Virtual Net Energy Metering (NEMV)
There are various types of Virtual Net Energy Metering programs, including:
- Standard NEM2V
- NEM2VSOM that works with the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) incentives program
- NEM2VMSH that works with eligible low income multifamily properties
This page is focused on standard NEM2V.
NEM2V allows a "Property" with multiple individually metered accounts to share credits generated by a renewable generator (e.g., solar PV system) to offset their respective charges. The meter of the generating account monitors the amount of total renewable generation and should have no load other than that required by the renewable generator. The kWh allocated to each benefitting account is based on a percentage of the solar-generated electricity as predetermined by the property owner or manager.
Qualifications
Criteria for NEM2V includes:
- The generator needs to be sized to produce no more than the total annual energy consumption (kWh) of all benefitting accounts.
- All benefiting meters must be on the same property as the renewable generating meter.
- The building must have service through PG&E, a CCA or an ESP.
- A customer can have only one generating account per arrangement. (Exception: MASH and SOMAH Virtual NEM systems are permitted more than one generating account).
- The benefiting meters must not participate in another net energy metering or RES-BCT program.
- The generating account can have no load other than that required for the renewable generating system.
- The generating account and all the benefitting accounts must be on an applicable TOU rate.
A Property is defined as:
All of the real property and apparatus employed in a single multitenant or multi-meter facility on contiguous parcels of land. These parcels may be divided by a dedicated street, highway or public thoroughfare or railway, so long as they are otherwise contiguous, part of the same single multi-tenant or multi-meter facility, and all under the same ownership.
Prior to interconnecting generation projects to PG&E's distribution system, an interconnection application must be submitted, including some or all of the following documents:
Your application and all needed documentation are most easily processed online. Visit the PG&E Interconnection Portal to get started.
If you are unable to use the portal, you can begin the application by submitting the required forms to Rule21Gen@pge.com.
Note: This process may take longer than the portal.
Required forms:
- NEM2V Application (Form 79-1174-03) (PDF)
- NEM2V Agreement (Form 79-1220-02) (PDF)
- Single Line Diagram
- Interconnection proposal that tells PG&E where a connection will be made in the existing service panel and where the metal socket will be installed. View a sample proposal (PDF).
- Meter Socket Spec Sheet that provides the technical details of the meter socket.
- Allocation Spreadsheet:
The customer is advised not to install the project until PG&E has reviewed the interconnection proposal and all other documents listed above. PG&E recommends waiting for notification of approval before moving forward with the installation.
The NEMV interconnection is governed by CPUC rules. The renewable generator must be approved in accordance with all applicable guidelines of Electric Rule 21 and the NEM tariff.
The timeline for approval of the interconnection application depends on the details of the system and the interconnection proposal. Once all documents have been received, a customer can expect approval or a request for more information within 10 business days.
Projects with a net generation capacity of 1MW or greater require telemetry per section J.5 of the Rule 21 tariff. PG&E is now offering interconnection customers the option of using their own telemetry solution using one of PG&E's approved devices or aggregator vendors. More information can be found in our introduction/FAQ document in the Distribution Interconnection Handbook.
After receiving approval of interconnection paperwork and the project is installed, submit the following required items to Rule21Gen@pge.com:
- Final approved building permit
- Meter release/green tag which indicates the new meter socket has been approved by the local building department
These items are required for PG&E to issue written permission to operate a generating facility.
The costs to apply to the NEMV program have to do with the type of meters being installed. For the generator account:
It is important to note that potential upgrades to PG&E's grid may be necessary, and a customer may be required to pay for the system upgrade, depending on the type of upgrade, in accordance with Electric Rule 21.