ERC fuels RE growth with net-metering reforms

MANILA, Philippines — More Filipino households can now tap into renewable power as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) rolls out amended rules enabling the net-metering program.

In a resolution, the ERC unveiled crucial amendments designed to fast-track the program’s implementation and unlock easier access to renewable energy (RE) for qualified end-users.

One of the key amendments to the rules enables consumers to save and carry over their net-metering credits across current and future billing periods.

If the end-users’ property, including their RE facility, is sold, the credits may now be transferred to the new owner, provided certain conditions are met, such as a written agreement from the original owner.

The net-metering program allows consumers to build their own RE facilities for personal use and sell any excess electricity to the grid. As a result, they will receive credits to offset their power bills.

Under the amended rules, installing renewable energy certificate (REC) meters is now “voluntary,” offering greater flexibility for net-metering
applicants.

“In case of waiver of the installation of said REC meter, energy generated from the RE resource shall be computed using the appropriate formula provided under the rules, subject to the submission of an affidavit and waiver,” the ERC noted.

The REC meter, as defined by the ERC, is a kilowatt-hour meter that “measures the gross electricity generation from the eligible RE system.”

As determined by the commission, RECs are currently capped at a price of P241.56 per megawatt-hour.

To promote greater transparency, the ERC requires all distribution utilities to publish detailed information about their net-metering programs on their websites, including application forms and procedures.

Earlier, the ERC and the Department of Energy (DOE) teamed up with power giant Manila Electric Co. to expedite the processing of net-metering applications.

As of end-May, 17,175 electricity end-users were registered under the net-metering program, latest DOE data showed.