Net-Metering FAQs
1. Who can apply for Net-Metering?
To qualify for Net-Metering, applicants must:
- 1. Be in good credit standing with Meralco (no unsettled or outstanding obligations with Meralco at the time of application)
- 2. Have a Renewable Energy (RE) system of up to 100 kW installed capacity (100 kWp for solar PV installations)
- 3. Ensure the service account is registered under the same name of the applicant
2. Do I need Net-Metering if I only want to use solar energy for my own consumption (no export)?
No. However, even if you do not intend to export electricity, an unchecked Renewable Energy system connected to Meralco's grid lines can still pose safety and power quality risks if not properly coordinated with Meralco. An unsafe installation can affect line personnel, household appliances, and nearby fellow customers.
Those who do not intend to export power should contact Meralco to apply for the Zero Export (ZE) program.
3. Why is Meralco asking me to inform them of my solar installation even if I have no plans to apply for Net Metering or Zero Export?
Meralco recognizes the growing interest in renewable energy and solar installations and seeks to ensure these are done correctly and safely. Customers are highly encouraged to simply inform Meralco of their solar installations to ensure safety, system compatibility, and shared awareness for everyone involved.
4. What are the Net-Metering application requirements?
- 1. Application form: Download a copy of the application form here
- 2. Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) from your LGU
- 3. Amended Net Metering Agreement
- 4. Certificate of Compliance (COC) Application Fee (₱1,500)
If applicable:
- Notarized affidavit and waiver for NM customers on REC meter installation, for customers who opted not to install a REC meter
- Difference in Meter Cost (DIMC) Fee, for customers whose current meter does not have an import/export reading functionality
5. Is Net-Metering exclusively for Solar PV technology? What other technologies can I use?
No, Net-Metering is not limited to solar PV systems. Rooftop solar PV is currently the most common technology used in the Philippines due to strong solar potential and the relative accessibility of solar PV technology.
Under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, customers may install any qualified renewable energy technology when applying for Net-Metering. This includes solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and other eligible renewable technologies as defined in relevant laws, policies and guidelines.
Conventional energy technologies that rely on fossil fuels such as coal, diesel, gasoline, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and similar non-renewable resources are not eligible for Net-Metering.
If the service account is not under your name, please contact Meralco to facilitate the Transfer of Service procedure.
6. What is a REC meter and do I need one since this is voluntary under 2025 Amended Net-Metering rules?
A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) meter measures the actual electricity generated by your Renewable Energy (RE) system. This data may be used for purposes such as Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) compliance, subsidies, or other applicable incentives.
Installing a REC meter is voluntary. If you do not install one, Meralco will use an ERC-prescribed methodology to estimate your RE generation, as provided under Section 19 of the Amended NM rules below:
For Solar PV Technology:
For Wind, Run-of-River (ROR) Hydropower, Biomass, or other RE capable of being installed in customer's premises:
If you choose not to install a REC meter, your Net-Metering application can still proceed. You will be asked to sign an Affidavit and Waiver, which you can obtain from your assigned Business Center, Biz Partner Manager, or Relationship Manager.
You can still measure and monitor the actual electricity generation of your RE system through your inverter's monitoring feature, if available. Please consult your supplier or installer for guidance on how to access and use this feature.
7. What is a bi-directional meter and why do I need it?
A bi-directional meter measures electricity flowing in both directions: energy you import from the grid and energy you export back to it. This ensures that exported solar energy is properly recorded and credited under the Net-Metering program.
If you have a solar PV system but are not enrolled in Net-Metering and do not have a bi-directional meter, any excess electricity you export may be recorded as imported energy, which will inadvertently increase your bill.
8. What is a Distribution Impact Study (DIS)?
A Distribution Impact Study (DIS) is a technical evaluation performed by Meralco to assess whether the distribution system can safely and reliably accommodate a customer's proposed Solar PV / RE system interconnection which identifies potential concerns such as power quality issues, safety risks, and system limitations. The DIS determines whether distribution system upgrades or reinforcements may be needed before interconnection can proceed.
9. When can I enjoy the benefits of Net-Metering and see bill credits on my bill?
You can begin enjoying the benefits of Net-Metering after all of the following are completed:
- Your existing meter has been replaced with a bi-directional meter (and REC meter, if applicable);
- Your RE system has passed testing and commissioning (your system can safely operate and export excess electricity to the distribution grid); and; and
- All other applicable requirements have been fulfilled.
Once these steps are completed, your system can safely operate under Net-Metering, and any exported electricity will be properly recorded and credited.
You will be credited for the energy you export backdated to the day of successful testing and commissioning. After you are officially enrolled, Meralco will conduct a special meter reading, which marks the start of Net-Metering billing. Depending on your billing cycle, bill credits may appear in the same or succeeding electricity bill.
10. Does the Net-Metering Program allow me to save on my electric bill?
Yes. Net-Metering can help reduce your electricity bill by allowing you to use the electricity generated by your RE system. This reduces the amount of power you need to import from the grid and allows you to earn bill credits for any excess electricity exported to the grid. The bill credits will be applied to your succeeding electricity bills. Unused bill credits can be carried over to the next billing cycle.
To maximize savings, customers are encouraged to understand their electricity usage pattern (or load profile) and peak consumption, so their solar PV system is properly sized to match their needs.
11. How do I earn bill credits from Net-Metering?
To earn bill credits, your RE system must be designed and sized not only to serve your own electricity needs, but also to export excess energy to Meralco's distribution grid.
Your solar generation is used by your business first. When your system produces more electricity than you consume at that time, the excess energy is exported to the grid and converted into bill credits, which are deducted from your electric bill.
12. Where can I find the Net-Metering Export Energy in my bill?
Your Net-Metering Credit (Export Energy) is shown on the front page of your electricity bill, typically on the right-hand side, where it is deducted from your total charges. A sample bill is shown below for reference.
13. Why is my bill credit lower than the rate per kWh published in my bill?
Meralco complies with ERC directives where exported electricity is credited based on the distribution utility's monthly generation charge, excluding other generation adjustments, which reflects its blended generation cost. This is why the export rate is typically lower than the full retail rate you pay when importing electricity.
14. What if my bill credits exceed my bill amount for the month?
Your bill credits will be deducted from your bill amount until it zeroes out, and the excess credits are banked and rolled over to your succeeding billing periods.
15. Do Net-Metering bill credits expire?
No. Net-Metering bill credits do not expire. Any excess credits earned from exported electricity are banked and rolled over to your succeeding billing periods.
16. Will Meralco need access to my meter / premises for inspection or maintenance?
Yes. Customers are required to allow Meralco reasonable access to their premises to inspect, test, maintain, and operate meters, protective devices, and other related facilities connected to the Renewable Energy (RE) system. Meralco will give written notice at least three (3) days in advance before entering the premises. In emergency situations where public safety may be at risk, only reasonable notice is required.
To support safe and efficient operations, meters and related facilities should be installed in safe and accessible locations.
17. What happens if I modify or expand my solar PV system after approval?
If you make any modification to your RE system (i.e. adding solar panels), you will need to re-apply your system under the Net-Metering program. Please reach out to Meralco for assistance.
18. How much does it cost to apply for Net-Metering?
Applying for the Net-Metering program with Meralco is free of charge.
However, other charges may apply if necessary:
- Difference in Meter Cost (DIMC) - if your existing meter needs to be replaced with a bi-directional meter
- ERC COC Fee - P1,500, required for your Net-Metering Application payable to the Energy Regulatory Commission
- Local Government Unit (LGU) Fees - for the issuance of the Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI), which vary by LGU
19. What should I know before installing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with my RE installation?
Customers may use a BESS with their RE installation provided that the system complies with Meralco's technical and safety requirements below:
- 1. The RE facility should contain a transfer switch or any form of mechanism that isolates the loads served by the battery from the utility.
- 2. The transferring mechanism can be manual or automatic and can be located externally or internally to the inverter unit.
- 3. While the hybrid inverter is in battery mode, the RE facility and the critical loads should be isolated from the distribution grid. Under no circumstances shall the battery be able to export power to the distribution grid.
4. A warning signage should be applied in a visible location of the battery, in uppercase with a minimum height of 6mm and shall read as follows:
20. What happens if I have a solar installation, but I am not enrolled in the Net-Metering program?
Installing and operating a solar system without registering under Meralco's Net-Metering program may pose safety and technical risks. Registration ensures that your system is installed properly and safely connected to the grid.
Please note that Meralco will not be responsible for any damages or losses resulting from unauthorized installations.
Fire and electrocution hazards
Improperly installed solar systems may cause electrical faults that could lead to fires or electrocution.
Safety risk to linemen
Without proper safety features, your solar system may continue sending electricity to power lines during outages, which can endanger Meralco linemen doing repair work.
Possible power fluctuations in your area
Incorrect installations may affect power quality and cause voltage fluctuations that could impact nearby customers.
To avoid this, customers are encouraged to apply for Net-Metering or the Zero Export program.
21. Can I be enrolled in both Net-Metering and Peak/Off-Peak Program at the same time?
Yes. Elevate your bill savings strategy by pairing Net Metering with our Peak Off-Peak (POP) program for ultimate round-the-clock savings. While your solar panels slash your daytime costs and generate export credits, POP allows you to tap into reduced generation rates for your heavy evening consumption during off-peak hours.
To know more about POP, visit Meralco's POP webpage
22. Can bill credits be transferred if I move locations?
No, bill credits are assigned to the property and may only be transferred in cases of change of property ownership. Bill credits may be allowed to be transferred to the new owner of the property where the RE system is installed. This transfer requires the execution of the necessary documents, which may include a new Net-Metering Agreement with Meralco and a conforme letter from the original owner.