As part of its initiative in support of renewable energy, Connecticut recently implemented a virtual net metering program, expanding the ability of certain customers to benefit from behind-the-meter, or distributed, generation projects. The program, however, was limited in scope and size, and is already partially oversubscribed, leaving developers and customers with projects in the pipeline waiting to see if the legislature will further expand its availability.
In the meantime, during their most recent session, state legislators established a community net metering pilot program, again expanding the ability of certain customers to get their electricity from renewable distributed generation projects, and again limiting the program in scope and duration. Although these limited programs serve the purpose of incentivizing additional smaller-scale renewable development in the state, it remains to be seen whether expanded net metering will become a permanent part of our state’s sustainable energy future.
