:

  • Application Fee: $0
  • Inspection Fee: $50
  • Required Application Form: Form NMIN
  • Contract: None
  • Insurance: $300,000

Renewable Energy Certificates
Recycle Certificate

Members who own a generator that utilizes a renewable fuel source own the green aspect of that energy and any Renewable Energy Certificates (REC’s) that might be available to them. The REC’s may be sold by the member to an independent third party or the member may sell them to CVEC under the terms and conditions outlined in the DVP – Rider R renewable energy program.

If you are one of the members who would like to purchase “green energy” but want to avoid the costly investment of a solar or wind system, CVEC has an alternative for you. CVEC offers renewable energy certificates (REC’s) sourced from CVEC’s Martin Solar Center and/or Palmer Solar Center.

How does it work? Electrons, like water molecules, flow where they will once they are placed on the electric grid. People who want to purchase green energy through the market must rely on a certificate system, where the output of a green energy generator (like wind, solar, bio-mass, wave motion, geo-thermal, etc.) is measured and converted to a tradable certificate.

These certificates can be purchased by anyone who wants to add the renewable energy component to their regular electricity. In this instance, CVEC keeps the energy that was generated but sells the green aspect of that energy in the form of a certificate, which is then tracked and retired.

How do you sign up?: Read about “Rider R” and then download the registration form. CVEC will begin billing you for the Renewable Energy Rate which is your present energy rate plus an additional 1.5¢ per kilowatt-hour. So, if you use 1000 kWh per month, that would add an additional $15 to your electric bill. Have questions? E-mail us at ms@mycvec.com or call 800-367-2832, Option 0.

Interconnections other than Net Metering

Governing Rules

Sizes:

≤ 10 KW:

> 10 KW to ≤ 500 KW:

500 KW to 2 MW:

2 MW to 20 MW: