The essentials
- The Arizona Net Metering Rule allows customers to receive credit for excess electricity they generate from renewable energy installations at their home or business.
- Both electricity purchased from the utility and electricity generated by the customer is measured with a bi-directional meter installed at the house of the customer.
- Any net excess electricity generated in one month is carried over as a kilowatt-hour credit onto the customer’s next bill.
- At the end of the calendar year, customers receive a check or a billing credit from the utility for any unused kilowatt-hour credits.
- Utilities must annually file with the Arizona Corporation Commission proposed tariffs; such tariffs set standard rates for the annual purchase of credits. The tariff is then added to each utility customer’s electricity bills.
- Update December 2013:
On November 14, 2013, the ACC voted to implement a $0.70/kW fee for customers with rooftop solar installations who participate in their net metering program. The fee equals roughly $5/month for a typical residential installation. The ACC agreed to review the net metering policy in more depth during the next APS rate case.