Net Metering and Easements
Net Metering
Net-metering is a special installation that allows any surplus energy generated by the customer’s system to go back on the utility electric system and allows the customer to receive
"credit" for the electricity put back on the system at retail rates. The customer’s meter measures the electricity the customer uses from the utility system less the electricity the
customer’s system puts back.
Net metering is available on the NorthWestern Energy and the Montana-Dakota Utility systems. Renewable installations of less
than 50 kW capacity are eligible for net metering on NWE’s system. You can get further information by contacting
John Campbell, NorthWestern Energy (406-497-3364) or see NWE's interconnection agreement at their
website. For information on net metering on
the MDU system, contact Karl Tammar, Montana-Dakota Utilities (701-222-7674). Rural electric cooperatives members should contact
their cooperative’s office to see if net metering is available on their system.
Easements
Montana law allows the creation of easements to protect solar and wind rights. You will need to negotiate for these easements with your neighboring property owner. The text of the laws follows:
70-17-301. Creation of solar easements. An easement obtained for the purpose of exposure of a solar energy device must be created in writing and is subject to the same conveyancing and
instrument recording requirements as other easements on real property.
70-17-302. Content of solar easements. An instrument creating a solar easement must specify at least:
(1) the vertical and horizontal angles, expressed in degrees, at which the solar easement extends over the real property subject to the solar easement; and
(2) any terms or conditions under which the solar easement is granted or will be terminated.
70-17-303. Wind energy easement.
(1) An easement obtained for the purpose of insuring the undisturbed flow of wind across the real property of another must be created in writing and is subject
to the same conveyancing and instrument recording requirements as other easements on real property.
(2) An instrument creating a wind energy easement must include:
(a) a legal description of the real property benefited and burdened by the easement;
(b) a description of the dimensions of the easement sufficient to determine the horizontal space across and the vertical space above the burdened property that must remain unobstructed;
(c) the restrictions placed upon vegetation, structures, and other objects that would impair or obstruct the windflow across and through the easement; and
(d) the terms or conditions, if any, under which the easement may be changed or terminated.
