Net metering in New Mexico
Net metering in New Mexico is a set of state public policies that govern the relationship between solar customers (and customers with other types of renewable energy systems) and electric utility companies. Background Definition Net metering refers to the interconnection of a renewable energy system to the power grid. It allows consumers who have their own renewable generation power systems to connect to the power grid with an electric meter that spins both forwards and backwards, depending on whether the consumer is adding energy to the grid or using energy from the grid. At the end of the month, the customer's bill is based on the net amount of power that is drawn from the grid, minus the credits for excess power put into the grid. In New Mexico, customers who have systems that produce up to 80 MW of electricity are able to sign up for net metering. This is the highest power rating eligible for net metering in the United States. The three main utilities in New Mexico are PNM, Xcel Energy and El Paso Electric. Benefits of net metering One benefit of net metering is that power is never wasted. When someone uses an isolated system that