ERC amends net metering rules to support renewable energy applicants

By Alena Mae S. Flores – October 18, 2019 at 08:25 pm
from manilastandard.net

The Energy Regulatory Commission said it amended the net metering rules to fast-track the processing of renewable energy produced by ordinary consumers.

“The amended net-metering rules address the concerns raised by various stakeholders on the net-metering program implementation.  It provides benefits that work for the welfare of the prosumers or qualified end-user, including a simplified permitting procedure and reduced installation soft costs for renewable energy facilities, among others.  It likewise takes into account the impact of this program to non-net-metering customers”, said ERC Chairperson Agnes Devanadera.

The net-metering program enables an ordinary electricity consumer to become a “prosumer” where the consumer generates electricity for his own consumption and sell any excess generation to the distribution grid.  This means that solar rooftop owners can apply to avail of the net-metering program to sell their excess capacity to the grid.

Net-metering is a non-fiscal incentive mandated by the Renewable Energy Act.  To implement this incentive, the ERC promulgated the net-metering rules as early as 2013.

The ERC, through Resolution No. 06, Series of 2019, adopted the amendments to the rules enabling the metering program for renewable energy.

The amended rules prescribe a maximum 20-day processing timeline for the distribution utilities to complete the whole interconnection process from receipt of the letter of interest, provided all necessary permits and licenses from various concerned agencies are secured and completed.

The distribution impact study fee and other related soft costs were removed to encourage participation from end-users.

“The net-metering program is ERC’s contribution to empower the consumers,” Devanadera said.