Net metering in Ohio
- Factsheet
What is net metering?
Net metering is the policy that allows people with solar to get a credit on their electric bill for the energy they produce from their system.
Net metering in Ohio
Net metering rules are currently being evaluated by the Public Service Commission of Ohio (PUCO) under docket Case 12-2050-EL-ORD. Currently, net metering is only established in state code for investor-owned utilities. Municipalities and electric cooperatives are not required to have net metering laws. However, many of these non-state regulated utilities have elected to do some version of net metering. Under established net metering rules, systems must be sized to either partially or fully meet energy consumption. While no capacity limit is specified, some utilities will not interconnect systems that produce excess energy over a 12-month period.
System specifics include:
- System capacity limit: Systems must be sized to either partially or fully meet energy consumption and cannot generate more than 120% of historic annual energy consumption.
- Monthly excess generation credit rate: Generation rate, not full retail rate of generation, transmission, and distribution.
- Annual excess generation credit rate: Same a Net-Meter rate. True-up payment calculated annually after June 31, paper checks mailed the following month.
- State-wide net metering cap: None
- Applicable utilities: Investor-owned utilities
- Policies expanding net metering: None
- Additional barriers: Utilities have inconsistent net metering rules. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives are not required to have net metering. Net metering is currently under review by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio.
Since Ohio is a deregulated energy market, customers may select a competitive retail electric service (CRES) provider. CRES providers each have net metering agreements and may compensate excess generation differently than utilities. Some are more generous than the utility.
Take action
Get help from fellow solar owners
If you’re having trouble with net metering or getting your system interconnected, post to the Ohio listserv to get help.
File a complaint
Our utilities exist to serve their customers. If you have a problem your utility is not quickly resolving, file a complaint at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Ohio resources: net metering and your utility
Go solar in Ohio!
Get the latest on solar straight to your inbox.
Fight for your solar rights.
Everyone has the right to go solar. Spread the sunshine nationwide and in your local community by taking action, joining events, and more.