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Net Metering
Net metering refers to the offsetting of a customer’s electricity consumption against that same customer’s production of electricity. This applies to customers interested in generating their own environmentally responsible electricity.
An additional 10% (now to a maximum of $35,000) incentive for residents who wish to participate in the Net Metering Program. Contact the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) for more information on this program.
Web: src.sk.ca/ec
Phone: (306) 933-5400
How net metering works
With a net metering system, electricity is measured through either a certified bi-directional meter or through two meters. In both cases, the meters must be installed by SaskPower.
At the end of a billing period, if a net metering customer generates more power than he or she uses, that excess electricity is fed back to SaskPower’s electricity system, which is then “banked” for a defined period of time and used to offset that customer’s future electricity use.
Generating your own power - eligible technologies
Only environmentally responsible electricity sources are eligible for the net metering program. These technologies include wind, low impact hydro, biomass, flare gas, solar and heat recovery systems.
Getting started
There are many things to consider when deciding whether net metering is right for you.
Initial start-up costs will vary depending on the type of generation you choose. The provincial government has made funding available through the Net Metering Program to help off-set start-up and operating costs for net metering customers.
Be sure to check with your city, town, or municipality by-laws as well. Each area of the province has different standards for equipment installation on your property.
If you are interested in becoming a net metering customer, check out the interconnection requirements to ensure your project meets the required interconnection standards – to ensure your safety and the safety and reliability of the province’s electrical system.
For your information, Natural Resources Canada has developed software, called RETScreen that may assist you with evaluating your project if you are considering renewable energy technology.
If you are considering a wind power project, Environment Canada has published a Canadian Wind Atlas that may provide you with information relating to the wind resource in your area.
Also, the Canadian Wind Energy Association has a
website dedicated to small
wind power development.
This site includes a listing of wind
turbine manufacturers.
Before you get started
Your first step as a potential applicant should be to contact The Saskatchewan Research Council (Kelly Winder, 306-933-6431, winder@src.sk.ca) to discuss your project and the funds available.
Please keep in mind that this is a first come, first served program (for complete applications) and once the funds are disbursed there is no guarantee that additional funds will be allocated to this program. However, due to the amount of interest to-date we are currently investigating a program extension with our funding partners.
Even if your project meets all the criteria, it can only receive support if the funds are available. Availability of funds is completely dependant on the number and scope of previous successful applicants.
Understanding renewable power generation performance and economics
SaskPower’s experience is that smaller renewable power projects can be costly to set up and operate. If you are considering pursuing this type of venture we suggest that you thoroughly evaluate the amount of power you expect to produce and the economics of the project to determine your overall cost of electricity. You may want to consider obtaining up to three quotes from different vendors to become more knowledgeable and to compare the different technologies along with the costs associated with the generation equipment, equipment installation, as well as connecting to our grid.
