DOE speeds up net metering process

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April 5, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Net metering applications can now be processed and approved in less than two weeks, making it easier for consumers to manage their electricity costs, the Department of Energy said.

The DOE has directed power utilities to complete the processing within 10 working days, while local government unit (LGU) approvals are now limited to three working days.

The move supports the government’s efforts to ease fuel-driven cost pressures on households and businesses amid the ongoing energy emergency triggered by the Middle East conflict.

Before the declaration of the national energy emergency, power utilities were given up to 20 working days to process net metering applications, while the timeframe for LGUs varied per permit.

The net metering program enables power end-users to install renewable energy systems of up to 100 kilowatts for personal use.

Any excess electricity may be exported to the grid in exchange for credits on their monthly power bills.

“Every unnecessary delay in net metering is a delay in savings for Filipino consumers,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

The DOE earlier signed a joint memorandum circular with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Public Works and Highways to streamline the net metering approval process.

The circular adopted a “no additional requirements” policy for covered permits and provided for deemed approval in cases of inaction within the prescribed periods.

“We are pushing faster, simpler and more responsive approval processes so that more households and businesses can benefit from rooftop solar, lower their electricity bills and strengthen their resilience against global energy price shocks,” Garin said.