Interconnection and Net Energy Metering for Hetch Hetchy Power
Interconnection
Hetch Hetchy Power customers must apply for interconnection before installing any customer-owned generation, such as solar, battery storage, or combined heat and power systems. Interconnection review ensures systems are safely connected to the electric grid and meet all technical standards.
Types of Interconnection
We support interconnection for several types of systems, including:
- Solar
- Battery energy storage systems
- Fuel cells
- Combined heat and power systems
- Emergency or standby generators (non-export)
How to Apply
- Get a buliding permit from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection.
- Submit an Interconnection Application and pay the required fee.
- Complete a design review with Hetch Hetchy Power.
- Receive approval to interconnect with the local grid.
Note that the interconnection application will be reviewed differently depending upon the location of your service account. Applications in areas served directly from Hetch Hetchy Power's electrical grid will only require review and approval by Hetch Hetchy Power. Applications in areas served by Hetch Hetchy Power via PG&E's electrical grid will also require review and approval by PG&E. Hetch Hetchy Power staff can assist in understanding which pathway applies once the Interconnection Application is submitted.The application process may take up to six months.
Systems must be designed in accordance with the following guidelines, and an interconnection study may be needed:
- Hetch Hetchy Power's Rules and Regulations Governing Electric Service
- Appendix F: Interconnection Metering and Operating Requirements for Generating Facilities
Net Energy Metering
As a Hetch Hetchy Power customer, you may also be eligible to participate in Net Energy Metering (NEM). This is optional and not required.
Net energy metering is a billing arrangement that allows customers with solar or qualifying renewable generation to receive monetary credits for any renewable energy generated onsite that is exported across our service connection point back to the utility.
If you are interested in NEM, you must submit a separate application (from the interconnection application). As a reminder, you must apply for interconnection.
Net Energy Metering Programs
- NEM-SFPUC: standard net energy metering
- NEM-ShaRE: virtual net energy metering
Hetch Hetchy Power net energy metering programs are subject to rules and limitations noted in Rates, Schedules, and Fees for Hetch Hetchy Power.
For questions about which net energy metering program you may be eligible for, please see below or contact hhpower@sfwater.org.
Apply for Net Energy Metering
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
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Why do I need an interconnection agreement?
The purpose of the interconnection agreement is to ensure that the system will be able to function properly when connected to the utility's electric system. It also contains all the design features needed to help protect you and the utility.
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What is Net Energy Metering?
Net energy metering is a billing arrangement that allows customers with solar or qualifying renewable generation to receive monetary credits for any renewable energy generated onsite that is exported across our service connection point back to the utility.
Generally, when your home or business is net-metered, any amount of renewable electricity your system exports to the utility is recorded and receives a monetary credit that lowers your monthly bill. Also, in a monthly billing cycle, should your system generate credits exceeding your electric bill, unused credit will be applied to your next bill.
Hetch Hetchy Power offers a standard net energy metering program, as well as a virtual net energy metering, that allows energy produced by a single larger solar system (or other renewable generating facility) to be credited to multiple contiguously located accounts.
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Which Net Energy Metering program is right for me?
Municipal Customers: Interconnected Directly to PG&E via Wholesale Distribution Tariff
Examples: City Hall, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, In-fill affordable housing facilities
- Eligible customers must apply for interconnection with the SFPUC. The SFPUC will then help facilitate the interconnection review performed by PG&E on the customer's behalf.
Non-Municipal Customers: Interconnected Directly to PG&E via Wholesale Distribution Tariff
- Eligible customers must apply for interconnection with the SFPUC. The SFPUC will then help facilitate the interconnection review performed by PG&E on the customer's behalf.
- PG&E will not provide financial credit for energy exported onto their distribution grid for this class of customers, so Hetch Hetchy Power cannot offer net energy metering or virtual net energy metering at this time. We are working to resolve this issue.
Other Customers: Interconnected Directly to SFPUC-controlled Grid
Examples: Hunters Point Shipyard, Potrero HOPE, Treasure Island, Yerba Buena Island, Bay Corridor Transmission and Distribution accounts
- Eligible customers must apply for interconnection with the SFPUC, and can then apply for Net Energy Metering.
- There may be some limits on the amount of distributed generation that can be installed behind a WDT interconnection without triggering a PG&E system impact study and/or impacting electric service. Hetch Hetchy Power plans to enroll customers into its net energy metering programs up to these limits.
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I'm a Hetch Hetchy Power customer. Where can I find my historical energy data?
If you are an existing Hetch Hetchy Power customer need historical energy data, log into MyAccount and select the "Green Button" feature.
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When am I enrolled in Net Energy Metering?
If your Net Energy Metering application is approved, upon execution of an interconnection agreement you will see the net energy program billing rate applied to your account once the system is properly energized.
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Who can I contact for help?
If you have questions, please reach out to us at HHPower@sfwater.org.