Want to be your own power company - at least in part? "Net-metering" allows you to get billing credit from your utility company for power you generate. If your usage exceeds what you generate, you are billed on the "net" - i.e. the difference between what you use and what generate.

Net-metering is the result of 1998 legislation that requires utilities to offer this option. The goal is to stimulate development of renewable energy sources.

Discussion:
The Legislature was very specific in the requirements for the utilities for their net-metering programs. The net metering systems that are eligible are:

• Fueled by either solar, wind, hydropower or fuel cells;
• Have a generating capacity of not more than 25 kW;
• Are located on the customer's premises;
• Operate in parallel with the electric utilities transmission and distribution facilities; and
• Are intended primarily to offset part or all of the customer-generator’s requirements for electricity.