How Net Metering Works
Net metering is one way to measure and value the output of customer-owned generation. At Sellwood Power District, net energy metering is an arrangement between the cooperative and a customer.
The arrangement allows the customer to:
- Install renewable fuel generation at the customer’s premises
- Interconnect it with the cooperative’s distribution system
- Meet all, or part, of their electricity requirements by using renewable fuel generation on the customer’s premises
The meter:
- Logs kilowatt hours when the customer is a net user of electricity
- Credits kilowatt hours at the meter when the customer is a net generator of electricity, resulting in a month-ending meter reading that represents net use
If the member uses more energy over the course of the billing period than they have generated, they pay:
- Only for the net energy that they have received from the system
- Any fixed monthly charges provided by the rate schedule: Schedule NEM-10 (PDF)
Interested in Net Metering?
- Please contact us to let us know if you are considering net metering in your home or business, to ensure that all requirements are met for interconnection
- All net-metering inquiries and applications should be emailed to Sellwood Electric Cooperative
How to Get Started
Are you a member who is interested in net metering? Follow the steps below for the interconnection process:
Call us at (503) 771-5596 to provide preliminary information for net metering at your property.
When you’re ready, submit the Net Metering Interconnection Notification (NMIN) Form (PDF). This represents a member’s official request to the cooperative.
The second part of the process is to provide proof of liability insurance and to provide a current copy of your homeowners insurance declaration page.
Once an NMIN Form is received, an engineer will (within 30 days) review your:
- Equipment: to ensure that it is appropriately certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Location: to ensure there are no changes necessary with our distribution system
- System’s size: to ensure that the generating facility will not produce more energy than what was used in the previous year
We will let you know if your design is approved for interconnection and you’re approved to build your system.
Once installation is complete, resubmit the NMIN with Section 5 completed, along with the $50 net meter inspection fee.
We will set an appointment to conduct an on-site inspection for interconnection and net meter exchange.
You’re finished!
How Sunlight Becomes Solar Power
Sun to Solar Panel
When sunlight hits the solar panels, direct current is created
Solar Panel to Inverter
Direct current from the panels goes to an inverteer, converting it to alternating current
Inverter to House
Alternating current sent from the inverter to an electrical panel distributes electricity throughout the house
Meter to Grid
If you produce more power than you actually use, the excess power is fed back into the electric grid, and we credit your account