Note: No new Permissions to Operate (PTO) will be issued to NEM FC projects after December 31, 2023, or after 281 MW of Fuel Cells reach PTO under NEM FC, whichever occurs first. As of September 1, 2023, there are 169.89 MW of fuel cells with PTO under NEM FC, and 59.61 MW of fuel cells under NEM FC in the interconnection process (i.e., pending PTO).
Qualifications
The Net Energy Metering for Fuel Cells (NEMFC) rate schedule is an optional rate schedule for a customer who installs a fuel cell generator to supply some or all of the customer's own energy needs. Criteria for NEMFC includes:
- The maximum generator size is 5 megawatt (MW).
- The fuel cell must operate in parallel with PG&E's grid.
- The account must be on a time-of-use rate (TOU) schedule.
- The fuel cell technology selected must be one that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) determines will achieve reductions in greenhouse gases.
The customer should apply using the PG&E Interconnection Portal and submit a single-line diagram as soon as possible, even before the system is built. This will allow PG&E's engineers to review the proposed system and, if necessary, request modifications, which may alter the total cost and interconnection timeline of a project.
Download Generator Interconnection Process Timeline (PDF)
Attention: PG&E may not be able to interconnect a generator if it is located in certain areas of San Francisco or Oakland. For more information, download Secondary Networks (PDF)
The customer can choose to aggregate the load of the fuel cell customer's generator accounts where the fuel cell customer generator is the customer of record and the following requirements are met:
- The accounts are on an applicable time-of-use (TOU) rate schedule.
- The accounts are located on the property where the eligible fuel cell electrical generation facility is located or on property adjacent or contiguous to that property, as long as those properties are solely owned, leased or rented by the eligible fuel cell customer-generator.
- All the accounts are served by the same electric commodity service provider.
Cogeneration Gas Rate (G-EG):
- Applies to all cogeneration facilities that meet the efficiency requirements specified in California Public Utilities Code Section 216.6
- Provides a reduced rate for natural gas transportation charges for qualifying facilities