San Antonio City Public Service (CPS Energy) – Net Metering

Eligibility and Availability:

Net metering is a program offered by CPS Energy, making it available to customers within its service area. Unlike some programs, there are no aggregate capacity limits or maximum system size restrictions. This means that residential and commercial customers can participate in net metering regardless of the size of their renewable energy systems, providing flexibility and inclusivity.

Furthermore, CPS Energy has made net metering accessible without the imposition of commissioning fees or facilities charges for participating customers. This absence of additional fees contributes to reducing barriers for customers interested in adopting renewable energy systems.

As an additional incentive, CPS Energy extends a rebate program to both residential and commercial customers who choose to enroll in net metering. This rebate serves as a financial incentive, encouraging more customers to invest in renewable energy technologies and participate in the net metering program.

Net Excess Generation:

One of the key aspects of net metering is the handling of net excess generation. At the end of each billing period, when a customer’s renewable energy system generates more electricity than is consumed, CPS Energy compensates the customer-generator. This compensation is provided at the avoided cost rate, and the amount is credited to the customer’s monthly bill.

The avoided cost rate represents the cost that CPS Energy would have incurred to generate the same amount of electricity or purchase it from another source. By crediting the customer-generator at this rate, CPS Energy ensures a fair and equitable compensation mechanism for the surplus electricity contributed to the grid.

This credit system not only provides a financial benefit to customers but also fosters a symbiotic relationship between the utility and its customers. It encourages the generation of clean, renewable energy while allowing customers to offset their energy costs through the excess energy they contribute back to the grid.

In summary, CPS Energy’s net metering program is designed to be inclusive, with no capacity limits or additional charges. The availability of rebates further sweetens the deal for customers. The mechanism for compensating net excess generation at the avoided cost rate ensures a fair and transparent process, promoting the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable practices among CPS Energy customers.