Alaska - Net Metering (Alaska)
From Open Energy Information
Last modified on February 2, 2010.
Rules Regulations Policies Incentive Program
| Place | Alaska |
|---|---|
| Name | Alaska - Net Metering |
| Incentive Type | Net Metering |
| Eligible Technologies | Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric, Geothermal Electric, Municipal Solid Waste, Anaerobic Digestion, Small Hydroelectric, Tidal Energy, Wave Energy, Ocean Thermal |
| Active Incentive | Yes |
| Date added to DSIRE | 2009-10-22 |
| Last Updated at DSIRE | 2010-01-22 |
| Energy Category | Renewable Energy Incentive Programs |
| Aggregate Capacity Limit | 1.5% of average retail demand |
| Applicable Utilities | Utilities with annual retail sales of 5,000,000 kWh or more |
| Meter Aggregation | Not addressed |
| Net Excess Generation | Reconciled monthly |
| REC Ownership | Not addressed |
| System Capacity Limit | 25 kW |
| References | DSIRE[1] |
Incentive Authority
| Authority 1 | Regulatory Commission of Alaska Order R-09-001(3) |
|---|---|
| Authority Link | http://rca.alaska.gov/RCAWeb/ViewFile.aspx?id=b58bfde7-9276-480c-b347-240f3e88cdea |
| Date Effective | 1/15/2010 |
| Authority 2 | Regulatory Commission of Alaska Order R-09-001(3), Appendix A |
|---|---|
| Authority Link | http://rca.alaska.gov/RCAWeb/ViewFile.aspx?id=e9dd2dcf-76f6-4c9f-9ed7-b6f71ef1e424 |
| Date Effective | 1/15/2010 |
NOTE: Interconnection rules have not yet been passed. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska has docket R-09-002 open to investigate interconnection rulemaking.
In October 2009, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) approved net metering regulations. These rules were finalized and approved by the lieutenant governor in January 2010 and became effective January 15, 2010. All electric utilities subject to economic regulation are required to offer net metering. Independent systems with retail sales of less than 5,000,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) are exempt from offering net metering. Utilities that generate 100% of electricity from certain approved renewable energy sources and other sources approved by the RCA that have a low environmental impact are also exempt.
With these regulations, renewable energy systems with a capacity up to 25 kilowatts (kW) are eligible for net metering. Overall enrollment is limited to 1.5% of a utility's retail sales from the previous year. Utilities may require additional metering equipment, but the utilities are responsible for all costs associated with installing and maintaining this additional equipment. Net excess generation is reconciled monthly, with the utility crediting the customer-generator's account for the excess kWh generation multiplied by the "non-firm power rate." These dollar amount credits do not expire and can be applied to subsequent monthly bills. Utilities cannot charge customer-generators additional standby, capacity, interconnection, or other charges unless approved by the RCA.