Wasco Electric Cooperative > Services > Net Metering

Net Metering

Wasco Electric Cooperative is currently not accepting new net-metering applications at this time. If WEC does start accepting applications, requirements and forms are listed below.

Net Metering allows a Member of WEC to connect certain kinds of generation to the WEC power system. Power generated by the Member in excess of the Member’s need will be purchased by WEC.

The amount of net metering connected to the WEC system is limited to 1% of the WEC peak kilowatt system peak.

Net Metering is available on a first come first served basis to an individual member subject to the following conditions:

  • Uses solar, wind, fuel cell or hydroelectric power to generate electrical power
  • Nameplate generating capacity of not more than one-hundred (100) kilowatts for commercial accounts
  • Nameplate generating capacity of not more than twenty-five (25) kilowatts for residential accounts.
  • Located on the Members’ premises
  • Interconnects and operates in parallel with WEC’s existing transmission and distribution system
  • Intended primarily to offset part or all of the Members’ own electrical requirements

Interconnection Requirements

The interconnection requirements are defined in the 2018 edition of the IEEE Standard 1547-2018, Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems and in the 2018 edition of the IEEE Standard 1547.1-2020, IEEE Standard Conformance Test Procedures for Equipment Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems. Also, those requirements defined in OAR 860-039-0020 through 860-039-0035 which is applicable to the limits set forth by WEC. Level 1 – up to 25 KW and Level 2 – up to 100KW.

Fees and Charges

A net metered account will be charged a separate monthly basic charge to cover expenses associated with administering the net-metering program. The Member will be charged for any expenses associated with modifying WEC’s system in order to interconnect the net-metering facility.

The system modification charges would be outlined to the Member during the request process. The Member will be billed the monthly charges for the assigned rate class including monthly minimum, demand, reactive demand, and energy charges. WEC shall have the right to inspect the net-metering facility annually and may charge an inspection fee.

Payments for Excess Energy Generated

WEC will pay the member for excess energy at the WEC avoided cost rate. The WEC avoided cost is the cost of wholesale electric power purchased by WEC.

The avoided cost shall include the blended cost of power, and any other applicable charges. Presently, the basis for the avoided cost is the Bonneville Power Administration’s wholesale power rate for WEC but may be superseded by other rates in the future. The value of any excess energy generated shall be credited to the Members’ account.

The net metering Member shall be paid, at a minimum, annually.

Special Conditions

  • WEC will supply a bi-directional meter for all net metering facilities.
  • The bi-directional meter will measure the flow of electrical energy to and from the net metering facility.
  • The flow of energy to the net metering facility from WEC will be billed to the Member at the applicable retail rate.
  • The Member is responsible for all costs associated with its facility and is also responsible for costs related to any modifications to the facility that may be required by for purposes of safety, reliability, and reading meters but not the cost of the actual meter.
  • A net-metering facility installation shall comply with the applicable standards established by the National Electric Code, National Electric Safety Code, IEEE standards 1547-2018 and 1547.1-2020 and shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established in the Oregon State Building Code.
  • WEC approved switching equipment capable of isolating the net metering facility from WEC’s system shall be provided by the member-generator and shall be located within 10 feet of WEC’s meter and accessible by WEC personnel.
  • The requirement of a switch will be waived for those systems that are inverter-based and meet the requirements of OAR 860-039-0015 (2) (a).
  • WEC shall have the right to inspect the net-metering facility.
  • WEC may disconnect the net metering facility from WEC’s system if there is a valid concern about system reliability or system performance.
  • WEC shall not be liable directly or indirectly for permitting or continuing to allow an attachment of a net metering facility, or for the acts or omissions of the Member that cause loss or injury, including death, to any third party.
  • Members requesting net-metering will be required to submit a net-metering and interconnection application for review and approval by WEC.
  • Upon approval of the net-metering and interconnection application, the members will be required to sign a net-metering agreement before receiving net-metering service.

Tax Incentives

For more information on tax incentives these measures may qualify for, please visit the Oregon Department of Energy.