Claire WhitakerBy Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

The eversource net metering tariff sets how your utility credits the electricity your home solar system sends back to the grid. This guide explains what the tariff covers, how to read the credits on your Eversource bill, and what to confirm before and after your system is connected. By the end, you will know which numbers matter and where to look for them.

What the Eversource Net Metering Tariff Covers

Under net metering, your meter runs forward when you draw power from the grid and backward when your panels export extra electricity. Eversource nets those two flows over each billing period. If you export more than you use, the surplus becomes a credit that can offset future charges. Program terms vary by state, so the exact rules depend on which Eversource territory you are in, such as Massachusetts, Connecticut or New Hampshire. For the state-specific rate logic, see Eversource Net Metering Rates: How Your Solar Credit Is Calculated.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Feed-in Tariff vs Net Metering (2026): Which Is Better for Homeowners?.

Step 1: Confirm Your Tariff Category

Start by identifying which tariff your account is on. Eversource lists the rate schedule on each bill, usually near the top or in the supply and delivery section. Residential solar customers are often on a different schedule than standard customers, so do not assume your rate is the default one.

  1. Find the rate or tariff name printed on your most recent bill.
  2. Check whether your account shows a generation or export line item.
  3. Compare the name against the interconnection agreement you signed with Eversource.
  4. Call customer service if the names do not match.

Step 2: Read the Export and Credit Lines

Once your system is interconnected, your bill should show kilowatt-hours delivered to you, kilowatt-hours exported to the grid, and any credit carried forward. Use the table below to decode the most common entries.

Bill line What it means What to check
kWh delivered Power you pulled from the grid Should drop noticeably in sunny months
kWh exported Surplus power sent to the grid Should be zero or near zero at night
Credit carried forward Unused credit from earlier periods Confirm it rolls over as your agreement states

Step 3: Verify Your Meter and Monitoring

Your credits depend on accurate readings, so confirm that the utility meter is bidirectional and that your inverter’s production data roughly matches what Eversource records. Large gaps between your monitoring app and the bill are worth investigating. Some homeowners find that a bill still looks high even with solar, and the causes are often covered in Why Is My Net Metering Electricity Bill Still High? 6 Causes and Fixes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming your system produces the same output every month without checking seasonal changes.
  • Ignoring the monthly fixed delivery and service charges, which net metering does not erase.
  • Letting a utility or contractor set your tariff without reviewing the agreement yourself.
  • Adding panels or battery capacity without notifying Eversource first.
  • Comparing your credits to a neighbor’s system, since size, orientation and shading differ.

A simple home energy monitor helps you match your own readings against the Eversource bill each month. A whole-home consumption monitor can show when your panels export and when your home draws from the grid.

  • Emporia Vue energy monitor, useful for tracking circuit-level use and solar exports at home. View on Amazon
  • Sense Home Energy Monitor, which can show solar production alongside household consumption. View on Amazon

FAQ

Does the Eversource net metering tariff pay me cash for extra power?

Usually no, not at the retail rate. Surplus exports generally become bill credits, and any leftover credit may roll forward or be paid out at a lower rate depending on your agreement and state rules.

How do I know if my account is correctly set up?

Check that your bill shows export and delivery readings and that the rate name matches your interconnection paperwork. If either is missing, contact Eversource in writing.

Can I change my tariff later?

Sometimes, but changes often depend on system size and program rules. Ask Eversource for the current options before making any equipment changes, and consider a licensed electrician or solar professional for complex questions.

Conclusion

The eversource net metering tariff is built around netting your imports and exports each billing period. Confirm your rate schedule, read the export and credit lines, and check your meter data against your monitoring app. Keep your agreement on file so you can resolve billing questions quickly.

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Claire Whitaker

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home solar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.