Net Metering

Can I generate my own electricity?

Mason County PUD No. 3 offers a program called "Net Metering" to customers who want to generate some of their own electricity while still connected to the PUD 3 distribution system. Customers can receive credit for electricity that they generate on site that exceeds their own electricity consumption needs.

Do I qualify?

In Washington state, residential or small commercial electricity consumers in good standing who generate at least some of their electricity is eligible for net metering. The program is established on a first-come, first-serve basis for customers who meet the following requirements:

• The generating system must be 100 kilowatts or less.
• The power shall be generated on the customer's premises. Generating resources include: solar; wind; hydropower; biogas from animal waste; or combined heat and power unit electric generating system.
• The customer must submit a completed application and agree to follow the PUD's net metering policies.
• A customer participating in the program must provide at their own expense, power conditioning, connection and safety equipment that meet PUD specifications.

How does net metering work?

Net metering measures the difference between the electricity purchased by a customer from Mason County PUD No. 3 and the excess electricity produced by a small generation unit. A meter will track the difference as a customer generates excess power or receives electricity from the PUD 3 system.

The PUD will read the meter as normal. Under the net metering arrangement, if a customer uses more electricity than they produce, they will be billed for the consumption at the appropriate rate class. If the generation exceeds consumption and is fed back into the PUD system, the customer receives a credit for the excess generation.

How can I get more information?

For more information on net metering with Mason County PUD No. 3, please contact PUD 3 engineering at 360-426-0888.