News

Net metering simply refers to the ability of a meter to “spin backwards” when a customer with an on-site fuel cell or solar PV system is generating power and putting it into the electricity grid. When they draw power from the grid, the meter goes forward again – in this way, the customer is charged only for the “net” power they take from their utility, over and above the amount they deliver to the grid.

In November Chicago residents will determine whether or not the city will be able to negotiate for energy with non-utility alternative retail electric suppliers (ARES) for residential energy consumers. Although the measure could save consumers money and advance the Illinois energy market, the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) ensures "aggregation in Illinois has little chance of driving new construction of wind or solar power."