I would like the Ministry…

I would like the Ministry and/or the OEB to direct the meter data repository agency in Toronto to update its system so that peak-time generation that is delivered to the distribution network (e.g. that which is in excess of the amount required by the host facility, in the case of a regular or TPO net-metering site, or all generation delivered by a VNM facility) can be properly and fully accounted for at the correct time-of-use value to the system. This is currently not available and is a significant disincentive, financially, to building net-metered solar energy systems that produce the majority of their annual energy harvest during peak and mid-peak hours. Many large users do not have time-of-use restrictions and thus will not necessarily benefit from the particular time of energy delivery, while residential customers are often not at home and so have smaller loads to offset by a net-metered solar energy system. If exported energy is merely credited at off-peak rate, its value is significantly lower, and is further reduced each time there is an artificial mechanism put in place to reduce overall rates, such as the recent long-term-loan-for-short-term-rate-relief strategy. This is a fair policy - customers are expected to pay more if they use more during peak hours, but currently cannot be credited more for delivering more during peak hours. This is a fault of the smart meter system roll-out not being sufficiently smart, and this needs to be changed.

[Original Comment ID: 211450]