CSU - Colorado Springs Utilities

Colorado Utility Interconnection & net metering rules

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Net Metering AllowedYes
NEM TypeAnnual
Supply Side Taps AllowedYes
Line Taps AllowedYes
Load Taps AllowedYes
AC Disconnect RequiredYes

Net metering & export

Net Metering Allowed
Yes
NEM Type
Annual
TOU Utility
Yes
Post Solar Billing Method
Net Metering
Solar Export Type
Fixed kWh
Solar Export Rate
0.02
Solar Export Value Notes
The Customer may make a one-time election, in writing, on or before the end of a calendar year, to request that the excess kilowatt-hours be carried forward as a credit from month-to-month in
Net Excess Generation Notes

In the event that net metering is negative such that the eligible Renewable Energy System production is greater than the Customer’s consumption in any month, Utilities will allow excess generation credits (kilowatt-hours) to be carried over and applied to the following month(s).


Any excess generation credits accrued will be credited to the Customer’s account annually at the Small Power Producers and Cogeneration Service Rate Schedule. Customers receiving service under a rate schedule subject to the Standard ECA will have credits calculated at the Small Power Producers and Cogeneration Service Rate Schedule as follows: 18% of the On-Peak Rate plus 82% of the Off-Peak Rate. Customers will be billed the applicable per day Access and Facilities Charges each month regardless of excess generation during that month. 

Rebates Offered
No
Allows Standby
No

Interconnection & taps

Approval Req To Install
Yes
Supply Side Taps Allowed
Yes
Line Taps Allowed
Yes
Load Taps Allowed
Yes
Automatic Transformer Upgrade Size
0
Meter Aggregation Allowed
No

System size & offset

System Size Restrictions
15
System Size Restriction Type
AC kW
System Size Battery Included
No
System Size Includes Existing Systems
No
Offset Type
Combination
Offset Value
120
Offset Calculation Basis
Historical
Offset Calculation Period
12
Industry Standard Watts Sqft
2
System Offset Notes
  • Please refer to CSU Sizing Chart, Load Justification will NOT be accepted as a means to increase system size above the limit.
  • PV system size must not exceed one hundred twenty (120) percent of customer’s previous twelve (12) month kilowatt-hour usage at the single premise meter where the System will be interconnected.
  • Maximum System size of fifteen (15) kilowatts for residential;
Offset Calc Tool
N/A

Metering & disconnect

Production Meter Required
Yes
Production Meter Position
Inv-Disco-PM-POI
Production Meter Labeling
Production Meter
AC Disconnect Required
Yes
AC Disconnect Labeling
Visible Lockable Labeled Disconnect
Meter Spot Required
Yes

Plans & docs

Site Plan Reqs

Floor/Site Plan A Floor/Site plan must be submitted that shows the location of the following:

  • The direction North
  • Physical location of all equipment (PV array, inverter, existing Springs Utilities electric meter, REC Meter and AC Disconnect). All metering and disconnect equipment must be located on the same wall as the billing meter.
  • The disconnect and meters must all be within line of sight and 10 feet of each other
  • Please note that only arrays with an azimuth between 90 degrees East and 270 degrees West will receive a rebate.
  •  Standards require billing meter, production meter and AC disconnect to be located in an exterior and accessible location. Solar equipment requires an exterior accessible location and raised to a height within 60-72 inches from grade to center of meter can during installation.
SLD Reqs

Meter Orientation = Over/Under

PRODUCTION METER SLD REQUIREMENTS

Please notate on the plans:

  • 200A Production meter socket is required, include spec sheets (in file section) as well as the following note on the ELD: "(N) 200A RINGLESS LEVER BYPASS PV PRODUCTION METER U7043-XL-KK-CPSB"
  • 200A Production Meters require #6 wires to be installed on either side of the Production Meter.
  • Production Meter Model Number required on One-Line
  • Meter socket Dimensions: "The minimum requirements are length:14-1/2”, width:11”, depth:4-1/8”"
  • On the electrical diagram, production meter must be labeled as "ringless, bypass, and include amperage."
  • Show the production meter wiring configuration for line side (top) from the solar on the inverter side and generation (bottom) toward the utility. There is a Production Meter Block in AutoCAD for this note. PLEASE REFERENCE THE "CSU PRODUCTION METER EXAMPLE" IN THE FILES SECTION BELOW.
  • INVERTER > AC DISCONNECT > PROD. METER > MSP

Other SLD Requirements

  • Electrical line drawing must show and label all DC and AC components, including current ratings and nameplate ratings.
  • Show AC disconnect between inverter and CSU REC meter
  • Show inverter wired into load side of AC disconnect and CSU REC meter for residential single phase PV and wired into the line side for three phase applications.
  • Billing utility meter requires to be within standards of 60-72 inches to center of meter face. Include notes on the one-line to provide planned height of the meter.



Billing Utility Meter must be 200A ringless with bypass. If the existing meter does not meet this requirement, it will need to be upgraded.

(200A Utility Meter) must be shown on ELD.


  • Please refer to CSU Electric Line Extension & Service Standards for residential PV information, and for additional three phase line drawing information <https://www.csu.org/extrx/util_dev_svcs/svc_standards/electric/chapter/elc_standard_book.pdf>
  • Please also refer to the PPRBD PV electrical requirements https://www.pprbd.org/plancheck/Alternative_Energy_2013b.pdf

BATTERY

  • Show any battery storage included and method of disconnect

TAPS

  •  Fused disconnect is required between the PV meter and utility meter
  • Non-fused disconnect between the production meter and inverter.

EXISTING SYSTEMS

  •  only 1 PV meter allowed
  • must combine existing and new systems through 1 PV meter and POI.
Electric Service Reqs
  • Billing meter must be 200A ringless with bypass. If the existing meter does not meet this requirement, it will need to be upgraded.


  • For MPUs: Include notes on the one-line to provide planned height of the meter. (60-72in above grade)
Install Reqs

Qualifying Systems must NOT

  • Be interconnected to the electric system prior to inspection, testing, and written authorization from Springs Utilities
  • Be installed with a north-facing orientation (or any orientation other than from 90° East to 270° West), to receive a rebate
  • Be installed at a site that is more than fifty (50) percent shaded on an annual basis, to receive a rebate
Placards

Customer Provided “AC Disconnect” Placard on AC Disconnect Switch

Equipment Approvals
California Energy Commission
Electrical Diagram Notes

PV Meter [(N) 200A RINGLESS LEVER BYPASS PV PRODUCTION METER: U7043-XL-KK-CPSB.]

PV Meter [METER SOCKET DIMENSIONS: LENGTH: 15.5”, WIDTH:13 ”, DEPTH: 4.88”]

PV Meter [PRODUCTION METER TO BE INSTALLED BETWEEN 60 AND 72 INCHES FROM GRADE TO CENTER OF METER FACE]

Rate Schedule Link
link
Website
link
Phone
800.238.5434

Other details

Revision Required
Yes
Compiled from public records, 2026. Tariffs and interconnection rules change; verify with CSU - Colorado Springs Utilities before you rely on this. The useful move: if an installer says you need a main panel upgrade, ask how these tap and interconnection policies were considered first.