The below information was sent to the Village by our ComEd representative:
We are writing to provide notification regarding upcoming changes to the credits that customers receive for excess generation from their renewable energy systems that is sent back to the grid. We want to ensure that you have information regarding this transition since (1) customers and businesses in your municipality may be impacted and (2) municipal inspections are a critical step in the process of citing and interconnecting renewable energy systems. Below you will find a summary of the upcoming changes, frequently asked questions, and a description of our communications efforts to developers and customers regarding this transition.
Summary of Changes:
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) was signed into law September of 2021 and as a result net metering benefits for renewable energy customers will change effective January 1, 2025. These changes are listed below:
- Full retail rate net metering will no longer be available to customers interconnecting renewable energy systems after December 31, 2024. Customers receiving permission to operate after such date will be eligible to receive only energy supply credits for their excess energy sent back to the grid.
- In order to guarantee utility review prior to the December 31, 2024 deadline, all required documentation, including a Certificate of Completion (COC), must be received by the utility no later than 5pm Central Time on December 31, 2024.
- Customers with renewable energy systems that are eligible for one of these legacy rates on December 31, 2024, shall maintain eligibility for the lifetime of the system, with subsequent customers inheriting such eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is “full retail rate net metering”?
- When we say “full net metering” or “full retail rate net metering”, we mean that the net metering credits for excess generation sent to the grid can be used to offset charges on all three sections of your ComEd bill: in ‘Supply’, in ‘Delivery’, and in ‘Taxes and Fees’ sections of the bill.
- Full net metering applies to Residential and Small Commercial (less than 100kW) customers and includes the classification of NM1, NM2, NM3, and NM4 as described in Rider POGNM. ComEd.com/Rates
- Customers who complete their solar installations and submit the required documentation before the end of 2024 are eligible for “full net metering” and “legacy status”.
What is “legacy (net metering) status”?
- “Legacy net metering status” refers to status of system for customers who complete their install and submit the required documentation prior to 12/31/24. These customers are eligible to receive full retail rate net metering for the life of their solar system.
Should customers try to get their interconnection application in before the end of 2024, and what are the important timelines?
- All DER projects in process need to be completed and fully submitted (with Certificate of Completion) by 5pm Central Time on December 31, 2024, to qualify for full net metering and legacy status.
- Customers should work with your solar installer to ensure they are meeting the submission deadlines.
Communication to Developers and Customers:
To ensure a smooth transition, ComEd has actively communicated with developers and customers. These communications have included direct messaging and emails to developers and customers with pending applications, social media messaging, and ComEd.com messaging on both developer and customer landing pages to promote visibility. Additionally, ComEd has staffed the Interconnection team and enhanced processes to quickly review applications.