NBU - New Braunfels Utilities

Texas Utility Interconnection & net metering rules

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Tariffs and interconnection rules move often. If something here is out of date or missing, tell us and we'll fix it.

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Net Metering AllowedYes
Supply Side Taps AllowedYes
Line Taps AllowedYes
Load Taps AllowedNo
AC Disconnect RequiredYes

Net metering & export

Net Metering Allowed
Yes
TOU Utility
No
Post Solar Billing Method
Net Metering
Rebates Offered
Yes
Allows Standby
No

Interconnection & taps

Approval Req To Install
Yes
Supply Side Taps Allowed
Yes
Line Taps Allowed
Yes
Load Taps Allowed
No
Tap Criteria

Automatic Transformer Upgrade Size
0
Meter Aggregation Allowed
No

System size & offset

System Size Restrictions
24
System Size Restriction Type
DC kW
System Size Battery Included
No
System Size Includes Existing Systems
No
Offset Type
No Restrictions
Offset Value
0
Offset Calculation Period
0
Industry Standard Watts Sqft
2
System Offset Notes

24 kW-DC for residential and/or 999 kW for commercial

Metering & disconnect

Production Meter Required
Situational
Production Meter Criteria
  • PV only jobs require production meters
  • Battery Projects do NOT require production meters
  • If the existing Utility Meter has been upgraded to an NET meter, a Production Meter is NOT required.
  • If there is an existing system with a production meter, use a combiner box. Do NOT add a second PV meter.
Production Meter Position
Inv-Disco-PM-POI
Production Meter Labeling
Production Meter
AC Disconnect Required
Yes
AC Disconnect Labeling
Visible Lockable Labeled Disconnect
Allowed Meter Adapter
None

Plans & docs

Site Plan Reqs

EXAMPLE

CHECKLIST -----> CHECKLIST

  • Meters shall be readily accessible to NBU at all times
  • Meters shall not be located behind a fence
  • Fences and Gates to be labeled on plans
  • Photo of existing meter location, from Site Capture, required
  • Azimuth and tilt of each array needs to be called out.
SLD Reqs

Meter Orientation = Under/Over

  • Line Side Tap in a lockable junction box between the utility meter and Utility feeder lines is the ONLY acceptable POI = Inverter>AC Disco>Bottom of PM> Top of PM>Tap Box POI>Out to Utility. Breaker tie in is not permitted, unless batteries are included
  • The PV Meter should be wired bottom toward inverter, top toward utility
  • The Utility Meter should be wired bottom toward MSP, top toward utility feed
  • Do Not Use piercing taps
  • Neutral must be bonded in the tap can
  • 2 ground rods required at main service panel as well as a new ground rod attached to the fused AC disconnect. (Drop down on CAD Template has this pre selected.)
  • GEC require #6 AWG min
  • The AC disconnect is required to be bonded to the neutral and have a GEC. (
  • Do not show EGC in the PV Meter
  • EXISTING ENPHASE MICROINVERTER SYSTEMS - If the project has an existing Enphase microinverter system DO NOT add new breakers to the existing Enphase Combiner Box. A new combiner box will be required for the new system's breakers. The existing Combiner Box and the new Combiner Box will lead to a new PV Load Center. The new PV Load center will lead to the new AC Disco.

BOS Elevation

  • Required for every plan set
  • Elevation drawing to show every piece of BOS equipment required including the tap box and all required conduit. Show PV GEC on this drawing. Conduit should NOT crossover other conduit on this drawing (
  • Show conduit from tap box connecting with the line side conduit of the utility meter.
  • Vertical installation not acceptable, equipment layout diagram must be accurate and to scale using an Architectural scale.
  • Show dimension of each piece of BOS equipment relative to grade. PV Meter to be minimum 4' above grade.
  • Show dimensions of the tap enclosure on BOS Elevation. The height must be twice the depth, with a minimum height of 12”


Battery Jobs

  • Adhere to EG 14 or EG15 as provided by the Utility (
  • Battery Projects do NOT require production meters
Electric Service Reqs
  • Utility meter can must be 4 jaws, upgrade meter can if existing below 4 jaws
Install Reqs

- Service Shut down required for every installation - "Pedestal (If Required) mounted equipment may have a minimum height of 36 inches" - Generation and consumption meter socket 4 feet minimum and 6-speed maximum from the center of the socket to the final ground grade, when measured 3 feet in front of the socket

Meter Num Req SLD 3LD
No
ESID Num Req SLD 3LD
No
Electrical Diagram Notes

All Jobs [The tap box, PV meter can, and AC disconnect must have 4 points of attachment.]

Website
link
Phone
(830) 608-6851

Other details

Revision Required
Yes
Compiled from public records, 2026. Tariffs and interconnection rules change; verify with NBU - New Braunfels Utilities before you rely on this. The useful move: if an installer says you need a main panel upgrade, ask how these tap and interconnection policies were considered first.