grid tie utility metering requirements [RE-wrenches]

[Todd Cory, Bald Mtn. Solar]

Hi David,

This will be a public reply to what we have already spoken about over the
telephone today. In the Northern California service area of PacifiCorp, Pacific
Power & Light (PP&L) requires grid tied RE systems have a special digital meter
that totalizes power flowing each way. They also require that the customer picks
up the fee for this meter which is $500.00.

Not only is the information the meter provides totally erroneous (as the sell
power is not the actual system production, but rather system production minus
house loads), but it is in direct violation of the California net metering law.
The law clearly states that if the existing equipment is capable of bi-directional
measurement, then the utility cannot require any special metering... and if they
do then they must pay for it.

I contacted the California Energy Commission about this last week and Monday got a
reply that they had notified PP&L and also faxed them a copy of the California net
metering law. The PP&L representative said he would get back to the CEC after
reviewing the documents.

It is time to get on with removing these blockades and obstructions to grid tied
systems, so we can focus our energy into putting in systems. If anything, the
utilities should offer to buy RE at a premium price rather than obstructing it's
interface with "their" grid.

Rant off...

Todd



David Blittersdorf wrote:

> Has anyone else run into this problem with PacifiCorp?  I am dealing with the
> higher ups at PacifiCorp as they are involved in large wind energy projects. I
> am the incoming American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) President and
> we want to make sure the utilities are not erecting market barriers to net
> metering where there should not be any.
>
> Any specifics on your experiences would be helpful. Todd, could you
> elaborate on the details of the $500. meter.


- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com

==^================================================================
EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9
Or send an email To: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

T O P I C A  -- Learn More. Surf Less.
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose.
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01
==^================================================================