As part of Maine’s electric utility restructuring, the Maine Legislature wanted to encourage the use of renewable and indigenous resources. To that end, the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) adopted Chapter 313, “Customer Net Energy Billing”, setting the requirements and standards for customer net energy billing; Chapter 324 "Small Generator Interconnection Procedures" which lists the procedures for interconnecting to Bangor Hydro's distribution system

What is Net Energy Billing?

"Net energy billing" is a billing and metering practice under which a customer is billed on the basis of net energy over the billing period taking into account accumulated unused kilowatt-hour credits from the previous billing period.

What Customers Qualify?

Any customer of a transmission and distribution utility that uses energy generated using a renewable fuel or technology as specified in 35-A M.R.S.A. § 3210(2)(C) from a facility with an installed capacity of 660 kW or less to serve its own electricity requirements may elect net energy billing at up to 10 "Shared Ownership" locations in the Bangor Hydro Electric territory. (See MPUC Ch.313 and MPUC Ch. 324 for eligibility requirements)

What Fuels/Technologies Qualify?

(a) Fuel cells; (b) Tidal power; (c) Solar arrays and installations; (d) Wind power installations; (e) Geothermal installations; (f) Hydroelectric generators; (g) Biomass generators; or (h) Generators fueled by municipal solid waste in conjunction with recycling.

How does Net Energy Billing Work?

A customer may accumulate unused kilowatt-hour credits and apply them against kilowatt-hour usage on a rolling 12-month basis. At the end of each 12-month period, any accumulated unused kilowatt-hour credits shall be eliminated and may not be applied against any future kilowatt-hour usage. The customer will receive no compensation for unused kilowatt-hour credits.

Does Net Energy Billing Apply to Generation?

A customer that has elected net energy billing may obtain generation service from any competitive electricity provider that agrees to provide service on a net energy basis. If the customer obtains service from the standard offer, the standard offer provider shall provide service on a net energy basis.

How Do I Get Started?

Bangor Hydro Electric has a standard contract (in word) for annualized customer net billing that is consistent with the provisions of the MPUC’s Chapter 313, Net Energy Billing (in pdf.) and MPUC Chapter 324, Small Generator Interconnection Procedures

Is there an application fee?

There is a $50.00 Application Fee for Level 1 Interconnection set by the MPUC under Chapter 324 § 8. G.

If you have any questions about Net Energy Billing please contact our Customer Service Center :