Virtual Net Metering

In Decision 08-10-036, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted virtual net metering (VNM) for affordable multifamily housing projects utilizing onsite solar electricity generation to offset tenant loads. Virtual net metering will allow the electricity produced by a single solar installation to be credited to the benefit of multiple tenants in the building without requiring the system to be physically connected to each tenant's meter.

Prior to this decision, installing solar energy systems to offset tenant loads required multiple systems and inverters for each tenant served. The process of developing the VNM implementation and tariff is ongoing, with the publicly owned utilities presenting their initial proposal at a January 8, 2009 CPUC workshop.