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Council hears plan for BP&L net‑metering pilot; software costs remain unknown
Summary
Staff proposed a BP&L net‑metering program for about 24 customers that would allow solar customers to sell excess power back to the grid; meter reprogramming estimated at about $800 per meter but billing-system upgrade costs remain an open question tied to LCRA wholesale obligations.
City Manager Sylvia told council that Bastrop Power & Light will explore a distributed generation/solar net‑metering policy to let customers sell excess generation back to the grid. Staff estimates the program would affect roughly 24 meters initially and noted meter reprogramming costs near $800 per meter; the larger unknown is the cost to upgrade the utility billing system and ensure the city remains financially neutral given its LCRA wholesale relationship.
"We need to adopt a, solar panel and distributed generation information," Sylvia said, noting administrative work and policy drafting are underway. She cautioned the city must remain in a neutral net position with LCRA when crediting customers for exported energy and described a small example customer saving of $22.09 under one modeled bill scenario.
Council discussion focused on implementation sequencing and budget implications for meter and billing upgrades. No formal policy adoption occurred at the workshop; staff said drafts are prepared and further work will determine costs and timeline for a pilot implementation.
