Powell council adopts WAMPA behind‑the‑meter policy to credit small producers; council to require permits and two‑way meters

The Powell City Council voted to adopt a proposed city policy implementing the Wyoming Municipal Power Agency (WAMPA) member credit distribution for behind‑the‑meter generation, such as rooftop solar and small wind.

Staff explained the city will receive generation credits from WAMPA and pass those credits to customers who produce energy. The proposed policy requires customers to obtain a billing permit, meet National Electrical Code and local permit requirements, and purchase and have inspected a two‑way meter. Staff told the council that customers without specified battery capacity would receive a slightly reduced per‑kilowatt-hour credit; meeting remarks included a staff figure of about a half‑cent per kWh as the adjustment discussed at the meeting. The policy also proposes issuing the credit as a bill credit at the end of the fiscal year rather than issuing small individual checks.

Zane, identified at the meeting as Powell’s WAMPA board representative, told the council the goal “was to take the credit as a member town from the agency and distribute that to those who produced it,” and that the policy attempts to recognize the additional value of battery storage to the system. Kayla, who prepared the written policy materials for staff, reviewed process steps for applicants and meter requirements.

After staff discussion and questions from council, a motion to approve the WAMPA policy statement for behind‑the‑meter generation was moved and seconded and recorded as carried.