Billing Questions
Unless you install an off-grid Renewable Generation System enabling you to completely disconnect from the energy grid, you will always receive an electric bill from Clay Electric. Clay Electric will continue to provide electricity to your account, which is consumed by you when/if your renewable energy system generates less than is used during the daily/monthly billing cycle. Even if you do not consume any power from the utility grid during the billing cycle, you will still be charged an access charge and any additional charges related to Clay Electric services you have chosen. When your RGS/Solar system generates more power/electricity than what you consume during the daily/monthly billing cycle, that power is classified as “excess generation” and will be instantly bought back at current wholesale base rates, which will reflect as a credit on your next electric bill.
No. Your bill does not show the total amount of energy your system generates. The electricity your system generates is first consumed by your home/business to power appliances, electronics, lights, etc. Only your NET excess generation - the unused generation your system provided onto the grid - shows on your bill as excess generation buy back (REC reading on your net meter). Excess generation is treated the same as power plant generation and is instantly bought back at current wholesale base rates, which will show as a credit on your electric bill.
Other Questions
Clay Electric does not monitor the generation of your system. Our meters record the amount of kWh consumed in excess of your generation (DEL=delivered kWh from grid), the amount of kWh generated in excess of your consumption (REC=received kWh to grid from your system). Total “off-set” happens when your RGS/Solar system is generating enough power to nullify your consumption from the utility grid. (This power is not captured by the net meter, as your home/business is solely being powered by your RGS/Solar system during this occurrence.)
RGS/Solar systems Interconnected prior to May 1, 2022, have been “grandfathered” into the old “banked” net meter program until year 2037 and will also have a net balance reading. (DEL-REC=NET, with possible kWh credits)
Any “grandfathered” account that changes for any reason will lose its “grandfathered” status and will revert to the “avoided cost” net billing program.
Some common issues:
- If you see a “0” on your excess generation reading on your monthly electric bill, most likely there may be a problem with your solar/RGS system and/or you may have an issue with an appliance using more power than what your solar/RGS system can produce.
- Single inverter systems – Check main inverter for proper operation and/or present alarms. Please reach out to your contractor.
- Micro inverter systems – Check your solar/RGS application to view each panel to see if there are any that are not working and/or producing their expected kW production. Please reach out to your contractor.
- Ensure all system breakers and disconnect switches are on (not tripped). If tripped, reach out to your RGS/Solar Contractor.
- Did your consumption needs change? (e.g. Added an electric vehicle, RV or pool; changed number of people in your home; etc.)
- Although meters are tested and certified to be 100 percent accurate (+/-2%), RGS/Solar contractors should still evaluate the proper operation of the system.
