Montana

The Montana Electric Cooperatives' Association (MECA) adopted model interconnection guidelines in 2001 and a revised net-metering policy in September 2008. Net metering is available in whole or part by most of the 26 electric cooperatives in Montana. A map of the service areas of each of member cooperative is available on the MECA web site. To determine if a specific cooperative offers net metering, view the MECA map to obtain contact information for that cooperative.

Under the model policy, customers who generate electricity using a renewable source including, but not limited to, wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric or fuel cells are eligible for net metering. Net metering is defined as the interconnection of member-owned generation from a renewable resource to the cooperative's facilities, in which the generation output of energy not used at the service is netted against the energy delivered by the cooperative within the following guidelines:

• The cooperative will not purchase energy produced by the member.
• The maximum individual system capacity is 10 kilowatts (kW).
• Member generation is intended primarily to offset part or all of the member’s own electrical requirements.
• Costs associated with interconnection and administering net metering are the responsibility of the customer-generator.
• A standard meter may be allowed to turn the direction the power flows. Two meters may be required if needed for automated meter-reading systems.
• Customer net excess generation (NEG) may be carried over to the next monthly billing period.
• At the end of the 12 month billing period, any remaining unused kilowatt-hours (kWh) must be granted to the cooperative.
• Owners of net-metered systems will be assessed monthly for cooperative costs and expenses, including distribution and transmission costs and expenses.
• Customer-generators must sign an interconnection agreement with the cooperative.