Passed in early 1998, Vermont's net metering law is interesting in that it established a new class of electric generation qualifying for net metering called the farm system. A farm system generates energy from the anaerobic digestion of agricultural products or byproducts, solar-electric (PV) systems, wind systems or fuel cells may net meter systems up to 150 kW (non-farm generators must be less than 15kW to qualify for net metering). Utilities are not required to compensate customers for net electric generation (NEG).

To start net metering, a customer must obtaining a "Certificate of Public Good" from the Vermont Public Service Board (PSB). A utility shall make net metering available to any customer using a net metering system or farm system on a first-come, first-served basis until the cumulative generating capacity of net metering systems equals 1.0 percent of the distribution company's peak demand during 1996 or the peak demand during the most recent full calendar year, whichever is less

• View Vermont's Net Metering Statute - Title 30 V.S.A. §219a
• Vermont's Department of Public Service has a section on Net Metering in Vermont
• Vermont Public Service Board's Rules covering net metering

Other Resources:

• New Rules Project's section on Net Metering Rules
• Model Net Metering Law for Renewable Energy Technologies - by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, August 2003
  This model limits net metering to systems 25 kW or less for residential applications and 100 kW or less at commercial sites. The rule would allow first-come first-served net metering until a utility reaches 2 percent of its peak load.
• Summary of Net Metering Programs in the United States - by DSIRE, ongoing updates
• Consumer Guide to Renewable Energy for Your Home or Business - by DOE Office of Power Technologies
• Green Power Networks' State Net Metering Program Descriptions