W. Va. Code R. § 150-33-6

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 150-33-6 - Meters and Metering

6.1. The electric utility may elect to accomplish net energy metering for a Customer-generator by using (i) a standard meter capable of measuring the net flow of electricity in two (2) directions, (ii) two separate standard meters configured to measure gross inflow of electricity and gross outflow of electricity, or (iii) a non-standard meter(s). If an electric utility elects to meter under (i), (ii), or (iii), net metering customers will be responsible for only the incremental cost to meter a Customer-generator under option (i) that would not be incurred to meter a customer that is not a Customer-generator. If an electric utility elects to install a non-standard meter(s), the electric utility will bear the expenses for the non-standard metering, including the cost of the meter and installation of the meter, that exceed the incremental cost to meter a Customer-generator under option (i) that would not be incurred to meter a customer that is not a Customer-generator. Customer-generators may not opt out of the installation of non-standard meters.

6.2. A customer applying to be a Customer-generator after November 15, 2019 must agree to the installation of a blank meter socket in a utility-approved accessible location that would allow the electric utility to directly measure the customer-owned generating facility's output with either a standard or non-standard meter. The blank meter socket may, at the initial discretion of the electric utility, be installed by either the electric utility or the Customer-generator. If installed by the Customer-generator, the electric utility shall supply the Customer-generator with the blank meter socket or reimburse the Customer-generator for that cost and fully reimburse the Customer-generator for the installation cost.

6.3. If two meters are used to measure energy flows, for each applicable billing period including time-of-day billing periods, the reading of the meter measuring the flow of energy from the Customer-generator to the electric utility shall be subtracted from the reading of the meter measuring the flow of energy from the electric utility to the Customer-generator to obtain a measurement of net kW hours for billing purposes.

6.4. The electric utility shall offer Customer-generators a time-differentiated energy tariff rate or a non-time-differentiated energy rate, if the electric utility offers the choice to other customers in the same rate class as the Customer-generator. If the Customer-generator uses a meter and billing arrangement that has time-differentiated rates, the electric utility shall calculate net bills for each time period.

6.5. Virtual meter aggregation on properties owned or leased and operated by a Customer-generator shall be allowed for purposes of net metering. Virtual meter aggregation shall be limited to active meters serving a Customer-generator located on properties owned or leased within two (2) miles of the boundaries of the Customer-generator's single or contiguous property, as provided in subsection 2.6, and within a single electric utility's service territory. Physical meter aggregation shall be at the expense of the Customer-generator. The electric utility shall provide the necessary equipment to complete physical aggregation. If the Customer-generator requests virtual meter aggregation, it shall be provided by the electric utility at the expense of the Customer-generator. The Customer-generator shall be responsible for any incremental expense entailed in processing his account on a virtual meter aggregation basis.

W. Va. Code R. § 150-33-6