NEIA excited by Public Utilities Board ruling on Net Metering

For Immediate Release
May 19, 2017

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is excited by the Public Utilities Board’s ruling yesterday approving Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s request to establish net metering programming in the province.

“The introduction of net metering in this province will enable growth in our renewable energy sector,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “It will provide electricity consumers with new options to lower their costs, and allow businesses a better opportunity to incorporate renewable energy in their products and services.”

Net metering is an energy policy which permits customers to use small-scale renewable energy sources to feed power into the distribution system during periods when they generate excess power – and draw power from the grid when their generation does not fully meet their needs.

“This is a policy the industry has been waiting on for a long time,” says Hanley. “NEIA has been advocating on behalf of its members for the introduction of net metering for many years.”

“We are very pleased with the government’s performance on this file,” says Hanley. “It made a commitment in 2016 to establish the policy. Since that time the Department of Natural Resources has communicated with industry on progress and expectations throughout the process.” Hanley says that such open communication between government and industry can lead to timely and relevant public policy and enable economic development.

Hanley says the next step will be for the utilities to finalize and implement their net metering programming. “NEIA looks forward to working with the utilities and our membership to ensure we are ready to meet the demands of energy customers in Newfoundland and Labrador.” The PUB’s ruling allows programming to be rolled out as soon as July 1, 2017.

A number of NEIA’s members provide renewable energy services and will be able to work with property owners to connect technologies to the electricity grid. Contact NEIA for more information.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at www.neia.org.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org