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MeteringSMECO customer-members who want to generate their own electricity can participate in the Cooperative’s net metering or generator interconnection programs.
Regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), these programs encourage investment in renewable distributed generation and provide a uniform interconnection application process for the state of Maryland.
To participate, a customer-member must submit a standardized application to SMECO detailing the proposed interconnection. The SMECO generator interconnection applications are provided below.
After SMECO approves the application, the customer can interconnect a properly designed system to the Cooperative’s electric distribution system to offset energy use in a single building. Through the net metering arrangement, the customer receives credits on SMECO electric bills for any excess energy supplied to other customers through the Cooperative’s electric distribution system. The net-metering program is only available for solar, wind, or biomass installations that generate less than two megawatts. Other non-renewable distributed generation technologies, such as cogeneration, micro-turbines, fuel cells, or internal combustion engine generators, may be eligible to interconnect to SMECO’s system as well, but these are not eligible for net metering.
Net metering – A method of crediting customers for electricity that the customer generates in excess of their own electricity consumption.
Distributed generation – Small, modular, grid-connected or off-grid energy systems located in or near the place where energy is used.
Renewable energy – Electricity supplied from renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, and various forms of biomass. These energy sources are considered renewable sources because their fuel sources are continuously replenished.
Residential customers who own and operate small emergency generators do not generally need to register with SMECO as long as the generator remains isolated from SMECO’s distribution system. Commercial customers who own similar generators should contact the Cooperative for assistance if SMECO electric service modifications are necessary to accommodate the generator installation. Any generator installed after 1999 that produces more than 373 kilowatts may need to apply to the PSC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) exemption. Contact SMECO for more information.
For general questions about generator interconnections and net metering, please contact Kevin Clark, Energy Analyst, at 301-274-4416.
For technical questions relating to generator interconnections and net metering, including registering, reviewing, and inspecting new or modified generator installations, please contact Herb Reigel, Director of System Planning and Standards, at 301-274-9299, extension 4004.
All interconnection applications must be sent to Herb Reigel at SMECO, via , via fax at 301-274-9296, or via mail at:
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative
Attention: Herb Reigel
System Engineering - Planning and Standards Division
P.O. Box 1937
Hughesville, Maryland 20637