SCE Capped My Export

[BigJimmy626]

I guess I need to start charging the Tesla's during they day......

[Ampster]

On another forum a poster in SCE territory reported the same thing. He resolved it by changing the configuration of his system to export less and self consume more. I presume he has a Tesla Powerwall or hybrid inverter with batteries.

[BigJimmy626]

Did you get a chance to call? I just got back from a business trip last night. I will try to call at some point today.

[Ward L]

I'll try and call tomorrow.

[BigJimmy626]

I got the same message on the bill…. Not sure what this means.

[Ampster]

I just checked one of my SCE accounts that was installed in 2012 and upgraded by adding 1kW in 2016. Last month it generated 90kWh above usage and all I paid was the $13 minimum. There was no cap on generation on that bill. I don't follow SCE that closely any more but saw nothing on other forums about any capped generation..

[Ward L]

It is an unmodified 10k (40 - 250w panels) system installed in 2014. No batteries, no changes. My 12 month "relative period" ends in May. This is when my accumulated energy export/imports are zeroed out. I have had higher monthly energy exports over the 7 years. I did not get a chance to call them today and tomorrow isn't looking very good either. I would be amazed if someone on the phone at SCE could answer the question in less than an hour on the phone. There I go being all negative again. I'll call soon and update this thread. Curious if other SCE solar customers had a similar statement/restriction on their bills.

[Ampster]

What is the size of your system? Has it been increased since your PTO? Did you install batteries under a SGIP battery grant. I have heard some reports of more detailed scrutiny by PG&E and SCE on SGIP installs. Supposedly, there is a limitation in those PTOs about the amount of power that can be exported. If so, SCE may just be getting around to monitoring that arrangement. This is pure speculation on my part.

[J.P.M.]

That's a new one to me.

What did SCE say when you called them ?

[Ward L]

I've had my system for over 7 years. I noticed a new statement on my bill from Southern California Edison: "Your monthly generation has been reduced... The generation kWh produced this month has exceeded the maximum allowable cap. As a result, the generation has been reduced as shown above."

This is what was shown above:
Forfeited Generation - Summer Season
On peak 308 kWh
Off peak 452 kWh

My net generation this billing period was 308 + 452 or 760 kWh. Last month my net generation was 844 kWh. I don't know what this means and wonder if I actually exported more power and SCE doesn't show the true net generation. I expect this is something new to get more money out of solar customers. In this billing cycle, 8/16 through 9/14, I exported 100 kWhs more than I used. In the previous billing cycle, I used 159 more than I generated and the billing cycle before that I exported 457 kWh more than I consumed.

Yes, my system is larger than I need and I get about $0.03 kWh (yes, that is 3 cents per kWh) for the excess power I generate over the year. I have tracked my generation, import and export of electricity since moving into the house. I have calculated what my power bill would be without my solar panels. After 7.4 years I have saved enough to pay back my initial investment. This is equivalent to a tax free bond paying over 10% a year. And I am very pleased.

Does anyone know what is going on? Have others seen this? I hate the thought of calling SCE, but that may be necessary.