FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER/CEO Dennis Svanes

In conjunction with the August board meeting, we are holding a rate hearing concerning our Parallel Generation Rider and Net Metering Rider tariffs. You might be wondering “wasn’t this just addressed?” and the answer, in part, is yes. During its last session, the State of Kansas modified the statute regarding parallel generation and net metering for utilities that have a net metering tariff. While 4 Rivers isn’t mandated to offer net metering, our regulatory body, the 4 Rivers Board of Trustees, has chosen to implement a Net Metering Rider. 

IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES DON’T AFFECT MEMBERS CURRENTLY ON THE NET METERING RIDER TARIFF.

The proposed adjustments apply only to new services opting for net metering or parallel generation. Although we currently have no customers on the Parallel Generation Rider, we are required to ensure our tariff complies with the law.

UNDERSTANDING NET METERING AND PARALLEL GENERATION 

Let’s clarify the distinction between net metering and parallel generation. Both involve similar system setups, but their billing mechanisms differ significantly. With net metering, our system essentially acts as a virtual bank. We track the energy you push onto our grid and then deduct it from your usage each month. However, the energy is often generated when our costs are lowest and then consumed when costs increase. 

In contrast, with parallel generation, we purchase the energy you feed into our system and sell energy to you as you use it. While not a perfect system, this method provides a much more accurate reflection of costs. The recently enacted legislation has altered the sizing of new systems, the maximum allowable amount of distributed generation (including net metering) on our system, and the value of generated energy under parallel generation. Our proposed tariff changes are designed to comply with these updated statutes, streamline existing language, and standardize definitions across both tariffs.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the proposed tariffs, or if you’re interested in attending the hearing, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Later this month, school will be starting. Make sure to be safe around the school buses!

(Originally printed in August's KCL Centerspread)