Virtual Net Energy Metering overview
Virtual Net Energy Metering (NEMV)
There are various types of Virtual Net Energy Metering (NEMV) programs, including standard NEMV, NEMVMASH for the multifamily low-income solar program and NEMV for other renewable generators, aside from solar. This page is focused on standard NEMV.
NEMV allows a building with multiple meters that are individually metered to use renewable generation (e.g. solar panels) to receive bill credits to offset each benefiting account bill. The generation meter monitors the amount of total solar generation, while separate meters monitor each unit and common area's energy consumption. Units within the building and common areas are allocated a percentage of the solar-generated electricity as predetermined by the building owner or manager.
Qualifications
Criteria for NEMV includes:
- The maximum generator size is 1 megawatt (MW).
- All benefiting meters must be on the same service delivery point (SDP) as the renewable generating meter.
- The building must have service through PG&E.
- A customer can only have one generating account.
- The benefiting meter must not participate in another NEM (NEMA, NEMV, NEMVMASH, NEMMT, NEMFC) program or the RES-BCT program.
- The generator has no load other than the renewable generating system.
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 | |
|---|---|---|
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Electric Rule 21 application provides PG&E with important customer, contractor and system equipment information about the project. |
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Depending on the technology being interconnected, one of these forms must be attached to the Electric Rule 21 online application in order to process the Interconnection Request. |
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Single-Line Diagram |
Single-line diagram shows applicable equipment (generating units, step-up transformers, auxiliary transformers, switches/disconnects and required protection devices/circuit breakers). |
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Interconnection Proposal. Download a sample (PDF, 6.14 MB) Please review all four pages. |
Proposal tells PG&E exactly where a connection will be made in the existing service panel and where the metal socket will be installed. |
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Meter Socket Spec Sheet |
Spec sheet provides the technical details of the meter socket. |
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Form is used to provide the additional data fields required by California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). |
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Download Excel Spreadsheet NEMV Solar Allocation Form (PDF, 14 KB) (Supplement to appendix A of Form 79-1131) |
Document provides PG&E with the chosen solar percentage allocations for benefiting account meters. |
The customer is advised not to install the project until PG&E has reviewed the interconnection proposal and all other documents listed above. PG&E recommends waiting for notification of approval before moving forward with the installation.
The NEMV interconnection is governed by CPUC rules. The renewable generator must be approved in accordance with all applicable guidelines of Electric Rule 21 and the NEM tariff.
The timeline for approval of the interconnection application depends on the details of the system and the interconnection proposal. Once all documents have been received, a customer can expect approval or a request for more information within 10 business days.
Download generator interconnection process timeline (PDF, 154 KB).
Interconnection Requirements
The following items are required for PG&E to issue written permission to operate a generating facility. After receiving approval of interconnection paperwork and the project is installed, submit the following to NEMVGEN@pge.com:
| Item Requested | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|
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Signed-Off Building Permit |
Completed permit indicates that the finished project has been inspected and approved by the local building authority. |
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Meter Release/ Green Tag |
Tag indicates that the new meter socket installed has been approved by the local building department. |
Costs
The costs to apply to the NEMV program have to do with the type of meters being installed. For the generator account:
| Meter Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
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Self-Contained Meter Installation (600V) |
$788.33 |
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Transformer-Rated Meter Installation (600V) |
$1,712.89 |
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Primary Transformer-Rated Meter Installation (5 kV) |
$6,800.25 |
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Primary Transformer-Rated Meter Installation (15 kV) |
$7,410.16 |
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Primary Transformer-Rated Meter Installation (25 kV) |
$12,799.41 |
It is important to note that potential upgrades to PG&E's grid may be necessary, and a customer may be required to pay for the system upgrade, depending on the type of upgrade, in accordance with Electric Rule 21.