The Municipality of Summerland is accepting new applications for its Distributed Generation (net Metering) Program after council made changes to the criteria.

The revisions were made at the April 15 Summerland council meeting.

鈥淭here is a lot of interest in Summerland in sustainable energy and the net metering program is a good example of how the district and residents can work together to make a difference,鈥� said Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes. 

鈥淪mall-scale rooftop solar complements large-scale initiatives like our battery and solar project, all of which served to demonstrate how Summerland is a proactive forward-thinking community.鈥�

Net metering is a billing agreement where residents who generate their own electricity can offset their electrical bills by sending excess power to the grid.

The initiative was launched in 2019 to encourage the early adoption of home renewable energy systems. These systems include rooftop solar panels.

The program was put on hold in July 2024, pending a program review.

In its first five years, the program saw 134 participants and numerous requests to expand the program parameters to include non-residential participants and larger capacity electrical services.

Under the changes to the program, existing participants can continue under the previous program conditions, at least until council has further opportunity to explore the strategic elements of renewable energy.

At the April 15 meeting, public comments on the program, along with municipal staff presentations and discussion among council members, accounted for around two hours of the afternoon meeting. 

The program will also be opened to new participants, following revised criteria.

Under the new criteria, all rate classes will be permitted, services larger than 200 amps will be permitted, a one-time bi-directional meter will be billed at cost and the banked energy rate will be set at the wholesale rate.

The resolution received unanimous council support.

Residents considering installing solar or other renewable systems are encouraged to stay informed through the municipal website at .