Programs for Small Solar, Community and Other Renewable Energy Projects
In 2019, the Maine Legislature passed legislation to encourage the development of solar and other small renewable energy projects in the State. Programs are available that provide opportunities for both residential and non-residential customers to participate in these projects, including ones that allow customers to share the costs and benefits of small solar or other types of renewable energy, sometimes referred to as “Community” projects.
There are two programs available for small solar and other renewable energy projects: Net Energy Billing (NEB) and Distributed Generation (DG). Within each program, there are structured opportunities for both residential and non-residential customers.
- NEB Kilowatt-Hour Credit program - Available to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Customers may choose to have their own project or to share in a project with other customers. Provides kWh credits on participating customers’ electricity bills.
- NEB Tariff Rate program - Available to non-residential customers. Customers may choose to have their own project or to share in a project with other customers. Provides dollar credits on participating customers’ electricity bills.
On August 28, 2020, in Docket Number 2020-00014, the Commission declared the results of the procurement to be non-competitive. Per statute, the Commission is developing a report with recommendations to provide to the legislature. On November 10, the Commission delivered that report to the legislature. A full copy of that report can be found below.