CA CPUC expands Virtual Net Metering program

CPUC expands Virtual Net Metering program

20.04.2012: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which regulates privately owned public utilities in the state of California, said it will expand its Virtual Net Metering (VNM) program to include all multi-tenant and multi-meter properties. Previously, the program was only open to low-income tenants living in affordable housing complexes. Under the program, renters and condominium owners will now be able to share electricity bill credits with other tenants as long as all of the accounts involved are served by a single service delivery point. VNM allows multi-tenant and multi-meter properties to install a single photovoltaic system to cover the electricity load of both common and tenant areas. Once installed, these communal PV systems export electricity directly to the grid instead of to tenant meters. The participating utility then allocates the kilowatt hours from the energy produced by the PV system to both the building owner’s and the tenants’ individual utility accounts, based on a pre-arranged allocation agreement. The three utilities participating in the program are Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E). The CPUC said it would soon release updated VNM tariffs. … Source: California Public Utilities Commission; Summary: PHOTON http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/NEWS_RELEASE/164442.htm http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/DistGen/vnm.htm The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/64077.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com