Top Takeaways
1-to-1 Net Metering
Competitive Electric Provider are not required to provide net metering credits if you are separately billed
Maine’s Net Metering Policy
Maine Public Utilities Chapter 313 rules require Central Maine Power and Versant Power to offer 1-to-1 net metering credits for solar customers as long as you receive full-service (supply and distribution) from the utility.
Net metering is when the utility subtracts or "nets" production and consumption used in the same monthly billing cycle favorably at the same price per kWh (kilowatt-hour) they charge, called the retail rate. Excess credits rollover month to month until used for up to 12 months. After a 12 month rolling basis, any unused credits expire.
Maine's net metering program is called 'Net Energy Billing - Kilowatt-Hour Credit.'
Remaining Utility Bill
Even if solar provides 100% of your electricity needs, you will still have a utility bill to recover fixed customer charges that all consumers contribute to operate the grid ($24-$28 per month). In addition, you will have a separate Palmetto LightReach bill for the solar system production.
Competitive Electric Providers
Maine utility customers have the ability to choose who provides the supply portion of their electric service. Utility customers can receive supply from their distribution utility (Central Maine or Versant) or choose from dozens of Competitive Electricity Providers approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Maine utilities are not required to provide net metering credits for customers with a Competitive Electric Provider (CEP). The generation supply portion on your electric bill may not be credited if it is separately billed meaning you receiving two separate bills, one from Central Maine or Versant and one from your supplier.
Per Chapter 313, “If the Customer’s Competitive Electricity Provider provides the Customer with a separate bill for generation service, the Company shall not in any way be responsible for computing the charges or performing any netting for this separate generation service bill.”
If you have a Competitive Electricity provider and receive two separate bills, Palmetto LightReach recommends you break your supply contract and return to the local, distribution utility for full service.
Sample Net Metering Bill
In this sample NEM bill from Central Maine Power, you can see accumulation of 'Banked Generation' credits per month. The Generation not used in the home, and thus, exported to the grid is subtracted from grid Usage banking NEM credits.
