Here at Unitil, we encourage our electric customers to join the hundreds of renewable self-generators who are generating their own renewable energy in parallel with existing electric system and install renewable energy systems on their property. While such a project can be an undertaking, you’ll be helping to offset your electric usage from your utility, which can lower your monthly utility bill. You’ll also be joining a community of green-minded customers that support the development of renewable energy alternatives locally and nationally.

If you’re familiar with our renewable energy generation requirements, fill out an application. If you’re considering a renewable generator installation or want to learn more about it, here’s some information on how to get started.

Renewables

Renewable energy is a popular topic today. By definition, renewable energy is harnessed from natural resources such as wind, sun, tides, and biomass or geothermal. It is naturally replenished over a short period of time versus non-renewable fossil fuels.

Renewable energy has entered the grid by way of Renewable Energy Credits. These credits, often called RECs, are tradable commodities purchased by utility companies that prove 1 (one) megawatt (mW) of energy was generated using renewable energy resources. Certificates fund renewable energy initiatives and support their continued growth and development, allowing customers to offset a percentage of their annual electricity use with certificates generated elsewhere.

Through net metering, customers are credited for the electricity that they generate on-site, in excess of their own electricity consumption because they are helping offset the electricity they would have purchased from their local utility. If a customer does generate more energy than they use in a billing period, their meter turns backwards to indicate their net excess generation.

Helpful websites

• New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning – local, state and federal incentives
• New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission – renewable energy rebates
• Massachusetts Renewable Energy – funding and incentives
• Massachusetts DSIRE
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory
• DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Site
• American Wind Energy Association

Ready to get started?

Here are a few things you and your contractor should know:

Please read the Notice to Customers Interested in Net Metering.

Before installing your own renewable energy system, we’d like to help you determine which application is right for you.

If you are a single-family residence looking to generate 10kw or less on your property, you’ll fill out the Simplified Application Simplified Application.

If you are not a single-family residence [commercial, municipal, industrial or other facility] or will be generating more than 10kw on your property, you’ll need to fill out the Standard Application Standard Application.

In some communities, ordinances governing renewable energy products and the installation of these systems exist. Please check with your city or town before you begin your project.

Step 1: Review Unitil’s Interconnection Requirements for Customer-owned Generation.

Step 2: Read the instructions and fill out the accompanied application. An incomplete application can delay your request.

Step 3: Submit the completed application to generator@unitil.com or drop it in the mail (our addresses are listed below). Someone will get back to you within three business days for receipt of your paperwork. Within ten business days, a Unitil associate will respond with your approval for installation or the required steps you need to take to meet our approval standards.

Step 4: Once you have received installation approval from Unitil, be sure to share this information with the generator’s manufacturer or vendor for proper installation.

Step 5: Once your generator is installed, a Certificate of Completion must be returned to our office, signed by the local municipal wiring inspector.

Step 6: After receipt of your signed Certificate of Completion, Unitil will replace your standard meter with a net meter, which confirms that your inverter is working properly. An approval form is then sent back to you.

Step 7: Use your approval form to qualify for state and federal rebates and enjoy the benefits of renewable generation! Your monthly bill will show an “Other Credits” line item, listed near the bottom if you generated more electricity than you used in that billing period. If you did not generate excess energy (more than your monthly consumption), you will not see this credit.

Contact Us

We try to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible but installing on-site generation can be quite an undertaking. Contact us via email or call us at 888-301-7700800-852-3339.

If you’d like to send your application in writing, please mail it to us.

Other Resources

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations regarding Renewable Generation Interconnection

NH Public Utilities Commission Net Metering Guidelines
 

Installation Tips

• Get an electrical permit from your town. You may be required to obtain a building permit before or in addition to an electrical permit. Please contact your town or city hall for information.
• Follow the National Electric Code (NEC) as required.
• In some towns, your installation must pass a municipal electrical inspection. In those cases, we require the local wiring inspector’s approval on your Certificate of Completion before we can change your meter and mail your approval form.
• Coordinate with Unitil for the inspection of your equipment and submit your simplified Certificate of Completion or the standard Certificate of Completion.

Backup Generator Safety

Perhaps you were looking for information on back-up generator and generator safety? Even though you’re not in the right spot, we’re sure glad you’re thinking about how to do it properly. Click here for more information.