By Alena Mae S. Flores – November 24, 2024, 7:45 pm
from manilastandard.net
MORE Electric and Power Corp. led by businessman Enrique Razon Jr. took steps to enhance its net-metering and distributed energy resources (DER) in a significant move towards promoting renewable energy in the Philippines.
MORE Power submitted a letter to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Nov. 11, 2024, requesting the consolidation of net-metering and DER certificate of compliance (COC) applications at its customer care office in Iloilo City.
“This initiative aims to simplify the application process for consumers interested in renewable energy solutions, not only in Iloilo City but also extending to Central Negros and Tagbilaran City,” said MORE Power president and chief executive Roel Castro.
The ERC responded favorably, agreeing to the consolidation of applications at the Iloilo Office, where it will maintain a monthly schedule.
The arrangement allows authorized ERC representatives to assess applications on-site, expediting the issuance of statements of account for submissions from MORE Power, as well as from Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC) and Bohol Light Co. Inc. (BLCI).
This “One-Stop-Shop” approach is designed to make the application process more accessible and efficient for consumers.
ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta commended MORE Power’s proactive measures.
“The Commission appreciates MORE’s initiative in further streamlining the processing of Net Metering and DER applications,” Dimalanta said.
The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing renewable energy adoption in Iloilo City, positioning it as a model for other local government units (LGUs) nationwide.
“We look forward to more DUs supporting these prosumer programs towards the realization of energy democracy,” Dimalanta said.
MORE Power signed a tripartite agreement with the ERC and the Iloilo City government to establish a one-stop shop for renewable energy technologies in August 2023.
The agreement resulted in the issuance of certificates of compliance to 33 qualified net metering customers. The total installed capacity to date is 4,336 kilowatts with a total of 172,997 kilowatt-hours generated in October 2024.
As part of this collaboration, the ERC will provide technical and regulatory expertise to streamline documentary submissions, installation processes, payment procedures and permitting associated with net-metering and DER.
The ERC in partnership with MORE Power, plans to conduct information drives to raise awareness about renewable energy benefits among electricity consumers in Iloilo, Central Negros and Tagbilaran City.