Net metering
Net metering in California, by utility.
Which rules apply to your home depends entirely on who sends your bill. The three investor-owned utilities moved to NEM 3.0 in April 2023. The municipal utilities never did — they set their own terms, and most are more generous.
New to this? Start with NEM 3.0 explained — what changed, why export credits fell roughly 75%, who stayed grandfathered on NEM 2.0, and why the 4–9 PM peak decides the math. Then come back here for your utility’s specifics.
Investor-owned utilities
On NEM 3.0 since April 2023.
If your bill comes from one of these three, exports are credited at avoided-cost values rather than the retail rate — which is why storage now carries most of the savings.
Municipal utilities
Not covered by NEM 3.0.
Municipal utilities set their own net-metering rules and were untouched by the CPUC decision. Terms are generally better, so solar-only systems can still pencil out well in these territories.
Not sure how your rate actually pencils out?
We’ll model it against your real usage and rate plan — no obligation.