Top Takeaways
First Energy utilities changed to a solar export credit on January 1, 2025
AEP utilities currently provide 1-to-1 net metering credits
Net Metering in West Virginia
Net metering, or ‘NEM,’ allows solar customers to send excess solar generation not used in your home into the electric grid in exchange for a credit on your electric bill. Net metering programs can vary in design. First Energy changed to an export credit on January 1, 2025.
First Energy (MonPower & Potomac Edison)
First Energy utilities changed their net metering policy to an export credit for new solar customers applying in 2025. For all measured input electricity from the utility, FirstEnergy customers will be billed the retail rate per kilowatt-hour. The retail rate is the same price per kilowatt-hour ($/kWh) the utility charges you today. For all output solar generation not consumed in the home, the exports to the grid will be credited 9.343 cents per kWh.
AEP (Appalachian Power & Wheeling Power)
AEP utilities proposed in November 2024 to change to a similar output credit. This is under review by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia. Currently, AEP offers 1-to-1 net metering credits netting, or subtracting, the difference between production and consumption. This provides credits valued at the same price per kWh the utility charges you.
Minimum Monthly Bill
Under both policies, you will always have a monthly electric bill to cover base customer charges ($7-$13) and taxes regardless of how much your solar system produces.
Grandfathering in First Energy
First Energy customers who submitted a solar interconnection application before January 1, 2025 are grandfathered on the former 1-to-1 net metering credits for 25 years. Customers may add battery storage without losing grandfathering status, however, they may not add more than 1 kW or 10% of PV, whichever is greater.
Output Credits in First Energy
The Net Energy Metering Rider in the utility’s Electric Tariff contains the current Metered Output rates. The credit values may change, but not by more than 10% year to year. The credit rate of 9.3 cents per kWh will remain through December 31, 2026. The WV Public Service Commission must approve any changes.
Net Energy Metering Rider - Output Policy
Net Energy Metering Rider - Output Policy
How does First Energy’s Input/Output work?
Solar production will first power loads in the home avoiding the need to purchase electricity at the utility’s retail rate (all per kWh based charges)
Input: Electricity consumed from the grid will continue to be charged the utility’s retail rate
Output: Excess solar production exported to the grid is credited at the current Output rate (9.3 cents)
Battery energy storage, if installed with your solar system, will first store excess solar production for use later in the home avoiding purchases from the utility at the retail rate
How does AEP’s Net Metering currently work?
Excess solar production sent to the grid will net, or subtract, from consumption. You will be charged for the difference. Any excess kWh credits rollover month to month until you need them. You will always have a monthly electric bill to cover base customer charges ($13/month) and taxes regardless of how much your solar system produces.