Net-metering is an electricity metering method you receive after installing a photovoltaic (PV) solar system. Your LPEA net meter measures the flow of electricity from the grid to your home and from your home to the grid. Net-metering works by allowing surplus power generated by your PV system to flow onto LPEA’s grid in exchange for credits. These credits are stored in your net meter and can offset any electricity you may need from the grid when your system is not producing power. Credit is applied at the retail rate, which means the energy you generate is valued at the same rate as the energy you consume. Excess credits are rolled over to the next month until April. If there are still credits in your account in April, LPEA will purchase that excess annual energy from you at its wholesale energy rate.
Notice of a change in the tariffs of La Plata Electric Association, Inc.:
*This in no way impacts existing net metered accounts. This will only apply to new, large, typically commercial systems being installed. Most residential systems are under 10 kW. The limits of 50 kW and 25 kW will likely have no impact on the majority of future residential installations.
LPEA is proposing certain revisions to its Net-Metering Policies, including limiting the capacity of new net-metering systems to 50 kW from November 1, 2023 to January 1, 2025, limiting the capacity of new metered systems after January 1, 2025 to 25 kW, creating a new Qualifying Facilities Tariff for the purchase of interconnected renewable generation at an avoided cost rate, creating a provision for Aggregated Net Metering, and establishing application fees.
The proposed version of the Net-Metering Tariff can be found here.
The proposed version of the Qualifying Facilities Tariff can be found here.
The present version of the Net-Metering Tariff can be found here.
Printed copies of all policies are also available for examination at each of our business offices:
45 Stewart St. Durango, CO, and 603 S 8th St. Pagosa Springs, CO.
Anyone who desires to submit comments about the changes shall file a written comment with the Cooperative at 45 Stewart Street, Durango, Colorado, 81303, or submit by email to memberservices@lpea.coop, on or before September 10, 2023, 10 days before LPEA's September board meeting. The changes ultimately authorized by the board may or may not be the same as those proposed and may include changes different than those tariffs proposed or currently in effect.
KEY FACTORS OF NET-METERING
• STANDARD RESIDENTIAL RATE - $0.1256/kWh with peak hours from 4-9 PM where $1.50 per peak kW is charged for your single highest peak usage for the month (a typical residence has a maximum load of 3 kW).
• BILLING – Solar can reduce or eliminate the energy charge on a bill through net metering if sized correctly. There will still be a base charge ($21.50/month), peak power charges ($1.50/peak kW), and taxes and fees levied by LPEA. You will continue to receive a monthly LPEA bill. The energy we deliver to you is worth the same amount as the energy you deliver to us.
• SYSTEM SIZING – For the best return on your investment, LPEA will look at your previous 12 months of energy consumption in order to appropriately size your system. The ideal size should offset 100% of your annual usage. Find your usage in your SmartHub account or sign a Billing Release Form to allow your installer to obtain the usage history. For new construction, allowed system sizing is based on your proposed heating/cooling technology combined with the home's square footage.
• QUALIFIED INSTALLERS – Local installers are always preferred because they are familiar with the region and LPEA's standards and protocols. See our list of LPEA-qualified installers and be weary of solar scams in the area.
• LOANS – LPEA partners with First Southwest Bank, which offers low-interest rate loans for electrical projects, including solar installation. Fill out an application through our On-Bill Financing Program (under Accounts & Billing). Your solar array size may not exceed 100% of your previous year’s consumption for this program.
• INCENTIVES – There are currently no rebates for solar programs. However, LPEA offers a multitude of rebates that can work in conjunction with reducing energy consumption, such as weatherization, energy efficiency audits, heat pump systems, and more. Find the complete list of rebates here.
SOLAR PRODUCTION KNOWLEDGE
• Using appliances and charging devices is most beneficial while the sun actively hits the panels.
• Energy made by solar panels is first used at the residence, with additional energy being delivered back onto the grid.
• Battery upgrades allow you to store the excess energy in your batteries, which can later be used to power your home when there is no solar power or in the event of a power outage.
• If your PV system produces more energy than you use in a month, the excess kilowatt-hours (kWh) are credited to your net-meter bank.
If you need more information on the process of getting set up for solar and net-metering, please view these further resources available:
Solar Requirements & Resources
Submit a Net Metering Application
Interconnection/Net Metering Application for Generators