The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on all local government units (LGUs) to simplify and streamline the process of applying for net-metering installations.

Net metering, established under Republic Act No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, allows households and businesses that generate their own electricity—such as through solar panels—to sell their excess power back to the grid. The system helps diversify the country’s energy mix while enabling consumers to reduce electricity costs and recover investments in renewable energy systems.

To support this initiative, the DILG, together with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), recently signed Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 001, series of 2026. The JMC provides clear guidelines to ensure faster, simpler, and more consistent processing of net-metering applications nationwide.

Under the JMC, LGUs are required to streamline documentary requirements and standardize processing timelines for net-metering installations in existing residential, commercial, and industrial establishments. Electrical permit applications must be processed within three working days, while Certificates of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) must be issued within seven working days, in accordance with Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law.

The circular also enforces a “no additional requirements” policy and ensures the application of deemed approval in cases of inaction within prescribed periods. LGUs are further encouraged to explore the use of digital solutions and strengthen internal data-sharing mechanisms to improve efficiency and reduce processing delays.

The DILG will oversee the implementation of the JMC in coordination with the DOE and DPWH, including the conduct of capacity-building initiatives and compliance monitoring through the Ease of Doing Business Online Monitoring System.