What is Net Metering?
Net metering allows CEC customers with renewable energy 
systems to feed excess generated electricity back into the grid. The intent of a net metering arrangement is to allow the member to meet all, or part, of their electric energy requirements by using renewable fuel generation on the member’s premises.
Many solar customers produce more power than they would typically use during the daylight hours; therefore, net metering provides an outlet for them to export this excess power to their utility to offset their future electric bills.
How it works:
Once an interconnection passes inspection by Community Electric a net meter will be installed. CEC will measure the electricity produced (generated) as well as the energy used (delivered) at the home. Energy that isn't immediately used can then be applied to offset future electric bills. In Virginia specifically, members tend to produce more energy in the Spring and Fall, and less energy in the Winter and Summer.
Regulations:
In Virginia, the State Corporation Commission has regulations for governing net-energy metering in place. Click here for a full list of these regulations.
Getting Started:
For more information about Net Metering and to get started, please email netmetering@comelec.coop.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQs
Small Generator Interconnection
The process to interconnect a small generating facility (SGF) to Community Electric Cooperative’s electrical system is regulated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The process is defined by 20VAC5-314. Further guidance can be found by referring to Schedule SGI.
20VAC5-314 outlines three separate processes to interconnect and each is dependent on the generating capacity of the proposed small generating facility.
- Level 1 Interconnection Process is available to any interconnection applicant proposing to interconnect a SGF no larger than 500 kW to the Cooperative’s system. The application for a Level 1 interconnection is available here.
- Level 2 Interconnection Process is available to any interconnection applicant proposing to interconnect to the Cooperative’s system a SGF no larger than 2 MW and not qualifying for the Level 1 process. The application for a Level 2 interconnection is available here.
- Level 3 Interconnection Process is available to any interconnection applicant proposing to interconnect to the Cooperative’s system a SGF no larger than 20 MW and not qualifying for the Level 1 process or Level 2 process. The application for a Level 3 interconnection is available here.
For more information concerning small generator interconnects or to submit an application, please contact Scott Smith, Manager of Engineering at (757) 242-6181 or scott.smith@comelec.coop.
System Net Energy Metering Capacity
as of January 1, 2023
|
Base System Peak (MW) |
78.9 |
|
Less any CSP or MBR Service (MW) |
0 |
|
Total System Peak Available for NEM |
78.9 |
|
|
|
|
Total Residential Cap (2%, MW) |
1.57 |
|
Total Nonresidential Cap (1%, MW) |
0.78 |
|
Total Nonprofit & Nonjurisdictional Cap (2%, MW) |
1.57 |
|
Total Residential Capacity Installed (MW) |
0.669 |
|
Total Nonresidential Capacity Installed (MW) |
0.053 |
|
Total Nonprofit & Nonjurisdictional Capacity Installed (MW) |
0.0 |
|
Total Residential Capacity Available (MW) |
0.871 |
|
Total Nonresidential Capacity Available (MW) |
0.727 |
|
Total Nonprofit & Nonjurisdictional Capacity Available (MW) |
1.578 |