San Diego Community Power explains net energy metering, 12-month true-up and surplus compensation

A San Diego Community Power staff member explained how net energy metering billing works for customers with rooftop solar, including monthly credits, a 12-month true-up and potential net surplus compensation at a bonus rate higher than SDG&E.

The presentation said customers who generate more electricity than they use in a month receive credits that offset later usage. "If your system generates more energy than you use in a month, you get credits," the staff member said. If a customer's credits do not cover usage in a given month, San Diego Community Power will bill the customer for the difference.

Under the arrangement described, usage is reconciled over a 12-month period. At the end of that 12-month period the utility calculates net usage; if a customer has generated more energy than they used over the full year, they may receive net surplus compensation. The presenter said San Diego Community Power's bonus rate for net surplus compensation "is always higher than SDG&E's." The staff member also noted that solar can lower customers' bills: "Going solar doesn't just help the planet, it helps your wallet too."

The remarks in the recording provided an overview of billing mechanics but did not specify detailed calculation examples, exact dates for the 12-month true-up window, enrollment steps, or how the bonus rate is set or updated. No formal actions, votes, or policy changes were recorded in the excerpt provided.