Government to roll out digital net metering platform next month

The government is set to launch a digital net metering application platform next month to make it easier for households to join the program and cut their electricity costs, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced last week.

DOE Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the streamlining of net metering processes, with a goal of reducing application time to less than 30 days.

“We will work with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Energy Regulatory Commission, and the National Electrification Administration to standardize policies and institute reforms,” Capongcol said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will lead the digitalization effort and spearhead public engagement, given the size of its franchise area. The DOE and partner agencies will provide support for the rollout.

Capongcol added that more consumer education campaigns will also be conducted to highlight the benefits of net metering, which allows households to install their own power sources, such as solar panels, to lower electricity bills and share excess supply with distribution utilities.