The net metering meter will record how much power (kWh) is sent back to PGE from your generation system as well as how much power PGE sold you. At the end of every billing period, we will take the kWh that your system sent back to PGE through our meter and subtract that amount of power from the amount that PGE sent into your site. (This is where the term "net metering" comes from - we net your generation back to us with the power we sold you, and only bill you for the net power.) If the net power flow calculation shows that PGE sold you more power than you sent PGE, we will use the net to calculate your bill (i.e., your bill is reduced by the kWh that you sent back to the grid).

Billing When you Have Excess Generation
If the net calculation shows that you sent us more power than we sent you, you will receive kWh credits that can be applied against energy charges in future months. If not used, your kWh credits will accumulate in your account. This process is designed to allow customers to generate seasonal renewable power, and still achieve a zero energy cost from PGE. For example, solar electric customers can generate credits during the sunny summer season, and use the credits during the cloudy winter season.

PGE will manage the process of carrying over and applying excess generation kWh credits month-to-month until the end of the billing cycle that ends in March of each year. At this time, per OPUC rules, any unused kWh credits will be transferred to low income assistance programs. If you think you may benefit by having your annual billing cycle end in a month other than March, please call us to see if we can make alternate arrangements.

Please note: PGE needs to have the Agreement for Net Metering and Interconnection Services from you before you turn on your generation system and before we can give you credit for net metering power sent back to the PGE grid.

Contact us
For more information, e-mail us or call 503-464-8000 and ask for the Net Metering Coordinator.