Customer-Owned Renewable Generation

Customer-Owned Renewal Generation


Customers who install renewable energy generation systems (RGS) on their homes or businesses, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, can interconnect with the City’s distribution system and receive a billing credit for the solar energy they do not use. The RGS program is offered to meet the City’s renewable energy and conservation goals listed below:

  • Explore options to increase the City of Mount Dora’s reliance on renewable energy resources to meet its power supply needs, including encouraging its wholesale power provider to increase their renewable energy portfolio, as well as examining alternative renewable power supply options, to the extent they are reliable and cost effective.
  • Continue to promote renewable energy, energy conservation and energy efficiency by providing customers with information, guidance, tools and support in their renewable energy development, energy efficiency and conservation efforts.
  • Continue to identify methods to enhance energy efficiency in City of Mount Dora facilities and operations and for customers by participating in joint-action initiatives offered by the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) and the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA).
  • Continue to pursue state and federal grant opportunities to fund City programs to promote renewable energy, energy conservation, and energy efficiency.


Connecting Renewable Generation to the City’s Electric System



Customers wanting to install a renewable energy generation system must make application to the City, sign the appropriate agreements, provide technical information about the facility, and obtain the necessary building permits. The City will consider RGS applications on a first requested, first accepted basis subject to a system limitation of 5.0% of the City’s total peak demand of its electric system or approximately 1,000 kW. This limit will accommodate over 200 installations of customer-owned RGS systems with a typical rating of 5 kW. Below is the step-by-step process for connecting RGS facilities to the City’s electric system:

    1. Fill out the Application for Interconnection – The form provides information regarding the customer, the facility location, technical details regarding the RGS, and the system rating. The completed Application must be turned in to the Electric Division, located at 1250 North Highland Street.
    2. Execute a Standard Interconnection Agreement – Customer-owned RGS must fit within the following rating tiers:
      • TIER 1 – The RGS has a rating of 10 kW or less
      • TIER 2 – The RGS has a rating greater than 10 kW but less than 100 kW
        There are separate interconnection agreements for TIER 1 and TIER 2 systems, each having very similar provisions. The agreements address technical requirements of the renewable generation systems, operational issues, inspections, metering equipment, indemnification, insurance requirements, and rate tariffs. The customer must execute the Agreement and turn it in to the Electric Division
    3. Supply Required Documentation – The customer must provide the Electric Division with technical documentation that demonstrates that the RGS installation complies with IEEE, UL, and National Electric Code (NEC) standards. Larger TIER 2 customers must provide proof of general liability insurance.
    4. Pay an Application Fee – Customers wanting to install the larger TIER 2 system must pay a $240 application fee. There is no charge for smaller TIER 1 systems.
    5. Obtain Building Permit – After Steps 1 through 4 have been completed, the customer must obtain the necessary building permits for the installation of the RGS system. Electric customers within the City limits must contact the Building Department, while customers outside the City must contact Lake County building officials. The customer must provide documentation to the Electric Division that the facility has been inspected and approved by local code officials. RGS installations must comply with the National Electric Code (NEC) and the City’s Rules and Procedures for Electric Service.


Net Metering and Billing

After the customer’s installation has been inspected by the appropriate building official, the City’s Electric Division will install a special “bi-directional” electric meter at the facility. The meter will record the net energy delivered to the customer from the City during the month offset by the energy (if any) delivered from the customer to the City’s electric grid.

The customer will be billed under the Rate Schedule NM – Net Metering, which works in conjunction with the standard rate schedule applicable to customer’s facility. Under net metering, the customer’s energy consumption will be reduced by the output of the renewable energy generation, thus reducing the customer’s electric bill. If the customer’s renewable energy generation system produced more energy than the customer consumed in a given month, the City would apply a dollar energy credit on that month's bill.

Documents include:

Utility Services & Billing Information

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Electric Division, located at 3787 Lake Center Drive. You can contact Charles Revell, the Electric Utility Manager, at (352) 735-7155, extension 1802.