I've got a commercial client in Savannah with a 150kW solar array installed last year. Georgia Power is crediting them under Schedule NM-2, but the math isn't adding up. They're showing net excess generation of 2,847 kWh for July, but only crediting at $0.0847/kWh instead of the full retail rate. The tariff clearly states net excess should get full retail credit. Has anyone else seen GP playing games with the NEM calculations? This is costing my client about $180/month.
Georgia Power's Net Metering Credit Calculation - Something's Off
Lee, I've seen similar issues with Duke Energy here in Charlotte. They love to bury the real NEM rate in the fine print. Check if Georgia Power is applying time-of-use differentials to the credit calculation. Sometimes they'll credit excess generation at off-peak rates even if it was generated during on-peak hours. Also verify they're not deducting grid access charges from the credit amount.
Had a nightmare case with APS here in Phoenix last year. They were crediting net excess at their avoided cost rate ($0.03/kWh) instead of retail rate ($0.12/kWh). Took three months of back-and-forth to get them to acknowledge the error. Make sure you're looking at the right rate schedule - sometimes they automatically enroll larger systems in wholesale rates without telling the customer.
Derek, you nailed it! They were applying TOU credits incorrectly. The system generates most power during on-peak hours (12-7pm) but GP was crediting everything at off-peak rates. Found the error buried in line item 47 of the detailed billing analysis. Sarah, that APS case sounds exactly like what we're dealing with. Did you have to file with the PSC or did they fix it internally?
We threatened PSC action and suddenly their "billing department" found the error. Got 8 months of back-credits totaling $3,247. The key was documenting every kWh of generation with timestamps and cross-referencing against their published TOU periods. Georgia Power will probably fold once you show them the math.
This is exactly why I always request the detailed NEM calculation spreadsheet upfront. TVA here in Knoxville has been pretty straight with their Generation Partners program, but I've heard horror stories from other territories. Lee, make sure you're also checking if they're properly accounting for the customer charge exemption under NM-2. Some utilities conveniently forget about that part.
Update: Filed a formal complaint with the Georgia PSC yesterday. Georgia Power has 30 days to respond. In the meantime, found two other clients with similar issues - seems like this is systematic rather than isolated. If anyone else has GP solar clients, might be worth a closer look at their August-September bills.
Keep us posted on the PSC response, Lee. TVA's been eyeing changes to their net metering rules and I'd hate to see them follow GP's lead. The precedent you set here could affect all of us down the road.