FBC - Net Metering

Net-metering is a simplified method of metering the energy consumed and produced at a home or business that has its own renewable energy generator, such as a wind or micro-hydro turbine, solar photovoltaic array or bio-fuel generator. Under net-metering, excess renewably generated energy will flow out onto the electrical grid and effectively spin the home or business electricity meter backwards, thus banking the electricity until it is needed by the customer. This provides the customer with full retail value for all the electricity produced.

The Falls Brook Centre is proud to host the first net-metering demonstration site in the province of New Brunswick. The system was setup in February, 2004 as part of our Energy Action program; a collaborative project involving the Falls Brook Centre, NB Power, UNB's Sustainable Power Research Group, SPS Energy, and Southwest Wind Power aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy use in homes and schools. The focal point for this project was the development of a demonstration centre to promote the Climate Change benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

The Demonstration Centre:

Generates power with a 520W solar photovoltaic module array and a 3kW wind turbine mounted on a 70 foot tower.
Has the potential to produce over 500kWh of electrical energy per month for a household of three individuals (@5.4m/s average wind speed).
Demonstrates the components and requirements of Net-Metered renewable energy systems.
Functions as a Net-Metering training centre for homeowners, entrepreneurs, renewable energy professionals, electricians, and New Brunswick Power staff.
Provides an energy efficiency and conservation resource and information centre with practical demonstrations of energy conservation/efficiency options.
Promotes economic development opportunities with renewable energy technologies in the region.

For more information on net-metering in New Brunswick contact:
Linda Berthelot at NB Power, (506) 826-6942, lberthelot@nbpower.com

For more information on the Falls Brook Centre Renewable Energy Program please contact:
Brent Crowhurst, (506) 375-4310, greg@fallsbrookcentre.ca