ERC caps net-metering meter costs, streamlines applications
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered all on-grid distribution utilities (DUs) to simplify net-metering applications and cap bi-directional meter replacement costs at PHP 3,000. In an advisory dated September 22, 2025, the ERC said applicants will only need four documents: an application form, a Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) from the local government
By Staff Writer
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered all on-grid distribution utilities (DUs) to simplify net-metering applications and cap bi-directional meter replacement costs at PHP 3,000.
In an advisory dated September 22, 2025, the ERC said applicants will only need four documents: an application form, a Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) from the local government unit, an amended net-metering agreement, and proof of payment for the Certificate of Compliance (COC) application fee.
The advisory clarified that “notarization is NOT MANDATORY, and electronic signatures are allowed.”
To reduce consumer burdens, the ERC mandated that testing and commissioning of renewable energy facilities must be conducted solely by distribution utilities at no cost to applicants.
Costs from third-party delegation cannot be passed on to customers, and testing inside DU premises is prohibited.
The commission directed DUs to apply billing rebates starting from the date of successful testing and commissioning, with credits immediately reflected in the first bill of the qualified end-user.
The timeline for billing credits will apply regardless of when the COC application is filed.
As part of its transparency measures, the ERC ordered DUs to post the full advisory on their official websites and social media pages on October 1, November 1, and December 1, 2025.
Non-compliance with these directives may result in administrative sanctions.
The move builds on the 2025 Amended Net-Metering Rules issued in August, which introduced banking and rollover of unused credits, transferability of credits during property ownership changes, and new disclosure obligations for DUs.
The amendments also simplified processes by making notarization optional and allowing consumers to waive Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) meters.
The ERC said the reforms are aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call in his 2025 State of the Nation Address to accelerate renewable energy adoption nationwide.
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