Efficiency & Environment
Interconnection & Net Energy Metering
The Net Energy Metering (NEM) Program has reached its cap and is closed, effective January 1, 2018. See the Net Energy Metering (NEM) Program Closure section below for more information.
Before You Get Started
Effective January 1, 2017, BVES, Inc. will no longer allow customers to install their solar systems directly to a sub-panel, due to safety concerns and EUSERC requirements. See EUSERC Drawing 502 for compliance requirements.
The information in our Net Energy Metering (NEM) / "Customer Solar" Section will be helpful in answering most of your questions about Net Energy Metering and customer generation. This section has information for Residential & Small Commercial customers (30 kW or less), and Large Commercial customers (30 kW or more but no more than 1,000 kW).
What You Need To Apply
Please complete the forms included below prior to installation.
Application for Interconnection
Preliminary Service Request (PSR) - for Electric Service Panel Inspection
Before solar is built or installed, the Engineering Inspector needs to inspect the eletric meter panel to determine if the panel is complaint to today's standards (i.e. EUSERC rated).
Form 41 - Net Surplus Compensation
Required Plaques
BVES, Inc. requires that the electric service panel, AC disconnect and DC disconnect (when applicable) be labeled with plaques that meet the following requirements:
Red, hard plastic and permanently affixed
White engraving that is clearly legible
Cautionary language
Electric Service Panel Requirements and Example:
Diagram of the structure on which the generation device is located
Language denoting all electric power sources on or in the premises
See example: Service Panel Plaque
AC Disconnect Requirements and Example:
Nominal operating AC voltage
Nominal operating AC frequency
Maximum AC power
Maximum AC current
Maximum overcurrent device rating for AC module protection
See example: AC Disconnect
DC Disconnect Requirements and Example:
Open circuit voltage
Operating voltage
Maximum system voltage
Operating current
Short circuit current
Maximum power
See example: DC Disconnect
*If the above requirements are not met, permission to interconnect may be delayed by BVES, Inc.
Helpful Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About NEM and Net Surplus Compensation (relatively new features of NEM):
Tariff Schedule NEM
The NEM rate described on this schedule explains how NEM works. The otherwise applicable tariff (OAT) doesn’t change but the way the Customer’s bill is calculated will change. Please read Sec. 5a that refers to system sizing and contact BVES, Inc. if you have any questions. The system must be sized primarily to offset part or all of the customer’s own electrical requirements.
Sample Draft of Interconnection Agreement
For customer review only (please do not fill this out)
After BVES, Inc. receives a signed "job card" from the appropriate regulatory authority (city or county, depending on locale), BVES, Inc. performs a final inspection of the new wind or solar system. Once that is complete, BVES, Inc. countersigns and fully executes the Interconnection Agreement. The date BVES, Inc. executes the agreement is the first date of the 12 month "Relevant period." BVES, Inc. fills out the Interconnection Agreement based on the information supplied in the Application for Interconnection.
Rule 21 (applies to interconnection to the BVES, Inc. system)
This is a utility’s formal set of rules for interconnecting to the BVES, Inc. system. Applicable only if you are actually planning to move forward with installing generation.
To receive additional information, please contact the Public Purpose Program Coordinator at 800.808.BVES (2837).
Net Energy Metering (NEM) Program Closure
The Net Energy Metering (NEM) Program has reached its cap and is closed, effective January 1, 2018.
Customers with pending NEM projects must have them approved by BVES, Inc. and interconnected no later than February 15, 2018. Customers who are not interconnected by February 15, 2018 will not be accepted under the current NEM Program.
BVES, Inc. is currently considering options for a long-term alternative to the NEM Program.
In accordance with the California Public Utilities Commission, regulated utilities like BVES, Inc. are required to offer the NEM program until solar energy generated from the program reaches five-percent of its non-coincident peak demand, which occurred in October 2016.
Current NEM Customers
Customers whose solar and/or wind projects are interconnected before the NEM closure will remain on the original NEM tariff for 20 years from the date of their original interconnection to BVES, Inc. After 20 years, they will be eligible for the successor tariff. Eligible customers who apply for solar and/or wind interconnection after the successor tariff is approved will qualify for that tariff.