New changes are going into effect for NV Energy’s net metering customers, mostly those with solar electric systems on their homes. I’ve received several calls about a letter that NV Energy sent out last week that outlines changes to the way certain fees will be assessed. The changes are a result of the passage of Nevada Assembly Bill 428.
For those who are not familiar with net metering, it is simply a way to account for locally-produced electrical energy, by a solar array on the roof of one’s home for example, by crediting the homeowner for the energy they send to the grid.
What’s Net Metering?
Many states have net-metering laws in place and they can differ substantially. In Nevada, it is fairly straightforward. Our power bills are based on units of electrical energy called a kilowatt-hour or KWH. Every KWH that a net-metered system sends out to NV Energy’s grid results in an equivalent credit that can be used to offset energy that the customer draws from the grid (at night for example). A properly-sized system can eliminate all charges for electricity.
All NV Energy customers, including those with net-metering, pay a basic service charge. Additional tariffs include fees for programs and services that are levied as a percentage of energy used, thus net-metering customers with a zero net balance paid only the service charge plus 5% tax.
Starting in May, those same additional tariffs will be levied on the amount of energy delivered to the homes of net-metering customers, regardless of the amount of energy the customer provides back to the utility.
Paying Solar’s Fair Share
The intent is for net-metering customers to pay their fair share of these fees. I think paying one’s fair share is a great principle that should be applied in every case. The additional charges should only amount to a few dollars per month. But if fairness is important, there are other issues to consider.
First is the fact that most net-metered customers have chosen to make an investment in our future. Those clean-energy systems benefit the grid by reducing demand during peak usage at a time when electricity costs can soar much higher, a fact that is not reflected in Nevada’s net-metering system. A fair system would account for the true value of the energy at the time it is being sent to the grid, otherwise it is an unfair burden on the net-metering customer and a subsidy to the power company and other ratepayers.
Rooftop solar systems reduce air pollution and do not disturb essential natural landscapes, while electricity from conventional sources places a growing burden on us and our environment. The societal benefits of clean energy are not reflected in our current net-metering system. Dirty energy (including coal, natural gas and nuclear) continues to spew toxins into our precious atmosphere, treating it as a sewer, with little or no cost to those responsible for it. Another hidden subsidy. Is that fair to those who have invested their hard-earned money into clean-energy systems in an effort to be part of a much-needed solution?
Unintended Consequences
And in an ironic twist, this change creates a perverse incentive for net-metering customers to use more of their solar energy at the time it is being produced, since washing clothes or charging an electric vehicle at night will now cost more. This may be an unintended consequence that will increase peak demand, one of the things the utility has been working to reduce. Whether the additional revenue is worth the increase in daytime usage remains to be seen, but it is a factor.
Modern energy systems are complex. The best solution I’ve come up with is simple: Pay the Truth. If the truth is that net-metering customers must pay more to meet their “fair share,” then so be it. Catastrophic climate change and ocean acidification cannot be denied. They are just some of the results of our addiction to fossil fuels. I think it is long overdue that we pay the truth for that as well. This is not a time to be selective. What’s fair is fair. Don’t you agree?
I read your column and at first it seems your are against net metering customers having to pay additional fees of assembly bill 428, but at the end it seems you favor net metering customers of paying this extra fee. Which is it? Maybe I misunderstood. I feel that net metering customers are contributing to the great benefit of NV Energy and putting money into their pocket and supporting their demands for greater needs. They paid several thousands of dollars out of their own pocket to help NV Energy supply power which all other customers have not done nor contribute power. They only take power. Net metering costumers should be exempt from these spurious charges and get something back. Thank you.
Hi Kent. Thanks for commenting. I believe in everyone paying their fair share, not just for program fees or use of the grid, but for the damage that fossil fuels wreak upon our shared environment. My point was that most people are not paying for the not-so-hidden and very real costs of their energy use. I don’t think anyone should be exempt from what I call Paying the Truth.
I’m not asking for a pass on program fees, but in return, I am suggesting that others stop getting a pass on the ridiculously low cost of dirty energy. It has been subsidized at the expense of life on Earth for far too long.
paying the truth, indeed.
thanks for yet another viable solution and opportunity to learn, steve.
Thanks Cherie!
I read your article and can’t disagree more with your paying the truth concept. I feel my investing $45000 to install solar, more then compensates NV Energy and all the other power companies that insist on still using cheap fossil fuels. I and other solar people are doing our fair share. When are the fossil fuel user going to start paying theirs?
Ken, thanks for your comments. I think we are on the same page. Paying the truth means that fossil fuels should be far more expensive than they currently are. I agree that solar homeowners are doing MORE than their fair share. It is all the rest that are getting a (mostly) free ride.
I have no problem with solar homeowners paying a few dollars more a month in fees, but only if those who are using dirty energy pay a lot more to compensate for the damage they are doing to our world. Paying the truth applies to everyone. That was the point I was trying to make. Perhaps you still disagree but at least I’ve clarified my position a bit!
I apologize if the article was not clear. I write in my spare time and do not consider myself a professional.