Thinking About Solar? Duke Energy’s Net Metering Bridge Window Is Closing

If you are a North Carolina Duke Energy homeowner considering solar, now is the time to review your options. Net Metering Bridge enrollment is scheduled to close to new participants on January 1, 2027. Waiting until next year could mean missing the opportunity to use a solar billing option that does not require time-of-use pricing.

The opportunity is worth reviewing before the deadline—while there is still time to evaluate your home and prepare the required application.

Duke Energy’s Net Metering Bridge, or Rider NMB, lets eligible residential solar customers participate without the mandatory time-of-use requirement of Residential Solar Choice, or Rider RSC.

Qualifying participants may remain on NMB for up to 15 years from the submission date of their applicable interconnection application, subject to the rider’s terms. That preserves access to the Bridge billing option; it does not freeze electricity prices or guarantee savings.

For homeowners who prefer a simpler billing arrangement, keeping this choice available can be an important part of deciding when to go solar.

Under the scheduled transition, new residential solar participants who miss the NMB enrollment window will generally use Residential Solar Choice. RSC requires an eligible time-of-use rate with critical peak pricing.

Time-of-use pricing means the cost of electricity depends on when you use it. A household’s usage schedule and ability to shift demand become important when comparing solar savings. Battery storage may also deserve a closer look.

RSC can still work for a household. The reason to act now is to compare both paths before the Bridge enrollment option closes.

The utility application is the milestone that matters. Filling out a lead form, receiving a quote or signing a solar agreement alone does not secure Net Metering Bridge eligibility.

The enrollment process requires a valid interconnection application and compliance with Duke’s requirements. Enrollment is also subject to annual capacity limits. Your provider should confirm the application requirements, availability and submission timing directly with Duke.

Starting now gives you time to review your electric bill, evaluate your property, compare proposals and coordinate the application. Waiting until the final days of December leaves less room to resolve missing information or project changes.

Existing legacy Rider NM customers are also facing a January 2027 transition. Duke’s notice says affected customers move to NMB with their first billing cycle on or after January 1, 2027, while retaining their current rate schedule.

Unused kilowatt-hour credits will no longer carry into later months. Monthly net excess will instead receive a bill credit at the applicable Net Excess Energy Credit rate. NMB includes a minimum bill and applicable charges.

An existing customer’s Bridge end date depends on the original interconnection application—not a universal January 2037 deadline.

Considering solar in Raleigh or the surrounding area? Start your Net Metering Bridge eligibility review today.

National Energy Renovations helps homeowners compare solar and battery options through provider partners. Bring your recent Duke Energy bill so we can help you assess your options and discuss the next steps with a provider.

Enrollment depends on Duke Energy eligibility requirements, application timing and available program capacity. Contacting National Energy Renovations does not reserve program capacity. Rates, charges and savings depend on your applicable tariff and household usage.