The Role of Net Metering in the Evolving Electricity System

Over the last three decades, there have been fundamental shifts in the electricity system, including the growing adoption of clean distributed generation energy technologies such as rooftop solar. Net metering, which compensates customers for excess energy they contribute to the grid, has been instrumental in supporting the integration of these systems into the grid, but these policies may need to change to better address future needs. The Role of Net Metering in the Evolving Electricity System explores the medium-to-long term impacts of net metering on the electricity grid and customers. This report evaluates how net metering guidelines should evolve to support a decarbonized, equitable, and resilient electricity system. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 Net Metering 1013 Background and History, Current Status, and Near-Term Future of Net Metering4 Economic Considerations Related to Net Metering5 Equity Considerations of Net Metering6 Net Metering and Distributed Energy Technologies7 Regulatory, Legal, and Market Considerations8 The Future of Net Metering in an Evolving Electricity SystemBibliographyAppendixesAppendix A: Committee Biographical InformationAppendix B: Net Metering and Net Metering Reform Status in U.S. JurisdictionsAppendix C: Committee Meetings