Wisconsin Public Service Corporation - Solar Buyback Tariff

Summary

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) offers a special energy purchase rate to its customers that generate electricity using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The special rate, $0.25/kilowatt-hour (kWh), is available to all WPSC customers on a first-come, first-served basis for systems from 1 - 20 kilowatts (kW) installed from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010. The program has an overall enrollment cap of 300 kW. It is important to note that this is not a net metering arrangement. Instead, the customer continues to pay their normal retail rate for electricity that they purchase from the utility. All of the energy generated by the customer's PV system is metered separately and exported directly to the grid. The $0.25/kWh incentive is applied to all of the energy the system produces for a period of up to 10 years, under a written contract with the utility. The customer receives payment as a monthly credit on their electricity bill. The utility will issue a check to the customer whenever their balance exceeds $100. This arrangement requires a second generation meter which will be installed by the utility at the customer's expense ($300.00 for 2009). Participants are charged a fee of $2.00/month for the additional meter. Systems and components are required to comply with all applicable national, state, and local electric codes, rules, and regulations, including the State of Wisconsin's Standard Interconnection Rules. WPSC takes title to all renewable energy credits (RECs) or other environmental attributes produced by systems enrolled in the program. Customers must also agree to respond to utility surveys and information requests that relate to the installation, maintenance, operation, and experiences associated with participating systems. Requests this nature will be issued no more than once per year. Prospective participants can visit the program website or use the contact information below for more information on this program.