Net Metering

People are increasingly interested in generating their own electric power with renewable resources such as solar or wind energy. A program called Net Metering allows NTPC customers who own small, commercially-proven, renewable energy generators to generate their own power and then send any surplus onto the electricity grid in their community.

Net Metering customers can accumulate energy credits monthly for any excess electricity they produce to be used against those months when their usage exceeds their production.

Residential and business customers can contact the Arctic Energy Alliance for assistance, and community projects can contact the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (ENR). Contact information at the bottom of this page.

For more Net Metering program information click here: Net Metering Program.

Eligibility

• NTPC and Northland Utilities Limited customers (eligibility for GNWT and Federal Government accounts have been delayed until the Utilities' next Phase II proceeding). Check our website for updates
• Renewable energy installations with a rated capacity generally not exceeding 15kW
• NTPC customers are exempt from standby charges for intermittent generation
• Customers with small, commercially proven wind generators, mini-hydro, solar, or other renewable energy technologies looking to displace their own energy requirements with self-generation
• Please note that the PUB will review Net Metering compensation rates as part of its regular review of rates and rate structures. As such, Net Metering compensation rates are subject to change from time to time
• Community Capacity schedule

Application Process

A flowchart of the application process can be found on the Net Metering Application Form that interested residential and business customers should complete and submit to their utility -- either NTPC or Northland Utilities Ltd.

Compensation

Net Metering customers accumulate energy credits in kilowatt hours equal to the excess energy, calculated at the full retail rate. Customers can use excess generation up until March 31 of each year and use the credit in the winter months when they are most needed. The excess energy credits for each Net Metering customer will be reset to zero at the end of March each year. See sample account on page four of Net Metering Program.

Participant Costs

Customers participating in Net Metering are responsible for all costs associated with purchasing and installing the renewable energy system. Participants are also responsible for any costs associated with permits, inspection or other requirements to make the system compliant with relevant codes and standards.

Utility Costs

The Net Metering Pilot Project provides the participating customer with a meter to track how much renewable energy is supplied to the distribution system at the cost of the utility.

Technical Requirements

Renewable energy installations must meet the requirements set out in the Technical Interconnection Guidelines. 

Only commercially proven renewable energy technologies will be considered. All equipment in the project must be Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter's Laboratory of Canada (ULC) approved and the installation must meet all requirements of the current Canadian Electrical Code.

Step One

The first step of your project is to submit your Net Metering Application Form to your utility for approval:

Or

Or

Step Two

Once your utility approves your application, you will require an electrical permit to do the work. Electrical inspections in the Northwest Territories must be approved by a certified electrical inspector. Inspections are available through the regional Infrastructure office listed below

Available Funding

Funding may be available to support the purchase of your renewable energy system.

Regional offices are also located in the Tlicho, Beaufort Delta, Dehcho, and Sahtu. Refer to the Arctic Energy's website at: aea.nt.ca.