The Department of Energy (DOE) expressed optimism over the expansion of its clean energy initiatives, particularly the net metering and carbon credit programs, following inter-agency efforts to streamline processes and craft supportive policies.
In a statement, the DOE highlighted the outcomes of a recent high-level meeting with the Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Electrification Administration, and Meralco. The meeting focused on addressing bureaucratic hurdles hampering net metering adoption, with agencies committing to harmonize procedures, enforce stricter timelines, and simplify documentation.
Meralco, the country’s largest power distributor, pledged to align with these reforms by digitizing processes, accrediting solar installers, and standardizing solar equipment. As of May 2025, there are 17,175 registered end-users under the program, totaling 157 MW of solar capacity.
DOE also flagged local government permitting as a major bottleneck, citing delays in issuing electrical permits due to redundant requirements.
Separately, the DOE announced it is drafting a carbon credit policy aimed at guiding energy stakeholders in tapping carbon markets, reducing emissions, and driving investment in clean energy. Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella called the policy “a game-changer,” emphasizing its role in ensuring transparency, verifiability, and integrity in carbon credit generation.
The proposed policy will undergo public consultations to integrate insights from across the energy value chain.
