The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is inviting public feedback on proposed changes to the country’s net-metering rules, a move that could impact thousands of electricity consumers and solar power users across the nation.
The draft resolution aims to update the net-metering program, which allows homeowners and businesses with solar power systems to send excess electricity back to the grid. In exchange, they receive electricity bill credits or rebates. The current rule covers solar facilities with up to 100 kilowatts peak (kWp) capacity.
One of the key proposed amendments is the introduction of credit banking. Under this change, net-metering credits accrued by a property owner can be transferred to a new owner if the property changes hands—providing a smoother transition for buyers and sellers. However, the new owner must comply with existing rules, including signing a new net-metering agreement with their distribution utility (DU).
Another significant change being proposed is a requirement for distribution utilities to display an itemized breakdown of their generation charges on their websites, along with detailed information on their hosting capacities at both substation and feeder levels. This move is aimed at increasing transparency and empowering consumers to better understand their electricity bills.
Additionally, the ERC proposes making the installation of renewable energy certificate (REC) meters voluntary but plans to implement a formula to estimate the generation capacity of net-metering facilities.
According to the ERC, these amendments are designed to enhance transparency, ease of program implementation, and accountability, all of which are expected to benefit electricity consumers—especially those with solar systems.
The public is encouraged to submit comments on the draft resolution by 17 January 2025, with public consultations scheduled for 24 January in Luzon and 27 January in the Visayas and Mindanao.
As of November 2024, there are nearly 15,000 net-metering participants collectively generating over 134,000 kWp of solar power, illustrating the growing popularity of renewable energy across the country.
The ERC is also advocating for reforms within its own structure to speed up decision-making and clear a backlog of over 3,000 pending cases. Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta urged lawmakers to consider these internal changes over proposals to expand the commission’s membership from five to nine commissioners, stressing that a reorganization could enhance efficiency without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.
Consumers, especially those involved in the net-metering program, are encouraged to participate in the consultation process, as the outcomes of these rule changes could have a lasting impact on how solar energy users manage their bills and credits.
