On 28 July 2025, during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) were tasked to accelerate the processing of net-metering applications. In this regard, ALL ON-GRID DISTRIBUTION UTILITIES (DUs) are directed to undertake the following actions, effective immediately:
A. Uniform and Streamlined Documentary Requirements
DUs are mandated to standardize and simplify documentary requirements for net-metering applications. The list of requirements that a Qualified End-User shall submit to the DUs shall be limited to the following:
| Document | Remarks |
|---|---|
| a.Application Form | Requirements by DUs, which may include information on the Net-Metering facility necessary for the application for a Certificate of Compliance (COC) with the ERC. |
| b.Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) | Issued by the Local Government Unit |
| c.Amended Net-Metering Agreement (NMA) | Notarization is NOT MANDATORY, and electronic signatures are allowed |
| d.COC Application Fee | To be paid to ERC through Cash, Manager's Check, or in ERC-LBP Link.BizPortal for Online Payment Transaction. |
⚠️ The DUs shall not impose additional requirements such as, but not limited to, bill of materials, or solar equipment catalogs.
Further, the DUs, as part of its obligation to file a COC with the ERC on behalf of its customers, shall be responsible for completing the Revised COC Form No. 1 in accordance with Section 7. Annex A of ERC Resolution No. 15. Series of 2025 and Section 9.4, Article III of ERC Resolution No. 17, Series of 2023 (2023 Revised COC Rules).
B. Cost of Bi-directional Meters for Residential Customers
For residential installations, filed by an existing customer who wishes to install an RE facility in his/her premises, the difference in cost chargeable by the Distribution Utility for the replacement to the required bi-directional meter shall not exceed Three Thousand Philippine Pesos (₱3,000.00).
C. Testing and Commissioning Protocols
The conduct of testing and commissioning is an obligation of the Distribution Utility (DU), to be performed by its personnel at NO COST TO THE APPLICANT. Should the DU delegate such to a third party, the cost shall not be charged to the customers. Likewise, it is part of the 20-day processing time of the DU, pursuant to Section 20, Annex A of ERC Resolution No. 15. Series of 2025.
Conduct of testing of RE facility's components in DU's compound/premises shall not be permitted.
D. Rebates and Billing Commencement
DUs are encouraged to commence the calculation and application of billing rebates for exported energy effective from the date of successful testing and commissioning and shall be reflected on the QEs' first electricity bill issued immediately following the said date, irrespective of the date of submission of the COC application to the ERC.
E. Public Dissemination and Sanctions
DUs are mandated to post a complete digital copy of this Advisory on their official websites and all official social media platforms.
Posting Schedule: 1st day of October, November, and December 2025
Failure to comply with this directive may be subject to appropriate administrative action in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
F. Revision of the Certificate of Compliance (COC) Form 1 and 1.1
DUs shall fill-up, submit and apply for a COC with the ERC, on behalf of the QE, the revised COC Form 1 to be filled up and submitted by the DU.