ERC sets solar net metering for residential
By Myrna M. Velasco – June 3, 2022, 2:49 PM
from Manila Bulletin
With its regulatory imprimatur, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is paving the way for more affordable electricity to household consumers via a net metering program utilizing solar energy.
Under the ERC-underpinned regulation framework, net metering will allow solar owners with less than 100-kilowatt peak (kWp) capacity “to export their excess electricity to the grid in exchange for electricity bill credits.”
With net metering, the solar power producers, who at the same time are using their generated electricity (or the so-called prosumers) would now be able to sell their electricity to the grid if they have surplus capacity and such shall be offset with cost-credits in their electric bills.
The pilot project showcased by the ERC as a proof-of-concept for its propounded net metering program is the solar facility of the Via Verde Trece Martires development of Imperial Homes Corporation (IHC) in Cavite.
“The pioneering solar net-metered community features residential houses that generate optimal solar energy and export excess electricity to the grid in exchange for net-metering credits. This is seen as a move that contributes to a more stable grid in Luzon,” the regulatory body said.
According to ERC Chairperson Agnes T. Devanadera, the net metering system pursued by Imperial Homes “empowers consumers to become ‘prosumers,’ with the ability to generate their own electricity for their own consumption, as well as export any excess generation to the distribution grid.”
The Via Verde Trece Martires housing project is being developed on a 50,000-square meter site – and the venture is targeted for completion in 2025. By the way it was designed, this property development is aligned as “a model for all affordable, resilient and sustainable projects in Cavite.”
The ERC chief emphasized that when net metering was initially implemented in the country, the targeted beneficiaries had been heavily tilted on commercial and industrial (C&I) users, hence, the policy’s debut into the residential segment is considered a breakthrough development.
Devanadera qualified that by “taking advantage of the significant reduction in the cost of panels in the world market, the ERC timely included in the amended net-metering rules the simplified procedures for community housing developments’ participation, thereby allowing residential customers to access the program.”
She stressed that “this is a landmark decision of the ERC, which gave rise to solar powered community housing such as this (in reference to the Via Verde Trece Martires housing development).”
Devanadera specified “we would like to have this as a project model for ERC to point to and Imperial Homes will take on another role—a teaching role because they will be sharing this—that there are different agencies which enable programs like this and that is important.”
From this showcase venture, the ERC chief stated that they can “come up with rules but beyond that, we need the private sector to put life to what ERC and other government agencies are talking about,” with her adding that “the call really is for every city so that we can address the backlog in housing, for every city and province to at least have a model community for renewable energy.”
Imperial Homes Chairperson and CEO Emma Imperial similarly narrated that the solar installation for their net metering program is a trailblazing venture of their affiliate company PropTech, which is into provision of technology solutions for real estate developments.
“As a pioneering PropTech developer, we are more driven to integrate modern and efficient technologies into property developments to promote inclusive growth in our communities,” she said.
