Implementing Net Metering

Transcription

1 AMEREN ILLINOIS UTILITIES Implementing Net Metering June 26, Brian Cuffle Key Account Executive

2 THE AMEREN ILLINOIS UTILITIES > 1.2 million electric customers > 45,000 miles of electric distribution lines Many rural areas where individual wind generators present minimal aesthetic conflicts. 2

3 Net Metering > How Does Net Metering Work? > What are the Requirements for its Installation and Operation? > Actual Experience 3

4 Net Metering > B. Cuffle Role/Background in Net Metering Process AIU s Single Point of Contact for Net Metering and Distributed Generation Inquiries Coordinate/Distribute Applications, Provide Process Information to Field and Customer Management Personnel Account Executive Working with Retail Electric Suppliers 4

5 Net Metering How Does it Work? > How Does Net Metering Work? Dual Channel Meter Digital equipment, no dials to spin backward Simultaneously tracks generation and usage Gross meter data sent to billing system where netting occurs 5

6 Net Metering How Does it Work? (cont d.) > Customers Apply via Ameren.com or by calling an Ameren Call Center All Inquiries Routed to Single Point of Contact Has back-up covering for absences Depending on Inquiry, Follow Up Phone Call or Made, Application Form Sent, etc. 6

7 Net Metering How Does it Work? (cont d.) 7

8 Net Metering How Does it Work? (cont d.) 8

9 Net Metering How Does it Work? (cont d.) 9

10 Net Metering How Does it Work? (cont d.) 10

11 Net Metering How Does it Work? (cont d.) > Simple Process Application Made Application Reviewed/Approved Standard Interconnection Process Initiated (if not already interconnected) Meter Order Issued Meter Installed, Billing Under Net Metering Begins 11

12 Net Metering Requirements > Established by Law Appropriate Fuel Source for Generator Appropriate Interconnection Access to Read Meter (see Lessons Learned) 12

13 Net Metering Lessons Learned > From 4/1/08 to 6/18/08: 65 applications 28 solar, 28 wind, 9 solar/wind combo Most have existing generation, already interconnected Those w/out generation were provided with information on the Distributed Generation Interconnection process. Additional interest beyond these applications, but some customers are waiting to see if new grant monies become available 13

14 Net Metering Lessons Learned (cont d.) > Qualifying Facility (QF) Customers need to carefully compare economics of net metering before switching Depending on rate structure, amount of usage and generator output, may be better off under QF Virtually all generators >40 kw appear to have better project economics under QF 14

15 Net Metering Lessons Learned (cont d.) > Requirement that RES s provide net metering service for their customers needs to be better understood The AIU have received three applications from RES customers The AIU offers a walk-through of the net metering process to all RES s when they receive their first net metering application Best for the RES, best for their customers, best for the AIU 15

16 Net Metering Lessons Learned (cont d.) > AIU needs to make minor revisions on our application Add Anniversary Date selection boxes List Application Fee > Handful of customers preventing access to meters Locked meter areas without providing keys to local AIU staff > Learned that we can t conduct a Commissioning Test on a windmill on a calm day 16

17 Net Metering Lessons Learned (cont d.) > Human Nature evident in early stages of net metering availability Many applicants unsure, want to make sure that all theoretical possibilities are covered AIU field and billing staffs spending extra time to get their first Net Metering requests processed correctly 17

18 Questions? For More Information: Please visit go to Illinois Choice 18