Renewable Energy, Rebates & Net Metering
Renewable Energy: For Sangre de Cristo Electric members interested in installing renewable energy devices, we encourage you to do your own careful research as opposed to relying solely on the advice of media outlets or renewable vendors. While these devices may help you reduce your electric bill, a home energy audit with suggested energy efficiency measures may have the same or even better results and cost less. In general, producing your own power will cost about twice as much as our residential service rate, so making an informed decision is very important. If you have further questions about renewable energy, or would like to discuss our own Wind Turbine and Solar PV demonstration projects, call Member Services at (800) 933-3823 or (719) 395-2412.
Rebates: In 2010, the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) will directly administer their own Renewable Energy Rebate Program. At Sangre de Cristo Electric, it is our job to provide the most economical service possible to all our members. Although we successfully participated in the past GEO rebate programs, at this time of economic hardship, we have decided that spending co-op dollars to give rebates to a few consumers may not be the most economical way to meet our renewable portfolio standard requirements. Sangre de Cristo electric has therefore opted not to participate in this year’s GEO rebate program.
For details on renewable energy rebates as well as energy efficiency rebates use the following link to obtain details:
http://www.colorado.gov/energy/index.php?/resources/category/rebates/
Your renewable device may also be eligible for federal tax credits depending upon your tax status. As tax laws change frequently, contact the IRS or your personal tax advisor.
Net Metering: If you decide to install a renewable energy device, you should give strong consideration into installing a Net Meter. This type of meter will record your consumption from us as well as your own renewable generation, and you will only be billed for the net difference. If you are able to generate more than you consume, the excess kWh will be rolled forward on a monthly basis. At the end of a calendar year, if you have a net excess of kWh, you will be compensated for that excess generation using our average wholesale cost for that calendar year. There is a fee for the Net Meter and its installation, as well as insurance and inspection requirements.
It is vitally important that you notify Sangre de Cristo Electric when you install ANY renewable generation resource that has potential to feed back into Sangre De Cristo Electric’s system. Whether you net-meter or not, we will need to ensure that proper shut-off equipment is installed to protect the lives of our employees. If our lineman do not know about your renewable generation resource and assume they are working on a de-energized line, life- or limb-threatening accidents could occur.
If you require further information about Net Metering contact our Engineering Department at (800) 933-3823 or (719) 395-2412.
