Niagara On The Lake Hydro Inc.
NOTLs Community-Owned Electric Utility
There may be many questions that you’re asking yourself about Net Metering. The Net Metering option is still fairly new to Ontario and further changes are expected to happen with a potential option for Virtual Net Metering.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding Net Metering below. It will be updated on occasion.
Net metering is an arrangement that allows you to feed generation from renewable energy resources that you do not use onto the NOTL Hydro grid in return for a credit that can be applied against future energy consumption.
Most renewable generation only provides electricity at certain times of the day. If you do not have a net metering contract then you will have to purchase electricity at all the other times. You will also not be allowed to feed any excess generation onto the NOTL Hydro grid. A net metering contract effectively allows you to use the excess generation at these other times. The net metering contract is like your own electricity storage device.
Yes. The NOTL Hydro grid can only handle so much renewable generation. There are engineering constraints that limit the amount of renewable generation due to impacts on voltages and electricity quality. Talk to NOTL Hydro to ensure your home or business is not in a constrained area. NOTL Hydro is working on ways to increase the amount of allowable renewable generation.
Most of the costs are upfront and include the cost of purchasing and installing the renewable generation, connecting the generation to your home or business and having the bi-directional meter installed. Ongoing maintenance costs should be relatively small. There are upfront charges that will come from NOTL Hydro including the costs for assessments and installing a new meter. Contact NOTL Hydro for a current estimate.
No. NOTL Hydro will never make a cash payment and will only provide credits. If you have a credit balance for twelve months it will all expire and start over again the following month.
No. There are monthly fixed charges that you will always have to pay. This is to pay for the use of the NOTL Hydro grid. For larger business customers there are also some charges that are not offset by net metering. However, all customers will be able to offset the cost of the electricity commodity with net metering. Contact NOTL Hydro for more details.