Understanding Your Net Metering Bill

What to expect on your monthly statement with net metering

Example of net metering billing statement with arrow pointing to the important account information section

What to expect on your monthly statement with net metering

When you have an excess energy balance, the balance will be noted on your statement in the Important Account Information section. 

When there is no excess energy balance, you will be billed the actual kilowatt-hours (kWh) and kilowatts (kW) consumed based on your energy usage. You can find the net energy billed amount on page 2 of your statement. When there is no excess energy balance, there is no excess energy balance to report on your bill.   

Why is my bill higher than I expected?

  • Many factors could cause your bill to be higher than expected. Air conditioning, electrical or gas heating, pool pumps, additional residents, and new or non-energy-efficient appliances can significantly impact on your utility bill. Seasonal variations in sunlight can have a major impact on solar energy production. Solar energy production can decline substantially in the late fall and winter (snow on panels) compared to the spring and summer. 

Is your solar system performing as designed?

  • Check with your installer to determine whether your system is producing the amount of energy it was designed to produce.  

Do you have accumulated net metering credits?

  • Note that excess energy balances never offset non-energy charges on a bill (such as gas and basic service charges.)

 

Energy you produce

If the electricity generated exceeds the amount consumed, NorthWestern Energy will use the excess energy balance toward future bills.

 

 

Energy you consume

If the electricity consumed exceeds the amount generated, the net energy will be billed to the customer.

 

 

NET ENERGY

The difference between the energy produced and the energy consumed is net energy.

 

Learn More About Net Metering

A graphic showing how net metering works.

Learn More About Net Metering

Net metering allows customers to generate their own electricity from solar power, small wind turbines, or small-scale hydro.
Learn How Net Metering Works

Still Have Questions? Contact Us.

Questions About Your Net Metering Billing Statement?

NorthWestern Energy can assist you with reading your billing statement. Please contact us at 888-467-2669.

Questions About The Application Process?

Our Interconnect Specialists can assist you if you have any questions or inquiries about the Small Generator Interconnection process.

Phone: 406-497-4165 Email: northwesternenergynetmeter@northwestern.com Mail: NorthWestern Energy, Attn: Interconnect Specialist, 11 E. Park St., Butte, MT 59701-1711