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Net Metering
IFP’s net metering program is designed to allow our customers to generate electricity through the use of renewable energy sources while still maintaining connection to the City’s electrical grid, providing a reliable source of energy when the customer’s system is not generating sufficient energy to meet their demand for energy. It also allows our customers to offset their electricity consumption with the production of renewable energy and to deliver and sell excess electricity back to the City’s grid if their system generates more electricity than is needed. For more information, please email us.
- Program Requirements
- How Net Metering Works
- Prices and Payments
- Permits
- Tax Incentives
- Policies and Agreements
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Renewable Size & Limitations
System sizing must not exceed the facility’s average usage over the previous 12 months. Generating capacity is limited to 15 kilowatts for residential systems and 25 kilowatts for commercial facilities.
Wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro or fuel cell.
All systems must be installed in accordance with the standards outlined in Idaho Falls Power's
Required Forms
A construction permit from the City Building Department is required before modifying the electrical system on your home or business, and an Interconnection Agreement must be approved by Idaho Falls Power.
HOW NET METERING WORKS
A net meter operates the same a standard electric meter, unless the system is generating more energy than the house or business is using. In those situations, the excess power generated is delivered onto the City’s electrical grid, and Idaho Falls Power buys that excess power from the customer at the regular retail rate.
A net meter operates the same a standard electric meter, unless the system is generating more energy than the house or business is using. In those situations, the excess power generated is delivered onto the City’s electrical grid, and Idaho Falls Power buys that excess power from the customer at the regular retail rate.
NET METERING PRICES AND PAYMENTS
All residential customers pay a $16 monthly service charge. This charge is not tied to the amount of energy you consume from Idaho Falls Power.
Payment for power generated by your renewable system will depend upon the amount of power you generate and use.
If You Use More Energy Than You Generate
Your system’s generation will offset the amount of power that IFP delivers to your home. For every kilowatt-hour IFP delivers, you are charged IFP’s electric retail rate based on your classification, residential or commercial.
If Generate More Energy Than You Use
If at any point in time your system generates more than you are using, that electricity is delivered onto the City’s electrical grid and purchased at the regular electric rate. At the end of the billing cycle, if your system has sent more power onto the City’s electrical grid than has been consumed by your home, IFP purchases the surplus at the wholesale power price, which varies monthly.
All residential customers pay a $16 monthly service charge. This charge is not tied to the amount of energy you consume from Idaho Falls Power.
Payment for power generated by your renewable system will depend upon the amount of power you generate and use.
If You Use More Energy Than You Generate
Your system’s generation will offset the amount of power that IFP delivers to your home. For every kilowatt-hour IFP delivers, you are charged IFP’s electric retail rate based on your classification, residential or commercial.
If Generate More Energy Than You Use
If at any point in time your system generates more than you are using, that electricity is delivered onto the City’s electrical grid and purchased at the regular electric rate. At the end of the billing cycle, if your system has sent more power onto the City’s electrical grid than has been consumed by your home, IFP purchases the surplus at the wholesale power price, which varies monthly.
PERMITS FOR NET METERING
In addition to federal tax credits and low interest loans from the State of Idaho, the power generated will reduce the amount owed on your utility bill. Before you go out and buy solar panels, though, keep in mind that you'll need to submit your plan to Idaho Fall Power (IFP) for review and approval. You'll also need a permit through the city's Planning and Building Department. Once the equipment has been installed, IFP staff will install a new meter and related equipment.
In addition to federal tax credits and low interest loans from the State of Idaho, the power generated will reduce the amount owed on your utility bill. Before you go out and buy solar panels, though, keep in mind that you'll need to submit your plan to Idaho Fall Power (IFP) for review and approval. You'll also need a permit through the city's Planning and Building Department. Once the equipment has been installed, IFP staff will install a new meter and related equipment.
TAX INCENTIVES
Loans & Tax Deduction
To help cover your costs, Idaho's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources offers low-interest loans, 4% over five years, with a maximum cost of $15,000 for home equipment and $100,000 for businesses. For more information, call (208) 332-1660.
State Incentives
The state also offers an income tax deduction of 40% of the cost of installing most renewable energy generating equipment, including solar and wind. Idaho residents can also deduct 20% of the cost of the equipment each year after installation for three years. The maximum deduction in any one year is $5,000, and the total maximum deduction is $20,000. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy website for more information.
Federal Incentives
At the federal level, tax credits can cover 30% of the total cost, with no upper limit. Existing homes and new construction qualify, as do principal residences and second homes. Rentals do not qualify. The credits are good through 2016. Visit the Energy Star website for more information.
Loans & Tax Deduction
To help cover your costs, Idaho's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources offers low-interest loans, 4% over five years, with a maximum cost of $15,000 for home equipment and $100,000 for businesses. For more information, call (208) 332-1660.
State Incentives
The state also offers an income tax deduction of 40% of the cost of installing most renewable energy generating equipment, including solar and wind. Idaho residents can also deduct 20% of the cost of the equipment each year after installation for three years. The maximum deduction in any one year is $5,000, and the total maximum deduction is $20,000. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy website for more information.
Federal Incentives
At the federal level, tax credits can cover 30% of the total cost, with no upper limit. Existing homes and new construction qualify, as do principal residences and second homes. Rentals do not qualify. The credits are good through 2016. Visit the Energy Star website for more information.