Net Metering

FCHEA urges adoption of net metering policies by states across the country, and to include fuel cell systems as qualifying technologies.  Net metering allows for electric customers who generate a portion of their electricity using fuel cell systems to send excess electricity back to the grid.  This electricity sent back to the grid can be used by the consumer to offset the cost of purchasing electricity at full retail rate from the utility at another time.  Net metering is typically required by law in most states, but policies range widely state to state.

Implementing net metering incentivizes consumers to own and operate fuel cell systems, while also reducing stress on the electric grid, allowing it to operate more reliably while producing less greenhouse gas emissions.

Some examples of different ways that states have incorporated fuel cell systems into their net metering policies are available below:

• Connecticut’s investor-owned utilities are required to provide net metering to customers that generate electricity using fuel cells, regardless of the fuel source. DSIRE Connecticut

• New York allows fuel cell systems operating using renewable fuels to net meter, with a 10 kW capacity for residential fuel cell systems and a 1.5 MW capacity for non-residential. DSIRE New York

• Rhode Island allows net metering for fuel cell systems that operate using renewable fuels up to 5 MW in capacity. DSIRE Rhode Island