The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is proposing sweeping reforms to the country’s behind-the-meter programs, seeking to speed up approvals, reduce costs, and widen consumer access to net-metering and distributed energy resources (DER) as it pushes faster adoption of renewable energy.

The draft framework, released on Sunday, introduces shorter processing timelines, simplified application requirements, and expanded eligibility for consumers and businesses participating in demand-side energy programs.

Based on ERC data as of June 30, 2026, the Philippines has 23,684 net-metering prosumers with a combined installed capacity of 232 megawatt-peak (MWp), while 181 DER participants account for 226 MWp. The regulator said it aims to significantly increase these figures under the proposed rules.

ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan said the proposed reforms are intended to remove longstanding barriers to consumer participation in the 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,” Chairperson Juan said.

Among the key changes, the ERC plans to cut the interconnection timeline for net-metering applicants to 10 working days from 20. Distribution utilities (DUs) that fail to install bidirectional meters within the prescribed period would face automatic or “deemed” approval of applications.

The regulator also proposes allowing digital submissions and legally valid electronic signatures, removing notarization requirements to reduce processing time and costs.

To improve affordability, the ERC said it will revisit the additional cost imposed on residential bidirectional meters. 

The Commission also plans to recognize CFEI (Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection) receipts as proof of compliance when processing exceeds seven working days, in line with the Joint Memorandum Circular issued by the Department of Energy, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Public Works and Highways.

The draft rules likewise seek to exempt small-scale systems from costly technical studies, limiting testing requirements to essential safety checks while allowing waiver-based interconnection.

Other proposed reforms include multi-site crediting, priority dispatch for renewable energy in off-grid areas, optional Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) metering, clearer REC ownership rules, the removal of the 1-megawatt DER cap, and the inclusion of contestable customers in both net-metering and DER programs.

Applications for Certificates of Compliance (COC) would also be processed entirely online.

The ERC said the proposed framework forms part of its broader shift toward forward-looking regulation aimed at accelerating renewable energy deployment while giving consumers a larger role in the country’s power sector.

What do you think? Will these proposed reforms be enough to unlock wider adoption of rooftop solar and distributed energy resources in the Philippines? Join the discussion in the comments.

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