Teruglevering

Teruglevering, a Dutch term, translates to "feed-in" or "delivery back" in English and is commonly used in the context of renewable energy. It refers to the process where individuals or businesses that generate their own electricity, typically from solar panels or wind turbines, feed any surplus electricity back into the public grid. This surplus is electricity that is not immediately consumed by the generator themselves.

Historically, feed-in tariffs were a key policy mechanism associated with teruglevering. These tariffs guaranteed a fixed price, often above the market rate, for the electricity fed back into the grid. This incentivized investment in renewable energy generation by ensuring a predictable return on investment for homeowners and businesses.

However, the landscape of teruglevering has evolved. In many countries, including the Netherlands, the focus has shifted from feed-in tariffs to net metering or other settlement systems. Under net metering, the electricity fed back into the grid is deducted from the electricity consumed from the grid, effectively reducing the consumer's electricity bill. If more electricity is fed back than consumed over a billing period, the consumer may receive a credit or payment.

The concept of teruglevering is crucial for integrating decentralized renewable energy sources into the national power supply. It supports energy independence, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and contributes to environmental sustainability goals. The specific rules and financial arrangements for teruglevering can vary significantly by region and are subject to ongoing policy adjustments.