Net Metering

August 14, 2024

Summary

In October 2009, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) approved net metering regulations. These rules were finalized and approved by the lieutenant governor in January 2010 and became effective January 15, 2010. All electric utilities subject to economic regulation are required to offer net metering. Independent systems with retail sales of less than 5,000,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) are exempt from offering net metering. Utilities that generate 100% of electricity from certain approved renewable energy sources and other sources approved by the RCA that have a low environmental impact are also exempt.

With these regulations, renewable energy systems with a capacity up to 25 kilowatts (kW) are eligible for net metering. Overall enrollment is limited to 1.5% of a utility's retail sales from the previous year. Utilities may require additional metering equipment, but the utilities are responsible for all costs associated with installing and maintaining this additional equipment.

Net excess generation is reconciled monthly, with the utility crediting the customer-generator's account for the excess kWh generation multiplied by the "non-firm power rate." These dollar amount credits do not expire and can be applied to subsequent monthly bills. Utilities cannot charge customer-generators additional standby, capacity, interconnection, or other charges unless approved by the RCA.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Regulatory Policy
State:	Alaska
Incentive Type:	Net Metering
Web Site:
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Geothermal Electric Solar Thermal Electric Solar Photovoltaics Wind (All) Biomass Hydroelectric Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Gas Tidal Wave Ocean Thermal Wind (Small) Hydroelectric (Small) Anaerobic Digestion
Applicable Utilities:	Utilities with annual retail sales of 5,000,000 kWh or more
System Capacity Limit:	25 kW
Aggregate Capacity Limit:	1.5% of average retail demand
Net Excess Generation:	Credited to customer's next bill at non-firm power rate; carries over indefinitely
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits:	Not addressed
Meter Aggregation:	Not addressed

Authorities

Name:	Regulatory Commission of Alaska Order R-09-001(3)
Effective Date:	01/15/2010

Name:	Regulatory Commission of Alaska Order R-09-001(3), Appendix A
Effective Date:	01/15/2010

Name:	3 AAC 50.900 et seq.
Effective Date:	06/16/2010

Contact

Name:	Regulatory Commission of Alaska
Address:	701 West Eighth Ave., Suite 300 Anchorage AK 99501
Phone:	(907) 276-6222

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.