Understanding Your Net Metering Bill
Not sure how to read your net metering bill? You're not alone. Net metering bills include a few additional details that aren't found on a standard electric bill. Explore our interactive bill guide by clicking the letters throughout the bill to learn what each section means and better understand how your generation, usage, credits, and charges are reflected on your bill.
Understanding Your Bill
Select one of the orange letters on the bill to learn more about that section.
Contact Information
There are several ways to contact VEC about your bill or account.
Phone: (800) 832-2667 or (802) 635-2331
Office Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri
Website: www.vermontelectric.coop
Your Account Information
Your account number, name, and service address are listed here. Please refer to this information when calling or making a payment. Also, make sure this information is accurate and updated as necessary.
Total Amount Due
Summarizes total balance or budget amount due and the payment due date. Automatic payment is indicated if you are a participant in that program.
Total Net Meter Credit
This box keeps track of your available credits and when they expire. Credits are carried for up to 12 months. It is a rolling 12 months from the time you generate the credit. For example, if you generate them in July, you have until next July to use them.
- Prior Credit: Net metering credit available from earlier billing periods, not including credits earned during the current billing period.
- Expired Credit: Credit that reached the end of its 12-month availability period before it could be used. Expired credit is no longer available on the account.
- Available Credit: The remaining credit available to apply to future bills. This amount matches the total shown in Amount by Month.
Amount by Month
A month-by-month breakdown of your available net metering credits. Credits remain available on a rolling 12-month basis from the month they are issued.
Current Month Credits
- NM Credit: The credit earned when your solar array generated more than you used during the current billing period. These excess kWh are credited at the blended residential rate.
- REC Credit: A credit, when applicable, for the Renewable Energy Certificates transferred to VEC.
- Siting Credit: A credit, when applicable, based on the size of your net metering system, the location, and the date you applied.
Monthly Energy Totals
A snapshot of electricity consumed and generated during the current billing period. The top circle shows total energy consumed, and the bottom circle shows total energy generated. Both are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Member Monthly Message
Important information from VEC, such as safety reminders, upcoming events, programs, or general Co-op news.
Payment Stub
This detachable payment section includes the information needed when submitting a payment by mail.
Metering Details
This section provides your meter number(s), dates of power usage, meter readings, usage, and meter multiplier. The billing meter shows the net kWh generated or consumed, while the solar meter shows the total electricity generated.
Previous Account Activity
This shows your previous balance, any payments or adjustments received.
Current Account Activity
This section provides a breakdown of the charges that make up your current electric bill.
- Customer Charge: A fixed charge for access to electric service, supporting the maintenance of the poles, wires, and equipment that keep power flowing to your home or business.
- Energy Efficiency Charge: A per-kWh charge based on your total electrcity consumption that funds Efficiency Vermont, the statewide energy efficiency utility. These funds support programs and services that help Vermonters save energy, lower their energy costs, and improve energy efficiency.
- Siting Charge: A per-kWh charge for the energy generated by your solar array. The charge is based on the size of your system and the date you applied and is set by the Public Utility Commission.
- Net Meter Credits Applied: Net metering credits used to reduce the current bill.
- Total Current Activity: The total of all charges and credits for the current billing period.
- Sales Tax: If applicable.
Total Amount Due
This is your total bill amount due including the previous and current account activity sections.
Consumption and Generation History
Graphs comparing monthly electricity consumed and generated for the current year and previous year. Consumption shows electricity used; generation shows electricity produced by the solar system.
Message Center
Information about SmartHub, payment options, and important Co-op updates.