Understand Net Energy Metering

PLEASE NOTE: On Dec. 13, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a proposal to modify the state’s net energy metering (NEM) program. The proposed decision may be heard, at the earliest, at the CPUC’s Jan. 27, 2022 voting meeting. Until and unless the Commission hears the item and votes to approve it, the proposed decision has no legal effect and could change. What is net energy? PG&E’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) program helps you reduce your monthly electric bill with the energy generated by your own private rooftop solar energy system. A special net meter measures the difference between the amount of electricity your system generates throughout the month and the amount of electricity PG&E supplies. We calculate your bill using this difference, called net energy.

What to expect from your bill Customers in the NEM program are automatically placed on a 12-month billing cycle. Monthly statement: Each month, your PG&E Energy Statement shows the amount due for that billing period including monthly minimum delivery charges. The statement also shows a summary of your year-to-date solar charges and credits and how you are tracking towards True-Up. Annual statement: After 12 months, you’ll receive the final statement of your billing cycle, the True-Up Statement. This statement provides your net energy charges and credits over the entire year and shows any final balance due. View examples of the monthly and True-Up bill with detailed explanations. Visit How to Read Your Bill. Understand how NEM works for your home The electricity that your renewable system generates serves your home’s energy needs and reduces your monthly electric bill. We automatically supply additional power to your home when needed day or night. When your system generates more electricity than your home can use, the surplus energy exports to our electric grid.

Learn about surplus energy payments California State Assembly Bill 920 allows PG&E to make payments to NEM customers who generate more electricity than they use over their 12-month billing cycle. The compensation received is called Net Surplus Compensation (NSC). The NSC rate is based on a 12-month average of the market rate for energy. The rate is about two to four cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). As an NEM customer, you are enrolled in this program automatically. If you qualify, the NSC you earn appears on your annual NEM True-Up statement. Learn more about Getting Credit for Surplus Energy.