Net Metering The “Easy Connection Act” requires all utilities in Missouri to offer true Net Metering & Simple Interconnection to any Missouri customer who wishes to interconnect solar, wind, or small hydroelectric system to their home or business.

Prior to the Easy Connection Act, connecting a renewable system to the grid was time-consuming and complicated.  Once a systems was connected, the home or business owner credited only 20 cents on the dollar for the energy the system produced.

The Easy Connection Act addressed these critical issues and was passed in the Missouri legislature in 2007.  It went into effect in October 2008.

What is Net Metering?

• When renewable energy system is connected to the grid, any extra electricity ( beyond what a building is consuming at a given moment) is put back on to the electricity grid, and the customer receives full retail credit for this electricity on their bill.
• Example: If your home consumes 1000kWh of electricity per month, and you install a 5kW solar array on your roof, that will generate about 500 kWh of electricity per month.
• Some will be used directly by your home (directly reducing your electricity usage), and some will go back onto the grid (which will appear on your bill as a credit).  Due to the Easy Connection Act, this credit will be one to one offset.  Prior to the bill, Missouri utilities were crediting electricity produced by these systems for only 20 cents on the dollar.
• Either way, your average electricity bill would be reduced from 1000 kWh  to about 500 kWh / month in this example.

What is Simple Interconnection?

• All Missouri utilities must allow interconnection
• All Missouri utilities must provide a simple form for interconnection
• Utilities must respond to requests for interconnection
  • Within 30 days for systems 10kW and under
  • Within 90 days for systems between 10kW and 100kW

What else do I need to know about Net Metering & Simple Interconnection?

• Normally systems are installed by qualified renewable energy technicians.  For a list of some solar installers in your area, go to www.findsolar.com.
• Systems must be approved by your utility before interconnecting (this does not apply if your system is battery based and totally off-grid).
• Full retail credit is granted only up to usage during a month; any generation contributed to the grid above monthly usage is credited at a utility’s wholesale rate (generally 20% or so of retail).
• Utilities never “pay customers” for their electricity.  The utility simply issue a credit on their monthly statement

For questions regarding net metering,  first consult your local utility.

You can also contact Mo-DNR’s Energy Center at 1-800-361-4827.