The Energy Regulatory Commission has proposed reforms aimed at making net-metering and distributed energy resource programs faster, less costly and more accessible to consumers seeking to generate their own electricity.
Under the proposed framework, the ERC would simplify administrative procedures, reduce technical and financial barriers and expand consumer participation in renewable energy generation.
ERC data showed that, as of June 30, 2026, the country had 23,684 net-metering prosumers with a combined capacity of 232 megawatt-peak. It also had 181 distributed energy resource participants with a total capacity of 226 MWp.
The commission said the reforms are intended to significantly increase participation in both programs.
ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan said the initiative would modernize energy regulation and give consumers a larger role in the country’s energy transition.
“We are removing the barriers that have long prevented consumers from participating in the energy transition. These reforms make it faster, more affordable, and more accessible for Filipinos to generate their own power, while ensuring that the system remains fair, reliable, and responsive to the needs of the public,” Juan said.
Among the proposals is reducing the approval period for net-metering interconnection applications from 20 working days to 10.
An application would be deemed automatically approved if the distribution utility fails to install a bidirectional meter within the prescribed period.
The draft rules would also recognize digital submissions and electronic signatures as legally valid and remove notarization requirements to reduce processing costs and delays.
The ERC also plans to review additional charges imposed on residential bidirectional meters to lower participation costs.
Under the proposal, receipts for Certificates of Final Electrical Inspection may serve as proof of compliance when processing takes longer than seven working days. This is consistent with a joint memorandum issued by the Department of Energy, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Public Works and Highways.
Small-scale systems would be exempted from costly technical studies, while testing would be limited to essential safety requirements. The proposed framework would also allow waiver-based interconnection.
Other proposed reforms include multi-site crediting, priority dispatch for renewable energy projects in off-grid areas, optional Renewable Energy Certificate metering and clearer rules on REC ownership.
The ERC also seeks to remove the one-megawatt capacity limit for distributed energy resources and allow contestable customers to participate in net-metering and DER programs.
Applications for Certificates of Compliance would likewise be processed entirely online.
The commission said the reforms form part of its efforts to accelerate renewable energy adoption, expand consumer participation and support a more reliable and sustainable power sector.