Net metering with CORE Electric Cooperative
CORE Electric Cooperative (formerly IREA) is Colorado's largest member-owned electric co-op. As a cooperative, CORE isn't rate-regulated by the Colorado PUC — its board sets its own net metering and interconnection rules, which are published in its tariff and Small Generation Interconnection Guidelines.
Regulation
Board-governed co-op; own tariff rules
Self-consumed solar
Offsets retail-rate purchases directly
Surplus at true-up
Settled at a wholesale-based rate
How it works, step by step
Interconnection comes first
Rooftop systems connect to CORE's grid through its generation interconnection process. Seed Solar prepares the application and ensures your equipment meets CORE's Small Generation Interconnection Guidelines.
Solar offsets your usage first
Power your panels produce is used by your home in real time, directly reducing the energy you buy from CORE at the retail rate.
Exports are metered and credited
Excess production flows to the grid through your bi-directional meter and is credited on your bill under CORE's net metering tariff, with any accumulated surplus typically settled at a wholesale-based rate at the annual true-up.
Right-sizing matters more with a co-op
Because surplus settled at the true-up is valued below the retail rate, the best economics come from sizing your system to match your actual usage. We design for that from day one.
Good to know
- CORE's rules live in its own tariff and interconnection guidelines and can be updated by its board — we verify the current terms for every project.
- Systems should be sized to serve your home's load; oversizing rarely pays off under co-op crediting.
- Battery storage pairs well with CORE service, letting you keep more of your production instead of exporting it.
Utility rates and net metering rules change over time. This overview reflects CORE Electric Cooperative's program as of mid-2026 — always confirm current terms at CORE Rooftop Solar. When you get a quote from us, we verify the current rules for your address.
Solar designed around CORE's rules
We size and design every system for your utility's exact rate structure — so your savings estimate reflects how CORE Electric Cooperative actually credits solar.