SaskPower plans to launchitsupdated Net Metering Program for customers who want to generate their own power and connectto the powergrid, effective Nov. 1.
When unprecedented demand caused the previous versionof the program to hit its 16-megawatt (MW) cap two years earlier than expected, SaskPower paused the program to doa review and revise itto ensure long-term financial sustainability.
“SaskPower has developed aNet Meteringprogram that will provideself-generation opportunities and support local industry for years to come,” said the Honourable Dustin Duncan, Minister Responsible for SaskPower. “While large, utility-scaleprojectsareby farthe most economical way to add renewable energy to the grid, Net Metering will remain another tool in the toolbox as SaskPower works to meet its target of reducing greenhouse gases 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
”Changes from the previous program includenolimit on program capacity, no program end date, and no specified contract length. With the relaunch of the Net Metering program, there will no longer be a Government of Saskatchewan rebate on capital equipment and installationsacross the province.
“We know there is growing demand for solar self-generationin Saskatchewan,” said Mike Marsh, SaskPower President & CEO.“Theupdated program providescertainty and clarity for ourcustomers who want to net meter while reducing the financial impacts on customers who do not have solar panels.”
The Net Metering Program allows customers to generate up to 100 kilowatts of power to decrease their monthly power bills and get credit for the excess power they generate. Under the updated program, customers will still be able to offset their energy use at their retail rate while their systems are generating. Any excess energy sent to the grid will be creditedat 7.5 cents/kWh against thecustomer’senergy charge. The price reflectsSaskPower’s average cost of energy for 2020 and 2021.
Customers participating in the previous Net Metering program will be grandfathered under their current contract as long as there are no changes to their projects. At the end of the contract, thesecustomers will become part of the new program
