NET METERING

Columbia REA’s Net Energy Metering Interconnection Agreement provides for consumers/members who own (generally small, no larger than 100kW) renewable energy facilities (such as wind or solar power). "Net", in this context, is used in the sense of meaning "what remains after deductions" — in this case, the deduction of any energy outflows from metered energy inflows. Under net metering, a system owner receives retail credit for either all or at least a portion of the electricity they generate. Net metering involves monthly rollover of kWh credits, require monthly payment of deficits and the monthly facilities charge (i.e. normal electric bill)  Annual settlement of any residual credit during the previous 12 months shall be granted to Columbia REA, without any compensation to the member. Net Metering is a consumer-based renewable energy incentive.

Columbia REA shall have the sole authority to determine which Interconnection requirements are applicable to member’s proposed generating facility.

NET METERING — each electric utility shall make available upon request net metering service to any electric consumer that the electric utility serves. The term ‘net metering service’ means service to an electric consumer under which electric energy generated by that electric consumer from an eligible on-site generating facility and delivered to the local distribution facilities may be used to offset electric energy provided by the electric utility to the electric consumer during the applicable billing period.

View the Net Metering Policy and Application (complete appendix A online) and contact Member Services at Columbia REA if you are interested in discussing your own Net Energy Interconnection Agreement at (509) 526-4041 or (800) 642-1231. 

For the Columbia REA Net Metering Policy and Application, click here.

So that Columbia REA can understand your on-site generating facility, which connects and feeds electricity to our distribution system, we request in the above agreement, drawings specific to your site. Below are examples, of industry standards which communicate graphically the specifics of your system.

To review Net Meter Drawing samples, click here.

WASHINGTON'S RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM INCENTIVE PROGRAM

• Are you a Columbia REA member and interested in applying for incentives? Washington State University (WSU) Energy Program may be accepting the following types of applications:
  • New Incentive Application for Residential-scale or Commercial-scale renewable energy systems
  • New Precertification Application for Shared Commercial Solar or Community Solar Project

To submit your application to the WSU Energy Program, click here.

Program Home page: http://www.energy.wsu.edu/RenewableEnergySystemIncentiveProgram.aspx

ANNUAL REPORTING

• Are you a Columbia REA member, have solar panels or other renewal energy production systems, and have been previously approved to take advantage of the Washington State Renewable Energy System Incentive Program (WSU administered)?
  
  An annual report is required to get your WA incentive, and this report is due annually in July. The 2020 Renewable Energy reporting period has closed.  The 2021 form should be available here early in 2021. 
  
  Please contact Charlie DeSalvo for more information at 509-526-4041, or cdesalvo@columbiarea.coop.