Interview Questions for Net Metering Compliance

Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows customers who generate their own electricity, typically through solar panels, to send excess power back to the electricity grid and receive credits on their utility bill. Think of it like a two-way meter: it measures both the electricity you consume from the grid and the electricity you send back.

The benefits are numerous. For homeowners and businesses, it offers a way to reduce their electricity bills significantly, potentially even eliminating them entirely depending on their energy production. It also provides financial incentives for investing in renewable energy sources, helping to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability. For the utility companies, net metering can encourage distributed generation, improving grid reliability and potentially reducing the need for expensive grid upgrades.

For example, imagine a homeowner with a solar panel system. During the day, their panels generate more electricity than they consume. This excess energy flows back to the grid, and the utility company credits them for this contribution. Then, at night when the panels are not producing, they draw electricity from the grid. Their final bill reflects the net consumption – the difference between the energy consumed and the energy generated.

Net metering compensation structures vary widely depending on the jurisdiction. Common types include:

• One-to-one net metering: The most straightforward approach, where you receive credits at the full retail rate for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of excess energy you export to the grid. This is often considered the most beneficial for consumers.
• Net billing: Similar to one-to-one, but the credit rate may be slightly lower than the retail rate, sometimes reflecting the utility’s cost of avoided generation. This structure often reflects the cost of the energy the utility *avoids* having to produce.
• Wholesale rate compensation: The credit you receive is based on the wholesale price of electricity, which is usually significantly lower than the retail rate. This is generally less favorable to consumers.
• Fixed monthly credit system: This system may offer a flat monthly credit, irrespective of the actual energy exported. It simplifies billing but might not accurately reflect the value of the energy exported.
• Time-of-use (TOU) net metering: Credits are calculated based on the time of day the excess energy is exported, reflecting varying energy prices throughout the day.

The choice of compensation structure significantly impacts the financial returns on investment in renewable energy systems. A one-to-one net metering structure incentivizes investment the most, whereas a wholesale rate significantly diminishes the incentive.

Net metering faces several regulatory challenges. A key issue is the cost shift, where non-net metering customers (those without solar panels) may end up subsidizing the costs of net metering customers. This happens because the utility has to maintain the grid infrastructure for everyone, while only receiving partial revenue for the energy produced by net metering customers. This can lead to higher bills for non-net metering customers.

Another challenge is the impact on utility revenues and the need to recover fixed costs associated with grid maintenance. Utilities need to balance the benefits of promoting renewable energy with the need to maintain financial stability.

Technical challenges include integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like solar into the grid, and managing the bidirectional flow of electricity. Accurate metering and billing systems are essential for fair compensation.

Finally, policy and regulatory uncertainties can discourage investment in renewable energy systems. Frequent changes in net metering policies can make it difficult for individuals and businesses to plan long-term investments.

Net metering has a multifaceted impact on the electricity grid. On the positive side, it can improve grid stability and reliability by distributing generation closer to consumption points. This reduces the need for long-distance transmission lines and minimizes transmission losses.

However, it also presents challenges. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar means the grid needs to be able to handle fluctuating power supply. This requires smart grid technologies and potentially grid upgrades to manage the variable energy flow. Furthermore, without proper grid management, increased distributed generation from net metering can sometimes lead to voltage fluctuations and other grid instability issues.

Overall, net metering can contribute to a more resilient and distributed energy system, but effective grid management strategies are crucial for minimizing the negative impacts and maximizing the benefits.

Interconnection agreements are crucial for net metering. They define the technical requirements and safety procedures for connecting a customer’s distributed generation system (e.g., solar panels) to the utility grid. These agreements typically cover aspects such as:

• System design and safety requirements: Ensuring the customer’s system meets safety standards and doesn’t pose a risk to the grid or utility workers.
• Metering equipment: Specifying the type of meters needed to accurately measure the flow of energy in both directions.
• Ownership and maintenance responsibility: Clarifying who is responsible for maintaining the customer’s system and the interconnection equipment.
• Liability and insurance: Defining liability in case of system malfunctions or damages.
• Compensation structure: Outlining how the net metering credits will be calculated and applied.

Without a properly executed interconnection agreement, a customer’s renewable energy system cannot be legally connected to the grid, preventing them from participating in net metering programs.

Net metering credits are typically calculated based on the kWh of excess energy exported to the grid. The specific calculation method depends on the compensation structure (as discussed earlier). The credits are usually tracked using advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), which includes smart meters capable of measuring both energy consumption and generation. These meters automatically record the energy flow and transmit the data to the utility company.

Example: If a customer generates 150 kWh and consumes 100 kWh in a month, they would receive a credit for 50 kWh. The value of this credit would depend on the chosen compensation structure (e.g., retail rate, wholesale rate).

The utility company maintains detailed records of the credits accumulated, and these credits are typically applied to the customer’s future electricity bills. Some jurisdictions allow credits to roll over to subsequent billing cycles, while others may set limits on the amount of credit that can be accumulated.

Common billing issues associated with net metering include:

• Inaccurate metering: Faulty meters or data transmission errors can lead to incorrect credit calculations.
• Billing system errors: Software glitches or human error in processing the net metering data can result in inaccurate bills.
• Delayed credit application: Delays in applying the credits to the customer’s bill can cause confusion and frustration.
• Credit expiration or limits: Jurisdictions may have rules regarding the length of time credits can be accumulated or limits on the total amount of credits a customer can receive.
• Lack of transparency: Customers may find it difficult to understand how their net metering credits are calculated and applied.

These billing issues can be mitigated through regular meter calibration, robust billing system design, clear communication with customers, and readily available customer support channels.

Net metering’s impact on utility revenue is complex and multifaceted. Essentially, it reduces the revenue utilities would otherwise receive from selling electricity to customers. When a customer with solar panels generates more electricity than they consume, they send excess power back to the grid, receiving credit from the utility. This credit reduces the amount they owe for their net electricity consumption.

The magnitude of the revenue impact depends on several factors:

• Penetration rate of net metering: The higher the percentage of customers with net metering systems, the greater the potential revenue reduction for the utility.
• Size of solar systems: Larger systems generate more excess power, leading to more significant reductions in revenue.
• Net metering compensation rate: The rate at which utilities compensate customers for excess generation significantly affects the financial impact. A higher rate means greater revenue loss for utilities.
• Electricity demand patterns: The time of day when excess power is generated affects the impact. Excess power generated during peak demand hours reduces the need for utilities to generate expensive power from peaker plants, potentially mitigating the revenue loss.

Utilities often conduct detailed cost-benefit analyses to assess the long-term impact of net metering on their revenue streams, considering factors such as potential customer growth and reduced need for grid upgrades.

Net metering monitoring relies on a combination of technologies to accurately track energy flow between the customer’s system and the utility grid. These include:

• Smart Meters: These are advanced meters that provide two-way communication, enabling real-time monitoring of energy import and export. They are crucial for accurate billing under net metering.
• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): AMI is the communication network that connects smart meters to the utility’s system, allowing for efficient data collection and analysis.
• Data Acquisition Systems (DAS): These systems collect and process data from smart meters and other sources, providing detailed insights into energy consumption and generation.
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems: These systems are used for larger-scale monitoring and control of the grid, providing a broader view of net metering’s impact on the overall electricity system.
• Meter Data Management (MDM) Systems: These systems handle the storage, processing, and analysis of vast amounts of meter data, supporting billing and regulatory reporting.

For instance, a utility might use a combination of smart meters and an MDM system to track hourly energy flows for each customer participating in a net metering program, ensuring accurate billing and compliance.

Net metering affects different customer segments in diverse ways:

• Residential Customers: Residential customers with solar panels directly benefit by reducing their electricity bills and potentially even earning credits. This encourages adoption of renewable energy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
• Commercial and Industrial Customers: Larger commercial and industrial customers can significantly reduce their electricity costs and demonstrate corporate sustainability initiatives through net metering programs. They may also participate in virtual net metering programs, which pool energy from multiple sites.
• Low-Income Customers: Net metering can be less accessible to low-income customers due to the high upfront cost of solar panel installations. However, some programs offer incentives to address this equity gap.

For example, a small business owner installing solar panels might see a substantial reduction in their monthly electricity bill, enhancing their profitability. On the other hand, a low-income household might struggle to afford the initial investment in solar, highlighting the need for targeted support programs.

Smart meters play a pivotal role in net metering systems by providing the essential infrastructure for accurate measurement and billing. Traditional meters only record energy consumption, while smart meters offer bi-directional measurement capabilities, accurately tracking both energy consumption and generation.

Specifically:

• Real-time Data: Smart meters provide real-time data on energy flow, enabling precise calculation of net energy consumption or generation.
• Automated Billing: They automate the billing process, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring accurate credits for excess energy exported.
• Grid Management: The data from smart meters helps utilities understand the impact of distributed generation on the grid, facilitating better grid management and planning.

Without smart meters, administering a net metering program would be significantly more challenging, requiring manual meter readings and complex calculations, increasing operational costs and errors.

Several misconceptions surround net metering:

• Net metering is always free for customers: While net metering reduces electricity bills, it’s not entirely free. Customers still incur costs associated with the initial investment in solar panels, installation, and potential maintenance.
• Net metering always benefits customers: The benefits of net metering can vary depending on factors such as electricity rates, solar panel efficiency, and program rules. In some cases, the return on investment might not be as significant as initially expected.
• Net metering doesn’t affect the grid: Net metering does impact the grid, albeit in potentially beneficial ways. Effective grid management and planning are crucial to integrate distributed generation from solar panels seamlessly.
• Net metering is universally adopted: The availability and specifics of net metering programs vary widely across different jurisdictions, reflecting varying policies and regulatory frameworks.

It’s crucial to dispel these misconceptions through clear communication and public education campaigns to ensure informed participation in net metering programs.

Ensuring compliance with net metering regulations requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Accurate Metering and Data Management: Using properly calibrated smart meters and robust data management systems is paramount. Regular meter testing and calibration are essential to ensure accuracy.
• Transparent Billing and Reporting: Customers must receive clear and accurate billing statements reflecting their net energy consumption and generation. Detailed reporting to regulatory authorities is also critical.
• Compliance with Interconnection Standards: Customers must comply with all interconnection standards to ensure the safety and reliability of the grid. This often involves technical reviews and inspections by utility companies.
• Regular Audits and Inspections: Utilities should conduct regular audits and inspections to verify compliance with net metering regulations and identify any potential issues.
• Effective Communication and Customer Support: Clear communication with customers is crucial. Providing comprehensive information on program rules, billing procedures, and troubleshooting processes is vital for maintaining compliance and fostering customer satisfaction.

For example, a utility might implement a regular audit program, randomly selecting a percentage of net metering customers for detailed reviews of their meter data and billing records to verify compliance.

Net metering programs vary significantly in their design and implementation. Some common types include:

• One-to-one net metering: Customers receive a credit for excess generation at the same retail rate they pay for electricity consumption. This is the most common type of net metering.
• Net billing: Customers are compensated for excess generation at a wholesale rate, which is typically lower than the retail rate. This approach can be less beneficial for customers than one-to-one net metering.
• Billing credits only: This model only provides billing credits for excess generation, without offering financial incentives for exceeding consumption.
• Virtual net metering: This program allows multiple customers (e.g., those with rooftop solar) to combine their energy generation and consumption, effectively sharing credits among participants.
• Feed-in tariffs (FITs): This model pays customers a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour of excess electricity exported to the grid, regardless of their consumption. FIT programs tend to offer more predictable and stable payments than net metering.

The specific type of net metering program adopted will depend on local regulations, utility policies, and the overall electricity market structure. Understanding these different models is essential for both utilities and customers to make informed decisions.

Discrepancies in net metering data are a common challenge, often stemming from meter malfunctions, data transmission errors, or even simple human error in data entry. Handling these discrepancies requires a systematic approach.

• Verification: The first step involves verifying the data from multiple sources. This includes checking the utility’s records against the customer’s smart meter readings and any independent monitoring systems in place.
• Investigation: If discrepancies persist, a thorough investigation is necessary. This may involve inspecting the meter for accuracy, reviewing historical data patterns to identify anomalies, and examining the data transmission infrastructure for faults.
• Resolution: Once the source of the discrepancy is identified, the appropriate corrective measures are implemented. This may include meter replacement, data correction, or adjustment of billing based on the verified data. A clear audit trail should be maintained throughout the process.
• Example: Imagine a customer consistently reports higher energy generation than the utility’s records show. We would first check the meter’s calibration. If that’s fine, we’d look at data transmission logs for any gaps or corruption, and finally review the customer’s system for any potential issues.

Net metering offers significant environmental benefits by promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources. Think of it as a virtuous cycle.

• Reduced Carbon Emissions: By allowing homeowners and businesses to generate their own clean energy, net metering reduces reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity generation, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Increased Renewable Energy Penetration: Net metering incentivizes the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems, thus accelerating the transition towards a cleaner energy future.
• Improved Air Quality: Lower reliance on fossil fuels translates to cleaner air in our communities, reducing respiratory illnesses and other health problems associated with air pollution.
• Enhanced Energy Security: Distributed generation through net metering enhances energy security by diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on centralized power plants, making the system more resilient to outages or disruptions.

For example, a community with widespread net metering adoption would see a noticeable decrease in air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

The net metering interconnection process involves several key steps and varies slightly depending on the utility and local regulations. However, the general process usually looks like this:

• Application Submission: The process starts with submitting a formal application to the utility company, typically including details about the renewable energy system (size, type, location), and electrical specifications.
• Technical Review: The utility conducts a thorough technical review of the application to assess the system’s compatibility with the grid. This might involve analyzing the system’s design, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and determining the necessary upgrades to the grid infrastructure.
• Interconnection Agreement: Upon successful review, an interconnection agreement is negotiated between the customer and the utility. This agreement outlines the technical requirements, billing procedures, and other relevant terms and conditions.
• Installation and Inspection: Once the agreement is signed, the renewable energy system is installed, followed by an inspection by the utility to confirm compliance with the agreement and safety standards.
• Metering and Commissioning: After the successful inspection, the bi-directional meter is installed, and the system is commissioned, enabling net metering functionality.

It’s crucial to meticulously follow the utility’s guidelines and procedures throughout the process to ensure a smooth and timely interconnection.

Addressing customer complaints regarding net metering requires empathy, thoroughness, and a commitment to transparency. A structured approach is essential:

• Active Listening: Begin by actively listening to the customer’s concerns without interruption. Understand their perspective and identify the root cause of their dissatisfaction.
• Data Review: Thoroughly review the customer’s account data, including billing statements, meter readings, and any system performance records. This data helps identify any inaccuracies or inconsistencies.
• Technical Assessment: If necessary, conduct a technical assessment of the customer’s renewable energy system and the metering equipment. This may involve on-site visits and inspections.
• Clear Communication: Communicate the findings of the investigation to the customer in a clear, concise, and unbiased manner. Explain the technical details in a way they can easily understand.
• Resolution: Based on the findings, implement appropriate corrective actions. This may involve adjusting billing, resolving technical issues, or providing additional education about net metering.
• Follow-up: Follow up with the customer to ensure their satisfaction and address any remaining concerns.

Always maintain a professional and respectful demeanor, even when dealing with challenging situations.

The future of net metering policies is likely to be shaped by several factors, including technological advancements, policy changes and the evolving energy landscape:

• Increased Capacity Limits: We might see higher capacity limits for net metering systems, allowing for greater renewable energy adoption.
• Time-of-Use Rates: Time-of-use (TOU) rates are likely to become more prevalent, encouraging customers to shift their energy consumption to off-peak hours. This optimizes grid management and reduces strain during peak demand.
• Virtual Net Metering: Virtual net metering, where multiple customers share a single renewable energy system, could become increasingly popular, particularly in multi-unit dwellings or communities.
• Integration of Storage: Increased integration of battery storage with net metering systems will enhance grid stability and manage intermittency issues associated with solar and wind energy.
• Decentralized Grid Management: Sophisticated grid management systems will play a larger role in integrating distributed generation from net metering, optimizing grid operations and ensuring stability.

Policymakers will play a vital role in shaping these trends, striking a balance between incentivizing renewable energy growth and maintaining grid reliability and affordability.

Distributed generation (DG), which refers to smaller-scale energy generation located near the point of consumption, plays a crucial role in net metering. In essence, net metering wouldn’t exist without it.

Net metering allows DG systems, such as rooftop solar panels or small-scale wind turbines, to feed excess energy back into the grid. Without DG, there would be no excess energy to meter and credit back to the customer. The relationship is symbiotic: DG provides the renewable energy, and net metering facilitates the efficient exchange of that energy with the grid. This empowers customers to become active participants in the energy system rather than simply passive consumers.

Net metering significantly influences the development of renewable energy by creating a powerful incentive for its adoption. It acts as a catalyst in several ways:

• Financial Incentive: Net metering offers financial returns to customers by crediting them for the excess energy they generate, making renewable energy systems more economically attractive.
• Reduced Barriers to Entry: By lowering the upfront costs and improving the financial viability of renewable energy systems, net metering reduces barriers to entry for homeowners and businesses.
• Market Growth: The increased demand for renewable energy systems fueled by net metering policies drives market growth, leading to economies of scale, technological innovation, and lower prices.
• Technological Advancement: The wider adoption of renewable energy systems encourages innovation in areas such as energy storage, smart grids, and system optimization.

For example, the widespread adoption of solar panels in many regions is largely attributed to the presence of supportive net metering policies.

Net metering’s economic impact on utilities is complex and multifaceted. Essentially, it shifts revenue streams away from traditional electricity sales. Instead of selling all the electricity generated from their power plants, utilities buy back excess renewable energy produced by customers with solar panels (or other renewable energy sources), at a price often reflecting the retail rate.

Reduced Revenue: This direct buyback reduces the utility’s revenue, potentially impacting their profitability, especially with high penetrations of net metering. They sell less power to customers who generate their own.

Increased Costs: Utilities still bear the responsibility of maintaining the grid infrastructure, even for customers who contribute power back to the grid through net metering. This includes upgrading transmission and distribution lines to accommodate fluctuating energy flows from distributed generation. These upgrades can be expensive.

Potential Benefits: However, net metering isn’t entirely negative for utilities. It can foster positive public relations, aligning them with sustainability goals and enhancing their image. In some cases, it can also spur investments in grid modernization and smart grid technologies, leading to long-term efficiency gains. Furthermore, some utilities are exploring ways to use net-metered energy to better manage peak demand.

Example: A utility might lose $1 million annually in revenue due to net-metered solar customers, but at the same time, invest $500,000 in grid upgrades that enhance reliability and reduce long-term maintenance costs. The net effect is complex and depends on various factors.

Auditing a net metering system involves a rigorous verification process to ensure accurate billing and compliance with regulations. It often includes several steps:

• Data Collection: Gathering data from the metering equipment, including both production and consumption readings, often over a specific period (e.g., a billing cycle or a year). This data can come from smart meters, inverters, and other data loggers.
• Data Validation: Checking for data integrity and consistency. This involves looking for anomalies, outliers, and gaps in the data. For example, a sudden drop in solar power production might indicate a malfunction and requires investigation.
• Meter Calibration and Verification: Ensuring that the metering equipment is accurately measuring energy flow. This might involve on-site inspections and periodic calibration checks by certified technicians.
• System Inspection: Physically inspecting the net metering system components, including solar panels, inverters, and the metering infrastructure, to verify its proper installation and functionality.
• Reconciliation: Comparing the measured data with the customer’s billing statements to identify any discrepancies. This often involves calculating net energy consumption and ensuring that the bill accurately reflects the balance between energy produced and consumed.
• Compliance Review: Ensuring compliance with all applicable net metering regulations and utility interconnection agreements. This can include reviewing system design specifications, permits, and other relevant documentation.

Example: An auditor might find discrepancies in the data due to faulty meter readings. They would investigate, recalibrate the meter, and adjust billing accordingly to ensure fairness and accuracy.

Data accuracy in net metering is paramount for fair billing and grid management. Several strategies ensure this:

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Utilizing smart meters capable of accurate, real-time data capture, transmission, and monitoring.
• Data Validation Techniques: Employing algorithms and procedures to detect and correct errors, anomalies, and inconsistencies in the data stream. This often includes outlier detection and data smoothing.
• Regular Calibration and Maintenance: Scheduling regular checks and calibrations of metering equipment to prevent drift and maintain accuracy.
• Redundancy and Backup Systems: Implementing backup systems and data logging to avoid data loss in case of equipment failure or communication disruptions.
• Data Encryption and Security: Protecting data from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion through secure communication protocols and encryption techniques.
• Third-Party Verification: Using independent audits and certifications to validate the accuracy and reliability of the data and systems.

Example: Using checksums or other error-detection codes to verify the integrity of data packets during transmission from smart meters.

Net metering and demand response (DR) programs are complementary but distinct concepts. Demand response aims to manage electricity demand by incentivizing consumers to shift their energy use to off-peak hours. Net metering, on the other hand, focuses on billing customers based on the net energy flow between their home and the grid.

Interaction: The interaction between the two lies in the potential for net-metered customers to participate in DR programs. For example, a customer with solar panels might reduce their energy consumption during peak demand hours by using appliances strategically, thus drawing less power from the grid. This reduced demand during peak times can be financially beneficial to both the customer and the utility.

Example: A utility might offer a financial incentive to a net-metered customer to reduce their energy consumption during peak afternoon hours. The customer might automatically shift loads (using a smart home system) to off-peak times, thereby reducing the strain on the grid and receiving payment for their participation.

Challenges: Integrating net metering and DR can pose challenges, especially with accurately determining and allocating incentives. One needs to accurately track energy consumption, production, and the impact of DR participation on the grid.

True-up billing in net metering refers to the final reconciliation of energy produced and consumed over a billing cycle or year. It ensures that customers are billed correctly for their net energy consumption—the difference between the energy they produced and the energy they consumed from the grid.

Process: At the end of the billing period, the utility calculates the net energy consumption. If the customer produced more energy than consumed, they may receive a credit on their bill. Conversely, if they consumed more than they produced, they will be billed for the difference. This ‘true-up’ compensates the customer for the net energy exchange.

Example: A customer generates 1500 kWh of solar energy over a year and consumes 1200 kWh from the grid. Their net consumption is 300 kWh, and they receive a credit for the 300 kWh difference. However, if they consumed 1800 kWh, they would be billed for the 300 kWh difference.

Importance: True-up billing is crucial for fairness and transparency in net metering. It accounts for seasonal variations in energy production and ensures that customers are not over- or under-billed for their actual energy consumption.

Cybersecurity is a major concern for net metering systems, as they increasingly rely on interconnected digital technologies. Vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, billing inaccuracies, and even grid disruptions.

• Data Breaches: Hackers could access customer data, including energy consumption patterns, personal information, and billing details. This can lead to identity theft or financial fraud.
• Meter Tampering: Malicious actors could tamper with smart meters to manipulate energy readings, leading to incorrect billing and revenue loss for the utility.
• Grid Instability: In extreme cases, cyberattacks could disrupt the communication between net-metered systems and the grid, leading to power outages or instability.
• Denial of Service: Attacks could overload the systems, making them unavailable or unresponsive.

Mitigation Strategies: Robust cybersecurity measures are essential, including data encryption, strong authentication protocols, intrusion detection systems, regular security audits, and employee training.

Example: Implementing secure communication protocols between smart meters and the utility’s billing system to prevent unauthorized access to data.

Improving net metering for enhanced grid stability requires addressing the challenges posed by intermittent renewable energy sources. This involves several strategies:

• Advanced Forecasting and Prediction: Utilizing weather data and sophisticated algorithms to predict solar energy generation more accurately, allowing utilities to better manage grid operations.
• Energy Storage Integration: Integrating battery storage systems or other energy storage technologies with net-metered systems to store excess energy produced during peak generation periods and release it during periods of low generation or high demand.
• Demand Response Integration: Integrating net metering with DR programs to incentivize customers to shift their energy consumption, reducing strain on the grid during peak times.
• Smart Grid Technologies: Implementing smart grid technologies to enhance grid monitoring, control, and flexibility, allowing for better integration of distributed renewable energy sources.
• Advanced Grid Management Systems: Utilizing sophisticated grid management systems to optimize energy flow and balance supply and demand more effectively, accommodating the variability of net-metered energy.

Example: A utility might partner with a battery storage provider to offer customers incentives for installing battery systems alongside their solar panels, thus stabilizing the grid and smoothing out the variability of solar energy production.