Questions and answers about the net metering option for self-generators

• What is self-generation?
• How does the net metering rate option work?
• What types of customers are eligible for net metering?
• What is the maximum amount of electricity that customers can generate?
• What kinds of energy are eligible?
• Can self-generators sell their electricity to Hydro-Québec?
• Are self-generators responsible for the cost of installing their generating equipment?
• What are the benefits of the net metering option?
• Why doesn't Hydro-Québec purchase self-generation from solar installations at $0.42/kWh, as Ontario does?

• What is self-generation?

  Self-generators produce electricity from their own generating facilities to meet some or all of their energy needs. To support this type of initiative, Hydro-Québec offers its customers the net metering rate option.

  
• How does the net metering rate option work?

  This rate option allows eligible self-generators to feed their surplus power into the Hydro-Québec grid in exchange for credits in kilowatthours. These credits are applied to the self-generator's electricity bill. Inversely, if customers do not generate enough power for their needs, they can draw electricity from the grid and benefit from the reliability of Hydro-Québec's power supply.

  Aside from their electricity bill, payable by the due date, Hydro-Québec sends its customers a statement with a detailed breakdown of the electricity they have consumed.

  
• What types of customers are eligible for net metering?

  Residential customers, farmers billed at Rate D or DM and small-power business customers billed at Rate G (without billing demand) who are able to generate electricity from a renewable energy source can choose the net metering option.

  These customers must operate their own generating equipment, located on the same premises as at the delivery point stated on their electricity service contract.

  
• What is the maximum amount of electricity that customers can generate?

  Self-generators must generate power to meet their own needs without systematically generating surplus electricity.

  The rated power of their facilities must not exceed the maximum billing demand specified in their contract (50 kW for rates D and DM and 50 kW for rate G).

  
• What kinds of energy are eligible?

  Only renewable energy sources are eligible:

  • Hydropower
  • Wind power
  • Solar energy (photovoltaic)
  • Bioenergy (biogas or forest biomass)
  • Geothermal energy (for electricity generation only)
  
• Can self-generators sell their electricity to Hydro-Québec?

  No. The regulations currently in effect do not allow Hydro-Québec to buy electricity without calling for tenders. However, self-generators may feed their surplus power into the Hydro-Québec grid according to certain well-defined criteria. In exchange, Hydro-Québec will grant them credits in kilowatthours. Customers can thus reduce their electricity bills during periods when their consumption exceeds their capacity to generate power.

  
• Are self-generators responsible for the cost of installing their generating equipment?

  Yes. Customers must assume all the costs of installing their generating equipment, as well as a $400 inspection fee set by the Régie de l'énergie, while complying with the Distributor's commercial and technical requirements.

  
• What are the benefits of the net metering option?

  The option has many advantages for self-generators. Through it, they can

  • reduce their electricity bills
  • maintain a certain degree of independence in terms of their ability to generate electricity
  • count on a reliable, continuous supply if the power they generate is not sufficient to meet their needs
  • have the possibility of feeding surplus power into the Hydro-Québec grid
  • maintain the rate conditions for the service life of their facilities.
  
• Why doesn't Hydro-Québec purchase self-generation from solar installations at $0.42/kWh, as Ontario does?

  Hydro-Québec offers the net metering rate option to support self-generation. It is not for the purpose of electricity supply. This option is designed to help customers meet all or part of their energy needs, not to sell their surplus power to the Distributor. In Ontario, the situation is very different. Since that province's energy mix is less diversified, the conditions governing self generation are different.