ERC wants metering rules amended

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is working to simplify net-metering processes and provide consumers with greater clarity on energy costs and benefits.

The ERC, over the weekend, has released a draft resolution proposing key amendments to the rules governing the Net-Metering Program for Renewable Energy.

One notable amendment addresses the transfer of net-metering credits during property ownership changes. 

Under the proposal, accrued credits will automatically transfer to the new property owner, provided they comply with the rules and complete the necessary documentation, including a new Net-Metering Agreement (NMA) with the relevant distribution utilities (DUs). 

The regulator said the new measure will enable seamless continuity for consumers using renewable energy systems when buying or selling properties.

To promote transparency, the ERC also proposes requiring DUs to prominently display an itemized breakdown of generation charges and hosting capacities on their websites.

ERC: Submit comments

These hosting capacities must be detailed by substation and feeder, using a format prescribed by the ERC. 

Additionally, the amendments make the installation of Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) meters voluntary and introduce a formula to estimate the generation of net-metering facilities for consumers who opt out of REC meters.

“We invite stakeholders to submit their comments using the prescribed template by 5:00 PM on January 17, 2025,” the agency said in its announcement. 

Comments can be sent via email to the ERC’s Central Records Division and its Market Operations Service — Renewable Energy Division.  

Public consultations are also scheduled to gather inputs from various regions, with Luzon consultations set for 24 January face-to-face and Visayas and Mindanao consultations on 27 January online.

Interested participants can register and access consultation recordings through the link provided by the ERC.