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Net Metering

Note: Wasco Electric Cooperative is currently not accepting new net-metering applications at this time. If net-metering capacity becomes available in the future, application materials and program requirements will be provided on this page.

Program Availability:

Net Metering is available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible members who own and operate a qualifying net-metering facility and have an approved Net-Metering Agreement with the Cooperative. The net-metering facility must:

  • Use solar, wind, fuel cell, hydroelectric power, or other eligible generation resources as provided under Oregon law.
  • Have a nameplate generating capacity of not more than 25 kilowatts (kW) for residential accounts and 100 kilowatts (kW) for commercial accounts.
  • Be located on the member’s premises.
  • Interconnect and operate in parallel with WEC’s existing electric distribution system.
  • Be intended primarily to offset part or all of the member’s own electrical requirements.

Participation is subject to available capacity under WEC’s Net-Metering Policy.

Interconnection Requirements:

All net-metering facilities must comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including:

  • IEEE 1547-2018, Interconnection and Interoperability of Distributed Energy Resources with Associated Electric Power Systems Interfaces.
  • IEEE 1547.1-2020, Conformance Test Procedures for Equipment Interconnecting Distributed Energy Resources with Electric Power Systems and Associated Interfaces.
  • Applicable provisions of Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 860-039.
  • Oregon State Building Code requirements.
  • National Electrical Code (NEC) and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).

Members are responsible for obtaining all required permits, inspections, and approvals.

Application Process

To be considered for Net Metering Service, a member must:

  1. Submit a completed Net-Metering and Interconnection Application.
  2. Provide all required supporting documentation.
  3. Obtain approval from WEC prior to operating the generating facility in parallel with WEC’s electric system.
  4. Execute a Net-Metering Agreement before service begins.

WEC reserves the right to review all proposed installations to ensure compliance with safety, reliability, and operational requirements.

Required documents will be available online if the program is available to members under the Net-Metering Policy.

Fees and Charges

Members participating in Net Metering Service will:

  • Continue to be billed under their assigned retail rate schedule.
  • Pay the applicable monthly basic charge associated with their retail rate class.
  • Pay the net-metering administrative charge established by Rate Schedule #60.
  • Be responsible for costs associated with any modifications necessary to safely interconnect the generating facility to WEC’s system.
  • May be charged an inspection fee when applicable.

WEC will provide and install the required bi-directional meter at WEC’s expense.

Excess Energy and Billing

The bi-directional meter measures electricity flowing both to and from the net-metering facility.

  • When WEC supplies more electricity than the member generates during a billing period, the member will be billed for the net energy supplied by WEC under the applicable retail rate schedule.
  • When the member generates more electricity than is consumed during a billing period, the member will receive a credit for Excess Energy at WEC’s approved avoided-cost rate.
  • Excess Energy credits will be applied in accordance with WEC Policy and Rate Schedule #60.

The basis for determining avoided cost is WEC’s wholesale power costs and associated charges, as established by the Cooperative.

Special Conditions

  • WEC-approved disconnect equipment may be required and must remain accessible to WEC personnel.
  • The member is responsible for all costs associated with the generating facility and its ongoing maintenance.
  • WEC may inspect a net-metering facility to verify compliance with applicable safety and operating requirements.
  • WEC may disconnect a facility when necessary to protect system safety, reliability, or power quality.
  • WEC is not responsible for the design, installation, operation, or maintenance of a member-owned generating facility.

Additional Information

For information regarding available tax incentives or renewable energy programs, members may contact the Oregon Department of Energy.