Net-Metering
Updated: 09.01.2019
Author: Stijn Anciaux
Net-metering applies to clients who are at the same time producer of electricity, which are connected to the electricity grid through a connection with a throughput value smaller than or equal to 3*80A. Clients need to apply for an offer from the responsible grid operator for injecting electricity to the grid and are required to pay a grid use charge (art. 95(a) and (c) in conjunction with art. 31(c) Electricity Act). For small scale clients, energy taxes only apply to the net electricity consumption, defined as the difference between electricity obtained from and fed-in to the grid (art. 50 (1) and (2) WBM).
Eligible technologies
Net-metering applies to all technologies connected to the electricity grid through a small-scale connection (≤ 3*80A). Generally, all RES-E technologies are eligible, however in practice net-metering applies mainly to photovoltaic installations.
| Wind energy | Eligible |
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| Solar energy | Eligible |
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| Geothermal energy | Eligible |
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| Biogas | Eligible |
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| Hydro-power | Eligible |
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| Biomass | Eligible |
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Amount
The exact level of support depends on the amount of electricity fed-in the grid and the client’s electricity consumption.
Addressees
Entitled party: small scale clients
Obligated party: energy companies and state (through energy tax)
Distribution of costs
| State | The State’s income from energy tax is reduced. |
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| Plant operator | The plant operator has to pay the grid use charge. |
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Netherlands
