Net Energy Metering Multiple Tariff overview
Net Energy Metering Multiple Tariff (NEMMT)
Qualifications
Net Energy Metering Multiple Tariff (NEM2-MT) is a Net Energy Metering (NEM) program for customers who operate a NEM-eligible generator in conjunction with a non-export or NEM fuel cell generator. The program allows a customer to interconnect these technologies with PG&E's electric grid at one service point, using one account, and still qualify for the special rate options that would be available if each technology were interconnected and billed separately. Criteria for NEM2-MT includes:
- The maximum generator size for NEM portion must be sized to the customer’s recent annual load.
- There is no maximum size for the non-NEM portion.
- The account must be on a time-of-use rate (TOU) schedule.
- A customer's generating technologies may include any combination of generators, as long as at least one is a generator that qualifies for one of the NEM2 programs.
- Customer does not sell the power generated using PG&E's or California Independent System Operator's (CAISO) equipment.
NEM-Paired Storage (NEM-PS)
Per the Special Condition section titled "NEM Paired Storage" of the NEM Successor Tariff (NEM 2)(PDF, 2.7 MB), storage devices paired with a NEM-eligible technology (e.g. solar) are distinct from NEM2-MT projects. Applicants who are eligible for NEM-PS will be notified after submitting an interconnection request. For more information about NEM-PS, review NEM Paired Storage (PDF, 309 KB).
How to apply
Prior to interconnecting generation projects to PG&E's distribution system, an interconnection application must be submitted, including some or all of the following documents:
| Item Requested | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|
|
PG&E Interconnection Portal provides PG&E with important customer, contractor and system equipment information about the project. |
||
|
Single-Line Diagram |
Single-line diagram shows applicable equipment (generating units, step-up transformers, auxiliary transformers, switches/disconnects and required protection devices/circuit breakers). |
|
|
Form is required if a third party is to handle application process. This gives the third party (usually the contractor) temporary authorization to act on the customer's behalf and receive confidential customer information. The authorization is required for the third party to receive a copy of the customer's permission to operate. |
||
|
Variance Request |
The customer or customer's contractor can request a variance from PG&E if the project is unable to meet the requirements described in the Distribution Interconnection Handbook and Greenbook. |
|
|
Customer-Owned Telemetry or PG&E Installed Telemetry |
Project’s with a net generation capacity of 1MW or greater require telemetry per section J.5 of the Rule 21 tariff. PG&E is now offering interconnection customers the option of using their own telemetry solution using one of PG&E’s approved device or aggregator vendors. More information can be found in our intro/FAQ document on the Distribution Interconnection Handbook page. |
The customer must apply using the PG&E Interconnection Portal and should 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.
For more information, download the generator interconnection process timeline (PDF, 154 KB).
Attention: PG&E may not be able to interconnect a generator if it is located in certain areas of San Francisco or Oakland. Please read our notice about Secondary Networks (PDF, 144 KB).
Interconnection requirements
The following items are required in order for PG&E to issue written permission to operate a generating facility:
| Item Requested | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|
|
Form is a legal contract between PG&E and the customer outlining each party's responsibilities. PG&E will prepare the agreement for the customer's signature upon completion of the engineering review process. |
||
|
Signed-Off Building Permit |
Completed permit indicates that the finished project has been inspected and approved by the local building authority. |
Costs and other considerations
Study costs will be required for NEMMT projects with a non-export component. For the non-export component, the following interconnection study fees will apply:
|
$800 |
Interconnection Request Fee |
|
$2,500 |
Supplemental Review Fee (if project fails Initial Review) |
|
$10,000 |
Detailed Study Refundable Deposit (if project fails Supplemental Review or applies directly to Detailed Study) for generating facility 5MW or less |
|
$50,000 plus $1,000 per MW of electrical output |
Detailed Study Refundable Deposit (if project fails Supplemental Review or applies directly to Detailed Study) for generating facility greater than 5MW |
Standby charges (PDF, 224 KB) will apply to non-export interconnections, except for solar photovoltaic (PV) generating systems under 1MW.
Departing load will apply to non-export generating facilities that are:
- Not NEM eligible
- Over 1MW in size
Upgrades
It is important to note that potential upgrades to PG&E's grid may be required, and a customer may be required to pay for the system upgrade, depending on the type of upgrade, in accordance with Electric Rule 21.
Metering
The NEM2-MT metering requirements are such that two different technologies need to be metered separately to ensure the integrity of NEM credits.
These metering requirements can be met in a few ways, the most popular being Option iii in the NEM2 rate schedule (PDF, 244 KB), called the Interval Meter Option. In this option, the customer has Net Generation Output Metering (NGOM) installed on participating NEM-eligible generators based on the technology type.
Please see the following references for more detail on metering requirements:
- NEM2 rate schedule (PDF, 244 KB) Special Condition 4.g, for the NEM2-MT metering options
- Electric Rule 21 (PDF, 7.5 MB) Section J.3, for overview of NGOMs in generation projects
- Greenbook Sections 5,7,9 for specific metering technical requirements
- Simple and Complex Interconnection Requirements & Examples (PDF, 312 KB) Reference Document In Compliance with CPUC Decision 19-03-013 Ordering Paragraph 4
All NGOMs are required to be PG&E owned. Third-party data is not allowed for this billing-related measurement. General guidance on metering from the Greenbook and Electric Rule 21 requires that customers are responsible for cost of metering, and costs may vary with size and complexity of the generating facility.