Changes to Rooftop Solar Billing
CleanPowerSF is considering possible changes to its rooftop solar program, also known as Net Energy Metering (NEM). As we evaluate technical analyses and policy recommendations, we want to ensure our customers can provide feedback.
NEM enables solar customers to be credited for the electricity they generate and share back to the grid. Proposed changes could affect customers that applied for rooftop solar after April 2023 and current NEM customers whose systems are 20-years or older. The proposed changes could include the amount customers are credited for electricity they generate and share back to the grid, and the amount CleanPowerSF pays for annual net surplus generation. Your input is crucial in shaping the new program.
Upcoming Outreach and Key Dates
CleanPowerSF is expected to propose its own successor to the Net Energy Metering program in the summer of 2025. The SFPUC Commission must take action on any proposed change before they go into effect.
The CleanPowerSF team is currently working on a technical analysis and policy recommendations for consideration. Below are some key dates* for the development of proposed changes to CleanPowerSF’s solar billing program:
February 20, 2025: Webinar: What’s Next for Rooftop Solar in California?
California has led the nation in the installation of rooftop solar systems. After recent changes to solar rates and costs, market conditions have significantly shifted. At this one-hour webinar hosted by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, hear from solar industry experts about what’s next for rooftop solar in California.
CleanPowerSF Solar Workshop
Update: The Solar Workshop originally scheduled for March 24 has been postponed. Please stay tuned for further details and a rescheduled date.
April 2025: Written comment period.
Summer 2025: SFPUC Commission votes on adopting changes to CleanPowerSF’s solar billing program.
*Note: some dates may be subject to change. CleanPowerSF will provide updates on any changes to this proposed schedule.
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In late 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted the Net Billing Tariff (NBT), also commonly referred to as NEM3. NBT is a new program for determining customer compensation for excess electricity generation exported to the grid by rooftop solar systems. It is replacing PG&E’s current Net Energy Metering (NEM) program, known as NEM2, and will apply to future customer rooftop solar installations. PG&E’s NBT program is known as Solar Billing Plan (SBP).
Existing NEM customers will remain on their current NEM tariff for 20 years from when their system was connected to the electric grid. After the 20-year period, customers will be enrolled in Net Billing Tariff (or subsequent versions of NBT).
The current Net Energy Metering tariff (NEM2) closed to new customers on April 14, 2023. Customers who submitted an interconnection application before that date must have their systems fully installed and inspected by April 15, 2026. Customers who apply to interconnect their systems after the April 14th deadline will be enrolled in PG&E’s Net Billing Tariff program.
CleanPowerSF will be accommodating customers on PG&E’s Solar Billing Plan under CleanPowerSF’s NEM tariff for the near term. Existing NEM customers that transition to PG&E’s SBP will remain CleanPowerSF NEM customers and will see no change on the CleanPowerSF side (generation side) of the bill. Customers with new renewable facilities who are placed on PG&E’s SBP tariff will be placed on CleanPowerSF’s NEM tariff.