Net Metering/Interconnection

Net-metering allows a member to offset their electric usage through on-site generation of electricity through solar, wind, biomass, etc. In essence, net-metering allows a meter to spin forward when the member is a net user of energy or backwards when the member is a net generator of electricity. At the end of the month, a net-zero home would have spun the meter backwards as much as it was spun forward, essentially metering zero energy usage.  

In 2008, the State of Colorado ruled that electric utilities must accept a member’s generation (up to prescribed limits) through the use of net-metering. United Power has allowed net-metering for over a decade and in many cases exceeds the limits placed on it by the State of Colorado.  The benefit of net-metering is that any excess generation is immediately registered by the members meter and the member receives the full retail value of the generated electricity.

Details:

• Available to residential and commercial members within the United Power service territory.
• The system must be rated between .5 kW and 1,000 kW. For systems above 25 kW an additional Reserve Capacity charge will be applied to the member bill.
• Member must apply for and sign a United Power Interconnection Agreement.
• Proper local permits and inspections must be provided and documented to connect to the utility system.
• The members’ generation is intended to offset part or all of their electrical needs at that location.
• The meter is read during its normal billing cycle. If the member is a net producer during any month, the excess energy will be rolled forward and available to the member the following month.
• Every year in January, the cooperative reviews all net metered accounts.  If the member continues to have produced more than it has used, the member will receive a check for the excess energy based on the current wholesale energy only rate.
• The inverter and automatic disconnect must be UL 1741 approved.
• A manual AC disconnect must be installed to isolate the utility grid during times of emergency.
• United Power will inspect the member disconnect and change out the meter to an appropriate device before allowing the member to connect to the utility grid.

Learn more about United Power's Renewable Energy Incentives

Download the Interconnection Agreement (pdf).

For more information, please call 303-637-1347.