Makati city: The implementation of the net metering program should now be faster since the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued the amended rules for this program, ERC chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ERC has identified improvements in the regulations, including mandating only the minimum requirements necessary. ERC Chairperson Juan emphasized that distribution utilities should only require a limited number of prerequisites-three or four at most-to simplify the process. This announcement was made during an interview following the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) forum in Makati City.
The ERC issued a resolution on August 27, introducing new guidelines that streamline net metering procedures, thereby facilitating the adoption of the system by qualified end-users (QEs). The amendments include provisions for the banking and rollover of net metering credits towards a QE's electricity usage, extending to both current and future billings. Additionally, distribution utilities are now required to publish detailed information about their programs on their websites. Furthermore, the revision of Section 19 of the rules changes the installation of Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) from mandatory to voluntary.
Despite these developments, the ERC has yet to issue a certificate of compliance. Juan mentioned that this matter would be addressed in their upcoming meeting. He also highlighted the importance of having uniform requirements among distribution utilities, as discrepancies have contributed to the complexity of the net metering process.
Juan explained that once the proposed revisions are discussed and finalized, they will be implemented alongside an information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign. This will ensure that distribution utilities across the Philippines are aware and capable of processing net metering applications in the most efficient manner possible. He noted that even without the actual issuance of the certificate of compliance by the ERC, net metering agreements between distribution utilities and customers can be executed immediately.
