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Customer generation

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About excess distributed generation (EDG)

In accordance with Ind. Code ch. 8-1-40-1, on April 7, 2021 the IURC approved Cause No. 45378 which sets the rate customers will receive for excess distributed generation at the market/wholesale rate plus a 25% premium ("Rider EDG") for excess power put back on the grid. Rider EDG will be effective no earlier than May 14, 2021. To qualify, residential, small business and industrial customers may install a system to generate their own electricity, up to 1 megawatt, to supplement the supply they get from CenterPoint Energy (formerly Vectren).

Under Rider EDG, CenterPoint electric meters will instantaneously measure the net inflow of electricity from the grid to help power the customer's home or business. At such times, the customer will be charged the applicable retail rate defined in CenterPoint Energy's electric tariff. When electric meters measure the net outflow of electricity from the customers' generating system to the grid, the customer will be credited Rider EDG.

Common customer generation systems include:

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Wind

Most wind technologies can be used as stand-alone applications, connected to a utility power grid or combined with a photovoltaic system. Learn more

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Solar

Solar power is commonly produced when photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into electricity. Roof panels are a popular choice. Learn more

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Other options

Some other customer generation options include biomass, hydropower and hybrid systems. Learn more

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About net metering

The net metering tariff is for residential, small business and industrial customers that installed an eligible generation system, prior to implementation of Rider EDG.

Under this tariff, when a net metering customer's renewable generator is producing more power than is being consumed, the customer essentially generates credits toward the bill. When a net metering customer uses more power than is being produced, the meter records the usage in the standard fashion. Net metering customers are charged only for the "net" power they consume from CenterPoint Energy which has accumulated over a designated period or, if their renewable energy-generating systems make more electricity than is consumed, they may be credited for the excess electricity contributed to the grid over that same period.

Customers will remain eligible for the net metering tariff under the following conditions:

  • Systems installed by Dec. 31, 2017

    Customers with systems installed by Dec. 31, 2017 will be credited at the full retail price* for excess power put back on the grid until July 1, 2047. After 2047, excess power will be credited at the Rider EDG.

  • Systems installed after January 1, 2018 but before implementation of Rider EDG; or Customers with an approved, and signed, Net Metering Interconnection Agreement before implementation of Rider EDG

    Customers with systems installed after January 1, 2018 but before implementation of Rider EDG will be credited at the full retail price* for excess power put back on the grid until July 1, 2032. After 2032, excess power will be credited at the Rider EDG.

    Customers with an approved, and signed, Net Metering Interconnection Agreement before implementation of Rider EDG will be eligible for credit at the full retail price* for excess power put back on the grid until July 1, 2032 provided the following conditions are met.

      Approved, and Signed, Interconnection Agreements before Implementation of Rider EDG: Customers that submit applications for Net Metering, and receive an approved, signed Interconnection Agreement before Implementation of Rider EDG on May 14, 2021 must complete system installation within one year of the approved, signed Interconnection Agreement to remain eligible for credit at the full retail price* for excess power put back on the grid until 2032. After 2032, excess power will be credited at the Rider EDG.

  • Qualifying Biomass Systems installed between now and July 1, 2022

    Customers with systems installed after implementation of Rider EDG but before July 1, 2022 will be credited at the full retail price for excess power put back on the grid until 2032. After 2032, excess power will be credited at the Rider EDG.

Grandfathering Provisions:

Customers will also remain eligible for the net metering tariff under the following conditions:

  1. In accordance with GAO 2017-2 and Ind. Code 8-1-40-13 and 8-1-40-14, any current Rider Net Metering customer that replaces (as defined in GAO 2017-2) their existing net metering facility after the Company's transition date will need to apply for approval of the new facility as a Rider EDG customer and will be deemed no longer eligible for Rider Net Metering. However, repairs, updates, and upgrades to portions of the net metering facility that do not increase the nameplate capacity (i.e. the alternating current output of the inverter(s)) of the net metering facility will not be considered to be replacing the net metering facility.

  2. Or if a new customer establishes service at a premise that was previously eligible for Rider Net Metering. If needed, please contact the New Service Department by email to newservice@centerpointenergy.com to request an interconnection agreement.

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How to get connected

There are a few key steps you must complete to begin the interconnection process, including a formal application, signing an Interconnection Agreement, a site drawing and an inspection. Use the project checklist and guidelines before beginning your customer generation project.

Applications and agreements

Select the documents below which correspond with your project size to get started:

Generation is 10 kW or more
Application for interconnection (PDF)
Interconnection agreement (PDF)

Generation is less than 10 kW
Application for interconnection (PDF)
Interconnection agreement (PDF)

Contact us online or at 800-990-1930 to learn more or to get the process started. All positions and references are in accordance to CenterPoint Energy's TARIFF FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE (I.U.R.C. No. E-13) and are subject to future changes.

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Available net metering capacity
CenterPoint Energy as of September 30, 2022 Total (kW) Residential (kW) Biomass (kW) Non-Reserved (kW)
Summer Peak Load (2020) 984,300.000
Net Metering Capacity 14,764.500 5,905.800 2,214.675 6,644.025
 
Operating 20,025.850 8,922.310 - 11,103.540
 
Remaining (5,261.350) (3,016.510) 2,214.675 (4,459.515)
 
Queue - Approved Participants - - -
Queue - Non-Approved Participants - - -
Queue - Remaining** (3,016.510) 2,214.675 (4,459.515)
"In accordance with Indiana Code 8-1-40-16, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (the "Commission") approved CenterPoint Energy's rate for excess distributed generation ("Rate EDG") in Cause No. 45378, which went into effect May 14th 2021, as the threshold (prescribed in Indiana Code 8-1-40-10) has been met."
View the status of net metering applications submitted by customers for residential projects
View the status of net metering applications submitted by customers for non-reserved projects
Need more information? Contact us