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Customer generation FAQ

How is customer generation billed?

You will receive a bill that is similar to your existing electric bill.

For net metering systems, the kilowatt-hours (kWh) that you over produce, if any, will be identified on your bill. If you have excess over production, it will apply to future bills within the annual period.

What is included on my bill?

You will always receive a monthly electric bill because there is a basic charge each month. Your monthly bill covers the cost of energy you consume from the power grid per kWh (if your system does not cover your usage), reliable 24/7 power production, delivering power to your meter (poles, wires, field personnel to restore power during an outage, etc.) and customer support, as illustrated in the chart below. 

If your bill is higher than you expected, here are few things to consider:
  1. You use the energy your generation system is producing before any energy registers through the power grid. If your home or business is using more power than your generating system is producing, you will consume energy from the power grid. 
  2. Solar panels do not produce energy during nighttime hours – you still need electricity from the power grid. 
  3. Is your system clear of obstructions? Leaves and tree limbs can block sunlight. Do you live in an area that snows or is uncommonly dusty? Keeping your system clear of any debris and removing build-up is key to helping your system perform properly. 
  4. Did you make any changes in your home after you purchased your generation system?  Adding a new appliance or space heater can often increase your electricity usage.
  5. Anything that heats or cools, major appliances, or anything that has a motor will use the most electricity.
  6. When trying to determine why your bill is more than expected, consider season changes and if it has been colder or warmer than usual during winter or summer.
  7. If your home or business uses air conditioning in the summer, you may be consuming more power than your solar panels are producing even when there are more sunlight hours.
  8. Concerned your system is reporting higher production than what you see on your bill? Pacific Power can only track the amount of energy production that flows back to the power grid (over production). Pacific Power is unable to track the amount your system generates in total. 
  9. Don’t see any over production on your bill but feel you should? Please check to make sure your system is turned on. 

      If you have additional questions, please call us anytime at 1-888-221-7070.