EP Electric, City Work Out Net Metering Deal For Solar Customers

El Paso Electric has reached a deal with the customers who bought solar panels but were still paying for electricity, even when they produced more than they used.

The utility company had said that because of a new state law they would no longer allow net metering. That’s the practice that enables you to balance out your bill or pay nothing if you produce enough electricity with your solar panels.

Nearly 40 residents who invested up to $20,000 in solar energy were still getting hefty electric bills. That’s because the electric company was buying back electricity the customers produced at a rate of about 3cents for every kilowatt hour, but still charging the customers 10 cents for every kilowatt hour they used.

After weeks of talk with the city, the electric company has agreed to allow the customers, if approved by the legislature, to balance out their bill and not have to pay if they produce the energy they use.

El Paso Electric will also amp up their rebate program which means these customers will be receiving a $1,000 to $10,000 check, but the electric company will not allow the customers to hold onto or use their extra electricity they produce for another time.

“When they produce electricity, it’s going into somebody’s home — and it goes instantaneous. When they need electricity, we’re taking it off a grid, or buying it, or something’s. So, basically, we’re trying to use the energy as it’s produced,” said Richard Fleager, senior vice president of customer care and external affairs for El Paso Electric.

The higher rebates are a sure thing, but the deal that will allow the net metering has to be approved by state lawmakers.

The city and El Paso Electric plan to work with the El Paso delegation so that the legislation passes and can be implemented in September.

“El Paso has the best solar resource, arguably the best in the country, and we cannot be losing that resource because of backward policy,” said Victor Reyes, a customer.