The Department of Energy (DOE) has moved to speed up the country’s Net-Metering Program, targeting full application approvals within 20 days. 

Net metering is a government program established under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513) that allows households and businesses with renewable energy systems, such as rooftop solar panels, to send surplus electricity back to the grid. Qualified participants earn credits for the extra power they generate, which can then be used to reduce their future electricity bills.

DOE Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol said that while approvals previously could take over a year in practice, the new system ensures applications are “within 20 days approved.” The DOE also now allows electronic submission, eliminating the need for applicants to physically visit municipal offices.

“Kada local government unit] (LGU) iba-iba yung requirement. For example, sa application pa lang, ang process ng requirements ay 10 documents or 10 processes ang kailangan pero ngayon from 10, four na lang ang nirequire ng Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC),” Capongcol told state television PTV.

The update builds on earlier DOE measures under the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which directed LGUs to issue electrical permits within three working days and Certificates of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEIs) within seven.

The ERC has standardized net-metering requirements nationwide to just four documents and accepts digital signatures. These reforms, alongside the JMC deadlines, are designed to reduce bottlenecks and accelerate adoption of rooftop solar and other small-scale renewable energy systems. 

Do you think the combination of streamlined LGU permits and faster total processing will finally unlock wider participation in the Net-Metering Program? Share your insights.

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