Opportunities
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.
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.
A bi-directional meter has the capacity to measure and record separately both delivered and received electricity
Using two meters allows one meter to measure delivered electricity and the other to measure received electricity
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.
