Existing net metered customers
How do I read my net metered bill?
Why doesn’t my ELEC REC match my generation? (WA Customers)
The amount of electricity that you generate, as registered by your production meter or tools from your installer, won't match up to your ELEC REC on your bill. This is because the electricity you generate will first supply the electricity needs of your home or business. If you generate more than you need, excess generation will be sent to our grid and will be recorded on your bill as ELEC REC.
Example: If you generated 800 kWh from solar and have 300 kWh ELEC REC on your bill, this means 500 kWh was used real time in your home.
Why am I not generating a bank?
If you consume more energy than you generate during a billing period, you'll need to pay Avista for your net usage. You will only generate a bank when you send more to the grid than you receive from the grid.
Where did my bank go?
When your electric usage exceeds your generation, your bank will automatically be applied to your bill to lower your electric usage charges until the bank is depleted. Banks are reset annually on March 31st, so any remaining kWh credit will be reset to zero with no compensation.
Making changes to your system?
Any changes made to your system require a new Interconnection Application to be submitted prior to beginning work. Please visit Getting connected to submit an application.
Moving out of a home with solar?
When you move out your bank will be zeroed. You cannot take the credits with you to the next home and the next customer in the net metered home will start with no kWh credit in their bank.
Moving into a home with existing solar?
You will automatically be enrolled in net metering benefits. Avista will send you the Net Metering Agreement to sign to continue receiving net metered benefits.
I believe I was given misleading information from an installer, what can I do?
Customers may contact the installer companies directly to share their concerns. Customers may also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
WA Customers:
In 2024, Washington enacted the Solar Consumer Protection Act, establishing rules to safeguard consumers from unethical sales practices. This legislation mandates transparent and fair business conduct from solar installers. If you believe your installer has violated this act, you can file a claim with the Washington Attorney General’s Office at: Consumer Protection | Washington State.
ID Customers:
You can file a claim with the Idaho Attorney General’s Office at: Consumer Complaints – Idaho Office of Attorney General.