Net Metering.
Columbus City Codes § 1163.24
in effect1163.24 - Net Metering.
(a) Availability of Service. Net metering shall be available to all Division of Power customers who:
(1) Purchase their electric energy and service from the Division of Power under the applicable rate class set forth in Sections 1163.04 through 1163.077; and
(2) Host distributed generation that uses advanced energy resources as defined in Section 1163.24(b).
(b) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) "Advanced Energy Resources" means generation produced by fuel cells, waste-to energy generation, low-impact hydropower, wind power, biomass, landfill gas, solar photovoltaic, and solar thermal resources.
(2) "Distributed Generation" is electrical generation located on the customer's premises that:
A. Is primarily intended to offset part or all of the customer's own electrical requirements on the premises;
B. Is interconnected with the Division of Power's electric system in compliance with the terms of division (c) of this section; and
C. Operates in parallel with the Division's distribution system.
(3) "Net energy" is the difference, positive or negative, between the amount of electricity supplied by the Division of Power to the customer through the Division's electric distribution system and the amount of electricity generated by the customer's distributed generation which is fed back into the Division's electric distribution system.
(4) "Net metering" is a method of measuring the difference, positive or negative, between the kilowatt hours of electricity supplied by the Division of Power to the customer through the Division's electric distribution system and the kilowatt hours of electricity generated by the customer's distributed generation which is fed back into the Division's electric distribution system.
(c) Conditions of Service. The following requirements apply to net metering:
(1) Interconnection. No customer shall connect distributed generation to the Division of Power's distribution system except upon the Division's approval of a written application in a form prescribed by the Division. The customer shall be responsible for the permitting, design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the distributed generation; the costs of any necessary modification of the Division's facilities; payment of the Division's cost to review the application and perform any necessary studies; and any additional terms or conditions included in the application or in the Division's approval of the application.
(2) The City shall not be liable directly or indirectly for permitting or allowing the connection of the customer's distributed generation to the Division of Power's distribution system or for the acts or omissions of the customer's distributed generation that cause property damage, loss, injury, or death to any person.
(3) Metering.
A. Metering shall be accomplished using a single meter capable of registering the flow of electricity in each direction.
B. The Division of Power shall install and test revenue quality metering equipment, if needed.
C. The Division of Power shall own, operate, test, and maintain such metering equipment and shall bear the costs associated with the purchase, installation, operation, testing, and maintenance of the metering equipment.
(d) Billing and Charges.
(1) Monthly energy charges. Monthly energy charges shall be determined according to the applicable rate class as provided for in Chapter 1163 and associated rules and regulations.
(A) If a customer's net energy is positive during a billing month, the energy charge of the customer's applicable rate class shall be calculated using the customer's net energy for the billing month. All other charges shall be applicable and charged as set forth in the Division of Power's rate schedule and calculated in accordance therewith.
(B) If a customer's net energy is negative during a billing month, only the energy charge of the customer's rate class shall be offset using the customer's net energy supplied to the Division of Power's system. All other charges shall be applicable and charged as set forth in the Division of Power's rate schedule and calculated in accordance therewith. If the customer's net energy under its rate schedule is negative during the billing month, the negative net energy shall be allowed to accumulate as a credit to offset energy charges the customer incurs in future billing months.
(2) Additional Charges. The customer shall pay any additional charges applicable to the customer's rate class, including but not limited to, maximum demand charge based on energy delivered to the customer, and any charges for equipment, labor, metering, testing or inspections requested by the customer.
(e) Director of Columbus Water & Power's Authority. The Director of Columbus Water & Power shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations to facilitate net metering and the interconnection of distributed generation of advanced energy resources, including community solar, within the Division of Power's customer base.
(Ord. No. 0550-2024, § 3, 4-15-2024; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)
Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT11WASEELCO_CH1163MUELRA_1163.24NEMEFetched: 10/27/2026