If you have solar panels installed, your net meter plays a critical role in tracking how much electricity your system produces and how much power you send back to the grid. When that meter isn’t working properly, it can affect your energy credits and utility bills. Knowing what to do if your net meter is not working can help you resolve the issue quickly and protect your investment.
Assess the Situation
A malfunctioning net meter often shows clear warning signs. You may notice unusually high electric bills, missing or incorrect net‑metering credits, or a meter display that appears blank or frozen. In some cases, your solar monitoring app may show normal production while your utility bill does not reflect that output. These discrepancies are usually the first indication that something is wrong.
Before assuming the meter is at fault, confirm that your solar system is operating correctly. Check your inverter display or monitoring portal to verify that the system is producing power. If the inverter shows an error or is offline, the issue may be with the solar equipment rather than the meter itself. Document what you see, including dates and screenshots, as this information can be helpful later.
Take Action
Net meters are typically owned and maintained by the utility, not the homeowner. If your system appears to be functioning properly, contact your electric utility to report the issue. Provide them with your account number, installation date, and any evidence of incorrect readings. Utilities can remotely diagnose some meter problems or schedule a technician to inspect or replace the meter if needed.
Here is a list of major Washington state utilities that participate in net metering, along with the phone numbers customers should call if their net meter is not working:
- Puget Sound Energy (PSE) customer service / meter issues: 1‑888‑225‑5773
- Tacoma Power (Tacoma Public Utilities) solar & net metering support: 253‑502‑8363
- Seattle City Light Customer Service / meter issues: 206‑684‑3000
- Snohomish County PUD customer service: 425‑783‑1000
- Avista Utilities customer service: 800‑227‑9187
- Pacific Power customer service: 888‑221‑7070
It’s also a good idea to inform your solar installer about the issue. Experienced installers are familiar with net‑metering problems and can help confirm whether the meter is communicating correctly with the grid. They may also assist in coordinating with the utility or verifying production data to ensure you receive proper credit once the issue is resolved.
Keep a Record
While the meter issue is being addressed, keep detailed records of your solar production. Save monitoring reports, utility bills, and any correspondence with the utility or installer. If billing adjustments are needed later, this documentation can help ensure you receive accurate net‑metering credits for the energy your system produced.
Meter repairs and replacements can take time, especially if utility scheduling is involved. Follow up regularly and keep communication documented. Most utilities will correct billing errors once the meter issue is resolved.
Final Thoughts
A non‑working net meter can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable. By verifying your system’s performance, contacting the utility promptly, and keeping good records, you can minimize disruptions and ensure your solar investment continues to deliver the savings you expect.