1. Why
doesn't MPEI subsidize alternative energy systems?
The MPEI
Board of Directors decided that alternative energy systems should pay their
share for reliable service. The board also decided that other members should
not subsidize this cost to benefit a few, and advocated that alternative energy
should compete with other energy sources on the same terms.
2. How
much more does an MPEI net metering system cost?
Additional costs include: a 200-amp, single-phase bi-directional meter ($200) and
a Turtle transmitter ($135).
3. How
will the metering be done to register energy provided by MPEI vs. energy
delivered to MPEI?
Typically
the customer’s electrician will install a single 200-amp meter socket; MPEI will
install a single bi-directional meter in the socket, which registers energy
flow in and out of the MPEI distribution system.
4. Why can't I just
run my meter backward for net metering?
In addition to the cost of purchased power, MPEI’s retail rates also include the
cost of transmitting power to your meter, the cost of substations and
transformers and other electrical equipment. MPEI buys power back from members once
a year. The amount is calculated by multiplying the number of kilowatt-hours produced
by MPEI’s net avoided cost per kilowatt-hour (i.e. MPEI’s average wholesale
purchased power cost).
5.
How much is MPEI’s avoided power cost (from
Tri-State G&T): the price that will be paid for energy delivered from an alternative
energy system into MPEI’s electric utility system?
In 2005, MPEI’s average wholesale cost of power was
$0.04683 per kilowatt-hour.
6. Why does MPEI
require a separate disconnect for solar/wind inverter systems near the meter?
This is required to ensure the safety of workers
who maintain the distribution system; it must be accessible at all times for restoration
work that cannot be scheduled in advance.
7. Who do I contact
for purchase of power for alternative systems rated more than 25 kilowatts?
Contact
Tri-State G&T (MPEI’s power supplier) at 303-452-6111 to negotiate a
purchase power contract and
MPEI’s Engineering Department (970-887-3378) for
interconnection requirements.