How it works

Through net metering, you can save money by generating power with renewable energy, like wind or solar.

To become a net-metered customer – and before you buy or install a renewable energy system – you need to apply to connect your energy source to the electricity grid.

After your application’s approved, and once your renewable energy system is installed and connected to the grid, the electricity distributor will read your meter and calculate your bill by:

  1. measuring the amount of electricity you used from the grid and the amount of electricity you sent to the grid
  2. calculating the value of the electricity you sent to the grid, using the same rates you are charged for using electricity
  3. applying credits to the charges on your bill to reduce what you must pay. If you supplied more electricity than you used and have credits left over, the credits will carry over to your next bill. Credits can be carried over to future bills for up to 12 months

For more information, contact your local distribution company.

Eligibility

To be eligible for net metering you need to:

  • generate electricity from renewable sources like solar, wind, water or bioenergy – with a system you own or operate to meet your own electricity needs
  • meet your electricity distributor's technical, safety and inspection requirements
  • get any required environmental approvals and municipal building permits (the Ministry of Energy can help you determine what’s required)

In some parts of the province, you may not be able to connect a renewable energy system due to technical limitations of local distribution system.

How to apply

Contact your local distribution company to find out how to:

  • apply for a net metering agreement
  • connect your renewable energy system to the grid

Don’t buy or install equipment, or sign a contract until your electricity distributor approves your project.

Community net metering

We are introducing a new model of net metering on a demonstration basis. The new model, known as community net metering, will explore how renewable energy technologies can be used in a community setting.

Community net metering:

  • allows electricity generation to be located where it’s best suited in a community
  • allows a community to generate electricity for themselves using renewable generation and send excess electricity to the grid for a credit
  • creates a framework for how credits can be shared among multiple residents and businesses within the community to reduce electricity bills when using energy from the grid

Community net metering could in the future help businesses, local governments and Indigenous communities pursue innovative approaches to community-based energy systems and achieve their sustainability goals.

We have selected a community net metering demonstration project to:

  • evaluate technical, administrative, regulatory and other aspects of the model
  • assess market interest in the model
  • understand any impacts the model may have on the broader energy system and consumers

What we learn from the demonstration project will help us decide if we will offer community net metering more broadly in the future.