Introduction to Net Metering
Ontario’s net metering program lets you send electricity you generate from renewable sources into the electrical grid for a credit towards your energy costs.
Bluewater Power will subtract the value of electricity you supply to the grid from the value of what you take from the grid. What you will see on your bill is the net difference.
If you supply more power than what you take from the grid over the billing period, then you will receive a credit on your bill.
Put simply, the more electricity you produce, the more you save.
How Will My Bill be Calculated?
Bluewater Power will continue to read your meter in the same manner. Your bill will reflect the difference between the amount of the electricity you sent into the grid and the amount of the electricity you took from the grid.
All of the regulated charges apply only to your net consumption. If that portion of your bill is zero or is a credit, your bill will include only the Bluewater Power fixed monthly customer charge. Any credit balance can be carried forward for up to one year to offset future costs. Any unused credit is lost after one year.
How Do I Get Started?
Net metering is a multi-step process. Here is what you need to do next:
- Find out more about the process: Contact us and we will provide you with our understanding of the technical requirements, the approval process, and how to obtain your net-metering agreement. You should also contact the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), as the ESA must inspect and approve your system to ensure it is properly connected to the electrical grid.
- Investigate your renewable energy options: Renewable energy associations, consultants and vendors can provide information. A qualified supplier will be able to determine the most suitable option for you. A solar system may be the best renewable energy option for urban customers since wind or water systems require adequate space and may not be allowable under zoning bylaws. However, wind and water energy are options in rural locations. If you live on a farm you may be able to use an agricultural biomass energy system.
- Determine what size of system will suit your needs: Size your system according to your individual energy requirements using your previous bills as a starting point. Since your credits can only be carried forward 12 months, there is no value in over-sizing your system. Also keep in mind that the maximum production allowable is 500 kW.
How Do I Apply?
To apply, simply fill in the Bluewater Power Net Metering Application Form and either mail, email (emailus@bluewaterpower.com) or fax to us at 519-337-2401.
Technical Information
Certain technical and metering requirements must be met for net metering generation facilities. If you use a switching device you may need to provide the technical specifications.
Technical Requirements—Generators Below 10 kW
Generator Protective Relay settings must be set as per the tables in the Bluewater Power Net Metering Connection Agreement.
Your facility must comply with the requirements in the Technical Requirements for Generators Connecting to Bluewater Power’s Distribution System as outlined in the Ontario Energy Board Distribution System Code Appendix F.
Technical Requirements—Generators Above 10 kW
Generator Protective Relay settings must be set as per the tables in the Bluewater Power Net Metering Connection Agreement.
Your facility must comply with the requirements in the Technical Requirements for Generators Connecting to Bluewater Power’s Distribution System document as outlined in the Ontario Energy Board Distribution System Code Appendix F.
Bluewater Power may need to perform a Connection Impact Assessment at your expense.
Metering Requirements for generators less than or equal to 10 kW
In order to bill you on a net metering basis and comply with Measurement Canada requirements it is necessary to replace your meter.
Bluewater Power will install an appropriate meter* that will register separately the amount of electricity consumed from and the amount supplied to the Bluewater Power system. There is no charge for this* and there will be no change in how we read your meter. Credit for electricity generated between meter reads will be incorporated into your actual meter-read bill—not on an estimated bill.
Metering Requirements for generators above 10 kW
In order to bill you on a net metering basis and comply with Measurement Canada requirements, it is necessary to replace your meter.
Bluewater Power will install an appropriate interval meter that will register separately the amount of electricity consumed from and the amount supplied to the Bluewater Power system at your expense. This meter will be read remotely; you must provide a means of communication, as determined by Bluewater Power, up to the meter interface.
Click here to download the Net Metering Connection Agreement.
- Requirements and charges may differ for demand billed customers.