If you install solar panels or another renewable energy system, consider how your bill may change.
If you’re thinking about installing renewable energy at your home, please review information on eligibility, installation considerations, and application instructions for renewable energy at your home or business. The application process is in place to ensure your system meets safety and reliability standards to keep your family, our crews, and all AES Ohio customers safe.
What is net metering?
Net metering is the difference between how much energy AES Ohio delivers to you and how much energy we receive from you. The difference is measured by a net meter installed by AES Ohio after your renewable energy system is connected to the grid and your interconnection is approved. The interconnection process is necessary to ensure your system is operating in parallel with AES Ohio’s delivery system.
NOTE: Unless you have batteries or other energy storage technology, the energy cannot be stored. Excess energy is pushed back onto the AES Ohio grid.
How does net metering affect my bill?
If you produce your own energy (also known as distributed generation), there may be times when you produce more energy than you need. The energy that you do not use goes back onto the grid to be used by others. The AES Ohio net meter measures not only how much energy we deliver to your home, but also how much energy you put back on the grid.
AES Ohio measures how much energy is delivered to customers and how much energy is received from customers through the meter. AES Ohio does not measure how much energy your renewable system produces, or how much energy you consume from your system. Additional usage details will be available on your bill, including Actual, Received and Net usage. Learn More
Your bill is calculated based on the Net usage as detailed on your bill. Customers who generate an excess energy amount greater than their delivered amount will receive a generation credit for the excess energy in that billing month. This generation credit will be based on the Standard Offer Rate unless you have a net meter contract with an alternate generation supplier.
The amount of energy you use is not likely to change based on the installation of a renewable energy system. Depending on your energy needs, your AES Ohio bill could decrease if less energy is delivered by AES Ohio.
AES Ohio does not install renewable energy at your home. Customers are responsible for the cost to install solar panels or other renewable energy systems. AES Ohio charges a $95 one-time fee to exchange the existing utility meter with a net meter. Additionally, there is an application fee to review your application to ensure your interconnection meets AES Ohio's safety and reliability standards. The average total cost for AES Ohio-related charges for a residential customer is $130.
Additional information
This policy video from the Edison Electric Institute explains net metering and the associated costs for customers and utilities. If you have additional questions, please email aesohiointerconnection@aes.com.