Net Metering in the Philippines: How It Works and How to Apply (2026)

During the day, your solar panels often make more power than your home is using. With net metering, that extra power goes out to the grid instead of going to waste. A bi-directional meter records both the power you buy from the grid and the power you send to it.

On your bill, the power you export is credited against the power you import. Net metering is part of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513), and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) sets the rules that all distribution utilities follow, including Meralco and electric cooperatives.

• Customers of a distribution utility: Meralco, Visayan Electric, or your electric cooperative.
• Systems up to 100 kW, such as rooftop solar on homes, shops and small businesses.
• The electricity account should be in your name and in good standing (no unpaid bills). This is what Meralco requires.

Exported power is credited at the utility's blended generation cost: what the utility pays on average for the electricity itself. It's lower than your full rate per kWh, because your full rate also includes transmission, distribution, taxes and other charges.

In 2025 the ERC updated the net-metering rules. Unused credits can now be banked and carried over to later months, and the separate REC meter that used to be required is now optional.

1. Site visit and design. Your installer checks your roof and bills and designs the system.
2. Electrical permit and installation. Get an electrical permit from your city or municipality, then install the system.
3. Inspection and CFEI. The LGU inspects the installation and issues the Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI).
4. Submit the application. File the net-metering application with your utility, with the required documents and the signed Net-Metering Agreement.
5. Utility review. The utility checks the documents and whether its local lines can take your system.
6. Meter and start. The utility installs the bi-directional meter, and export credits start appearing on your bill.

Meralco's net-metering page lists these basics:

• Accomplished net-metering application form
• Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) from your LGU
• Signed Net-Metering Agreement
• ERC Certificate of Compliance fee of ₱1,500

Meralco may ask for more documents depending on your installation, such as technical drawings of the system. Since its process was updated following an ERC advisory in September 2025, notarization is no longer required and electronic signatures are accepted. Electric cooperatives follow the same ERC rules, but check their exact list with your co-op.

In April 2026, under the State of National Energy Emergency, the DOE ordered distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to finish processing net-metering applications within 10 working days, down from 20. LGUs were also asked to act on related permits faster.

The 10 days apply once your application is complete, so getting the documents right the first time matters. The rule stays in place while the energy emergency lasts, unless the DOE changes it.

No. A grid-tie system shuts off when the grid goes down, as a safety feature for line workers, so you can't export or use solar power during a brownout. A hybrid system with a battery can still use net metering and keep your essentials on during brownouts. See What Happens to Solar Panels During a Brownout?