Interconnection and Net Metering

Interconnection and net metering policies that promote customer-owned distributed energy resources can provide substantial social, financial, environmental, and electricity system benefits to customers, utilities, and society. Those benefits can include improved grid flexibility, reduced peak demand, reduced air pollution, reduced customer costs, and enhanced economic development. The State Energy and Environment Guide to Action: Interconnection and Net Metering report is an EPA resource to help states pursue their climate, clean energy, and equity goals. Abt provided research and technical support to EPA on this and other chapters in the Guide to Action series.

The interconnection and net metering chapter of the Guide offers:

• Insight on the changing regulatory landscape for calculating compensation for customer generation,
• Policy examples and considerations for streamlined interconnection and equitable billing, and
• A summary of action steps that states use to develop these policies.

This content can inform policy makers, government agencies, utilities, and community advocates as they design, update, and implement strategies that are aligned with state policy priorities. Examples of actions that states use to achieve the benefits of interconnection and net metering include gathering community and stakeholder input, designing interconnection requirements that differ with project size, and reviewing current best practices for customer compensation structures.

Abt Global supported these additional chapters of the EPA Guide to Action:

• Electricity Resource Planning and Procurement 
• Electric Utility Regulatory Frameworks and Financial Incentives 
• Energy Efficiency Programs and Resource Standards
• Customer Rates and Data Access 
• Maximizing Grid Investments