This month, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released a new Proposed Decision (PD) for the Net Energy Metering Program, which they are now referring to as Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0). Below is a summary of some of the key points:

• The PD proposes to maintain an annual true-up.

• The PD proposes no changes to the NEM 1.0 or NEM 2.0 tariffs and customers will be able to remain on those tariffs as long as they do not significantly add to the existing project for 20 years from their initial interconnection date.

• The NEM 3.0 start date is a little vague, but if a completed application (that does not have significant and substantial errors) is submitted within 120 days of the final decision, the project will be  able to take service under the NEM 2.0 program.

• The PD proposes for non-residential customers to get credited for excess power based on the “avoided cost calculator.” This rate will be approximately between $0.06-$0.08/kWh. Projects that  have an energy storage component, such as a battery, will get a higher compensation rate.

• The PD proposes no changes to the NEM Aggregation program.

The CPUC hearing is set for next month. The Association will continue to closely monitor the issue. Click here for the full proposed decision.