ERC eyes solar tariff rules for off-grid areas

The Energy Regulatory Commission is moving to set tariff rules for solar home systems in missionary and off-grid areas, a proposed framework aimed at expanding basic electricity access in unserved, underserved, and commercially unviable communities nationwide.

The ERC, led by Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, discussed the proposed rules during its 31st Open Commission Meeting held Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the ERC main office.

Commissioners Floresinda G. Baldo-Digal, Marko Romeo L. Fuentes, Amante A. Liberato, and Paris G. Real joined the meeting, which was streamed live as part of the commission’s transparency and public participation efforts.

The proposal is titled “Proposed Rules Governing the Setting of Regulated Photovoltaic Mainstream (PVM) Tariff for the Provision of Electricity Service in Missionary Areas.”

As presented by the Regulatory Operations Service-C, the proposed framework builds on ERC Resolution No. 17, Series of 2017.

The framework seeks to expand the implementation of solar home systems through the National Power Corporation-Small Power Utilities Group.

The NPC-SPUG is the government unit tasked with providing power generation in missionary or off-grid areas that are not connected to the main electricity grid.

The proposed photovoltaic mainstreaming electrification system will cover missionary, unserved, underserved, and unviable areas.

Under the proposal, solar home systems will provide basic electricity services such as lighting and mobile charging.

The system will use a prepaid collection and monitoring scheme.

Each solar home system package includes a 50-watt peak solar panel, battery with charge controller, LED bulbs, a torch lamp, and a radio.

The program is expected to benefit 5,401 households.

Implementation will be coordinated with the Department of Energy, National Electrification Administration, electric cooperatives, and local government units.

The proposed rules could help standardize pricing for solar home systems in remote areas, where conventional grid expansion is often difficult or costly because of geography, low demand, or limited commercial viability.

The ERC has yet to finalize the rules.

Stakeholders were encouraged to monitor official ERC announcements for the schedule of public consultations on the proposal.

Through the initiative, the ERC said it continues to advance efforts to expand access to safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity services in off-grid and underserved communities nationwide.