The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said qualified end-users (QEs) of net-metering systems in the country have surged by 6,494.5 percent in less than 10 years.
From 200 in 2015 , QEs rose to 13,189 as of end-May 2024.
The ERC said capacity grew 10,383.1 percent from 2015’s 1,109.33 kilowatt-peak (kWp) to May 31, 2024’s 116,292.14 kWp.
Under the net-metering program, solar power facility owners with up to 100 kWp capacity can export their excess electricity to the grid in exchange for electricity bill credits that can be in the form of rebates.
ERC said the positive trend in net-metering adoption was a result of its enhanced information and education campaigns, strategic partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and consistent issuance of advisories to distribution utilities.
The regulatory body said in terms of rated capacity per kWp per grid, Luzon grid has the highest rated capacity of 82,321.40 kWp or 70.79 percent, followed by Visayas grid with a total rated capacity of 27,935.33 kWp or 24.02 percent and Mindanao grid with the lowest total rated capacity of only 6,035.41 kWp or 5.19 percent.
ERC said from 2015 to 2023, the number of net-metering QEs experienced consistent growth except in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. On average, the number of QEs grew by 58 percent per year until 2022. However, from 2022 to 2023, QEs surged by 121 percent, rising from 1,867 to 4,125.
ERC has rolled out information education campaigns to raise public awareness on its procedures and benefits.
It forged tripartite agreements with LGUs of Pasig and Iloilo City as well as with the Manila Electric Co. and MORE Electric and Power Corp. in establishing a one-stop shop for net-metering inquiries, consultations and applications.
The ERC also offers regulatory guidance and expedites the certificate of compliance application process, which is essential for the operation of generation facilities.
