The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has taken a significant step forward in promoting renewable energy adoption by entering into a tripartite agreement with the City Government of Pasig and Manila Electric Company (MERALCO). The agreement aims to expedite the adoption of renewable energy within Pasig City.
Under this agreement, the ERC, the City Government of Pasig, and MERALCO will collaborate on opportunities that will encourage the use of renewable energy in the locality, focusing on projects like the Net-Metering Program and Distributed Energy Resources (DER), which can help manage electricity costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic development.
The parties agreed to work together to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies, empower consumers, and promote cost-efficient demand management. The collaboration will also involve the development of information, education, and communication materials relevant to the implementation of renewable energy programs such as net metering and DER.
To facilitate the process, the ERC will deploy resource personnel at the City Hall, in order to closely assist Pasigueños with their concerns. These personnel will handle the processing of Certificates of Compliance (COC) applications for net-metering, DERs, and self-generating facilities.
Furthermore, the ERC will assist in streamlining documentary submissions, as well as the processes for installation, payment, and permitting. The ERC, along with the City Government and MERALCO, will also conduct an information, education, and communications campaign for electricity consumers and solar/renewable energy installers.
As of 30 June 2023, the ERC has issued COCs to 146 qualified end-users under the Net-Metering Program in Pasig City, with a total capacity of 1,284.87 kilowatt-peak.
ERC Chairperson and CEO Monalisa C. Dimalanta is optimistic that other local government units will follow suit in establishing their own one-stop shop for net-metering applications.