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Net-Metering Takes Effect Across Colorado
July 2, 2006
Colorado's new net-metering rules take effect
beginning July 2 for the state's investor owned utilities ─ Aquila
and Xcel Energy. Net metering allows interconnection of a small
solar or renewable power generator at a home or business using a
single electric meter. If the solar system generates more
electricity when the sun is shining than can be consumed on
premises, the electricity goes into the power grid through the
electric meter. The meter actually runs backward for that period. At
the end of the month, the customer pays the utility for the net
bill: total consumption minus generation of the solar system. Thus
the name ─ net metering.
The rules came about as a result of Amendment 37,
which was passed by Colorado voters in November 2004. Since then, a
group of renewable energy advocates including the Colorado Renewable
Energy Society (CRES) has negotiated with the utilities, primarily
Xcel Energy, over the details of the rules. The Colorado Public
Utilities Commission (PUC) adopted preliminary versions of the
state's interconnection and net-metering rules in December 2005, and
incorporated minor revisions in early 2006.
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council says that the
new Colorado rules rival those of New Jersey for the status of "best
in the United States."
For consumers who are not located in the service
territories of Xcel and Aquila, the following municipal electric
systems and rural electric cooperatives have net metering policies
in place:
- Delta Montrose Electric Association, Montrose
- Empire Electric Association, Cortez
- Fort Collins Utilities
- Gunnison County Electric
- Holy Cross Energy, Glenwood Springs
- La Plata Electric Association, Durango
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