Net metering registration begins
Photovoltaic solar installations provide 4.8% of Windhoek's power needs.
The City of Windhoek this week announced the start of the registration period for residents with photovoltaic (PV) installations, which will end on 30 May.
The announcement was made by its spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya.
“Following the gazetting of the net metering rules in November 2016, the City will commence to implement the net metering rules effective 1 July 2017. The City has a database of all customers who have registered their grid-connected PV solar installations and have the correct bi-directional electricity meter installed that enables us to implement the rules as gazetted,” she said.
She also cautioned customers with PV installations who had not yet registered that their installations would need to be inspected to ensure compliance.
According to her, failure to register amounted to a criminal offence that could incur an N$8 000 fine.
City chief engineer for systems Petrus Johannes added: “We will treat energy providers that have not registered as illegal. It can be a safety hazard and it is punishable by law.
“The whole idea is that we have the right installation that can do net-metering. We also have to report to the Electricity Control Board about the locations of the various installations across the city.”
Explaining how net metering works, he said registered customers would be credited for the electricity they fed into the system, provided that their consumption did not exceed supply. Net metering only applies to customers with a net capacity of 500 kilovolt amperes (kVA) installed.
According to Johannes, 151 customers have registered already, who generate about 7 700 kVA combined.
Of the 151, 76 are domestic or residential customers, 32 are small business while the remaining 43 are large businesses. Customers with PV installations provide 4.8% of the city's energy needs.
Amutenya said registration would take place at the municipality's electrical department.
OGONE TLHAGE
The announcement was made by its spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya.
“Following the gazetting of the net metering rules in November 2016, the City will commence to implement the net metering rules effective 1 July 2017. The City has a database of all customers who have registered their grid-connected PV solar installations and have the correct bi-directional electricity meter installed that enables us to implement the rules as gazetted,” she said.
She also cautioned customers with PV installations who had not yet registered that their installations would need to be inspected to ensure compliance.
According to her, failure to register amounted to a criminal offence that could incur an N$8 000 fine.
City chief engineer for systems Petrus Johannes added: “We will treat energy providers that have not registered as illegal. It can be a safety hazard and it is punishable by law.
“The whole idea is that we have the right installation that can do net-metering. We also have to report to the Electricity Control Board about the locations of the various installations across the city.”
Explaining how net metering works, he said registered customers would be credited for the electricity they fed into the system, provided that their consumption did not exceed supply. Net metering only applies to customers with a net capacity of 500 kilovolt amperes (kVA) installed.
According to Johannes, 151 customers have registered already, who generate about 7 700 kVA combined.
Of the 151, 76 are domestic or residential customers, 32 are small business while the remaining 43 are large businesses. Customers with PV installations provide 4.8% of the city's energy needs.
Amutenya said registration would take place at the municipality's electrical department.
OGONE TLHAGE
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article