OEC does not closely monitor state and federal DG tax policy. However, the Database of State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency (DSIRE) contains a wealth of information:www.dsireusa.org(link is external).
Net metering allows an electric meter to turn – or, if digital, count – backwards when an on-site generator produces more energy than is being used. For example, if a DG system produces 1,000 kWh and a residence uses 1,800 kWh in a given month, the meter will only show 800 kWh used. Therefore, the bill will be for only 800 kWh. If the DG system produced the full usage of 1800 kWh, OEC will bill only the service availability charge. In short, Net Metering means OEC essentially buys back power at the retail rate as long as the DG system doesn’t produce more power than is used during the billing period.
Should your DG system generate more electricity than you use during the month, the energy will be credited at the Cooperative’s avoided energy cost. The Cooperative’s avoided energy cost shall be the Cooperative’s Power Supplier’s avoided cost as determined by the Cooperative’s Power Supplier. The avoided cost shall be calculated periodically, as provided by the Cooperative’s Power Supplier. The current avoided cost can be found here.
All equipment for DG systems that are Net-Metered are on the member’s side of the meter; therefore, OEC is not directly involved with the installation. OEC does require:
OEC requires the DG system to comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of any federal, county, state and/or local authority, including, but not limited to: the most recent IEEE Standard 1547 Guide for Distributed Generation Interconnection and applicable ANSI Standards, including ANSI C84.1 Range A, relating to installation, safety, easements, code restrictions, operation and other matters.
OEC/WFEC DG Procedures and Guidelines Manual – a procedures and guidelines manual developed by WFEC, OEC’s power supplier, and adopted by OEC.
American Wind Energy Association – the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry
SolarBuzz – for the latest news, research findings and industry trends
Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative – investigates and promotes wind energy in Oklahoma
U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Database of State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency (DSIRE) – a comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the U.S.