Why might I receive a high True-Up bill despite having a solar system?
True-Up bills can sometimes be a source of confusion for solar system owners, especially when their system appears to be functioning correctly or producing more energy than their household consumes. This article explains why high True-Up bills may occur and provides actionable steps to investigate and address the issue.
Understanding True-Up Bills
A True-Up bill is an annual reconciliation from your utility company that calculates any remaining charges or credits based on your solar production and electricity consumption over the previous year. It considers energy imported from the grid, exported to the grid, and other factors like rate plans or additional charges. Even if your solar system is functioning properly or exceeds energy production expectations, the following factors could contribute to a high True-Up bill:
Possible Reasons for High True-Up Bills
1. Credits from a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA)
If you are enrolled with a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) like Marin Clean Energy (MCE), credits accrued for excess energy production may not be reflected in the PG&E section of your bill. Instead, these credits may be stored separately by the CCA. As a result, your utility balance might appear higher than expected. What to do: Check the section of your utility bill that pertains to your CCA. Verify how credits have been applied to your charges and ensure their math aligns with your expectations.
2. Increased Electricity Consumption
A high True-Up bill can occur if your electricity consumption increased compared to the usage your solar system was designed to offset. Seasonal changes, new appliances, or occupancy changes can all contribute to increased usage. What to do: Review your household's energy consumption patterns over time. You can often find historical data on your utility or solar system's monitoring dashboard.
3. Changes in Utility Rate Plans
Your utility rate plan significantly impacts your energy costs. If you are on a less beneficial rate plan, the net cost of electricity usage versus the credit earned from exported energy might result in higher True-Up charges. What to do: Contact your utility provider to review your current rate plan and discuss whether a different plan might better align with your solar production and energy usage habits.
Key Steps to Address High True-Up Bills
Review your utility bill: Look for discrepancies or missing credits, particularly if you are enrolled with a CCA.
Monitor your energy use: Track both your household’s consumption and your solar production over time.
Evaluate your rate plan: Work with your utility provider to identify the most cost-effective plan for your needs.
Adjust energy usage habits: Consider making minor changes, such as using energy during daylight hours when your solar system is actively producing power.
By investigating these areas, you can gain a clearer understanding of your True-Up bill and take steps to reduce future charges.