NEIA pleased utilities have submitted net metering policy applications to Public Utilities Board

For Immediate Release
January 5, 2017

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is pleased that both Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro have submitted net metering policy applications to the Public Utilities Board (PUB).

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. Net metering, paired with investments in renewable energy systems, can reduce energy costs for customers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Net metering will be an important energy policy not just for our members, but also for energy consumers and the economy at large,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “It will allow businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador to provide their green energy solutions locally; remove barriers to competitiveness for companies in comparison to those in other jurisdictions; and support local firms in testing and marketing their products and services internationally where small scale green energy compatibility is expected of them.”

Hanley says NEIA is encouraged that the submissions were made before the end of 2016, as planned. “We are pleased that the timelines as communicated to our membership in 2016 were met. The willingness of the Department of Natural Resources to engage and inform industry on its expectations and progress is helping firms in Newfoundland and Labrador properly plan in to the future.”

“The PUB is in control of the next steps in the process,” says Hanley. The PUB is an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body which will evaluate the utilities’ proposals to ensure the policies outlined will not negatively impact ratepayers in the province. “We are looking forward to the PUB starting its analysis on the net metering applications, and are hopeful for a timely review.”

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

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org