Source: Philippine News Agency By: Joann Villanueva

MANILA – The government’s bid to include more households in the net metering program is expected to be bolstered by the expected launch next month of a digital net metering application platform, an energy department official said on Wednesday.

Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol, during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program, said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has given directives for the streamlining of processes for net metering applications.

She said a meeting with stakeholders was held on Aug. 14 to discuss challenges such as different policies among local governments, with some requiring sanitary or planning permits, and how to address the issues.

She said they will partner with, among others, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Energy Regulatory Commission to standardize the policies and institute reforms, and shorten the processing time to less than 30 days.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will take the lead for the digitalization and public engagement, given the size of its franchise area, she said.

“The Department of Energy, the Energy Regulatory Commission, and the DILG plus NEA (National Electrification Administration) will support Meralco to launch the digital net metering application platform, and the target is next month,” she said.

“This is aimed to enable the faster and more transparent processing by Meralco of net metering applications.”

Net metering allows electricity consumers to put up their power sources, such as solar panels, to lower their power expenses, and share some of their excess supply with distribution utilities to help boost capacity in an area.

Capongcol said they will tie up with stakeholders for the conduct of more consumer education campaigns to inform the public of the program’s benefits. (PNA)