You can generate your own electricity from renewable energy to offset your individual usage each month. We install one meter capable of measuring energy you are consuming as well as measuring the amount you are generating. If you generate more than what you need, you’ll receive energy credits that can be applied to future usage. Please note, availability is limited.
We offer options for customers wanting to install renewable energy sources to their homes and businesses. However, we are not affiliated with any developers that may offer incentives or pricing options.
Because NIPSCO is not affiliated with developers, it is important to educate yourself on all program offerings and carefully review proposals and contracts to determine if they are the best fit for you.
Program details
- Must be an existing electric customer
- Must be owned by the customer
- Must be wind, solar or hydroelectric projects
- Credit is applied to your bill, offsets individual usage
- Supports distributed generation projects sized at a nameplate capacity of the less than one (1) megawatt or the customer's average annual consumption of electricity on the premises
- Interconnection and Net Metering agreement are required
- You’re responsible for infrastructure upgrades and installation costs
- You’re responsible for maintenance of the generating device and interconnection wiring
- Customer must abide by the applicable NIPSCO Electric Tariff(s) and Agreements
- This program will end on July 1, 2022 or when residential, biomass and non-reserved capacities are met
Install or connect your equipment
The following information will help you with the interconnection process. The level and type of interconnection will vary with the type of customer and the size of the generator.
Research
Research the interconnection process to understand all requirements (including potential municipal restrictions, building and zoning requirements, insurance requirements, safety regulations, application fees, installation, electrical requirements and more).
- Net Metering Engineering Standard - Requirements and guidelines for interconnection of customer owned, Distributed Resource (DR) generation source, to NIPSCO’s electric system.
- Rider 580 - Net Metering – Rate schedules and other information regarding requirements.
- Rider 579 - Interconnection Standards – Information about interconnection requirements, fees and standards.
- Indiana Administrative Code Rule 4 - Instructions for cogeneration and alternate energy production facilities.
| Net Metering Capacity as of November30, 2022 | |
| Capacity (kW) | |
| Net Metering Total Capacity (Based off 2021 Summer Peak) | 47,446 |
| Net Metering Operating Participants - All | 56,132 |
| Net Metering Approved Participants (Not Yet Operating) - All | 4,473 |
| Net Metering Queue Participants (Not Yet Approved) - Non-Reserved * | 9,495 |
| Capacity Remaining Beyond the Queue | (24,379) |
*This program is now closed to new applications. Current Residential applications that were submitted on or before June 30 ,2022 and have been approved must complete their installation and meter turn by December 31, 2022. It is the customer responsibility to ensure adequate time for NIPSCO to install and energize the meter. No exceptions will be made for applications submitted after June 30, 2022 or for systems that are not installed and energized by December 31, 2022 to participate in the Net Metering Program.
View the status of applications for net metering projects submitted by non-residential customers.
Steps to Net Metering Connection
Step 1: Submit Application
NIPSCO is no longer accepting Applications for the Net Metering Program.
10 kW and below
There is no application fee for Level 1.
Greater than 10 kW*
Level 2 application (>10 kW to 2 MW) has a non-refundable fee of $50.00 and $1.00 per kW and must be submitted with the application. Level 3 application (>2 MW) has a non-refundable fee of $100 and $2 per kW and must be submitted with the applications.
* Interconnection capacities greater than 500 kW require a Direct Transfer Trip Scheme and communication equipment at the customer site and utility substation. Interconnection costs for such installations begin at $125,000.
Step 2: Technical Review
Our team will review your application and provide you with next steps. A technical review will be conducted to determine if the project can move forward or if an additional study will be needed to determine the impact to the broader electric distribution system. This additional study may be required before receiving approvals and starting construction. We will notify you once your application is approved.
Step 3: Agreements
You will be required to sign any applicable agreements. Project construction may begin when all agreements are complete. A new meter is installed once installation is complete per NIPSCO standards.
Questions?
We understand that the interconnection process can be complex, but we’re here to help. If you have any questions about the process, or other questions related to renewable energy, please contact cnb@NiSource.com or call 1-844-809-8921.