The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)’s net metering scheme has paved way for renewable energy (RE) investments, Department of Energy secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

These investments came through distribution utility customers after allowing those with installed equipment harnessing solar, wind or biomass energy to balance their electric consumptions from local utilities and gain credits for excess power exported to the grid.

The DOE is looking to provide consumers with more sustainable energy choices through its Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office’s orientation on the Net Metering Program.

In the lecture, Meralco Program Manager for Renewable Energy Anna Maria Reodica recounted the first Net Metering customer in the country who has a 5 kW rooftop solar PV system energized by the power company in 2013.

Net Metering grew at an exponential rate since then, from rooftop installations in households to commercial and industrial establishments like malls, schools, offices, banks, cold storage and warehouses.

Energy Secretary Cusi has advised customers to be cautious in informing their distribution utility of any RE installation to ensuring safety for both parties and for the stability of the grids where they are connected.

“These RE systems are “grid-tied” systems (operate in parallel with the DU network). They may creat ea  disturbance to the system and neighboring customers if left unchecked” Cusi said.