Energy Regulatory Commission urged to push for widespread net-metering

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities today urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to hasten the adoption of net-metering across the country and empower consumers to displace fossil-fuel electricity generation.

The ERC held public consultations today on proposed amendments to the country’s net-metering program, officially known as Resolution No. 9 Series of 2013, A Resolution Adopting the Rules Enabling the Net-Metering (NM) Program for Renewable Energy.

In their submission to the ERC, experts from ICSC said that a larger number of net-metering installations will augment power supply during peak demand periods, lower electricity spot markets rates, lower electricity rates by reducing transmission and distribution costs as well as offset the need to build more fossil-fueled power plants. ICSC also proposed that distribution utilities and electric cooperatives should be directed to pass-on the savings attributable to the net metering program to their customers.

“Widespread adoption of net-metering will not only reduce electricity bills in the Philippines but ensure growth in an industry bound to rake in billions of investment dollars to the country. Once we set our electricity fundamentals right, we pave a pathway towards economic development powered by modern and clean energy sources,” said Atty. Pete Maniego, Senior Policy Advisor at ICSC, and former Chairman of the National Renewable Energy Board.

The Philippines is considered one of the hottest markets for renewable energy, ranked top 5 in Asia by Ernst and Young for renewable investment attractiveness. The Philippine renewables sector is currently valued to be over US$ 2billion by Equis, one of the largest utility fund manager in Asia.

Old regulations tied to fossil-fuel electrcity generation, however, give the country one of the highest electricity prices in the world.

“Filipinos are burdened by expensive electricity rates so it’s difficult for people to feel that their economic fortunes are changing for the better. The government should aim to make net-metering mainstream across the country, and in turn help people by passing on reduced electricity prices,” Maniego added.

The ICSC said a net-metering campaign aimed at getting mainstream adoption can be jumpstarted by requiring all distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to inform the public about the benefits of the net metering program.

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities is a policy group promoting low-carbon development initiatives in vulnerable countries.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Atty. Pete Maniego, Senior Policy Advisor, +63 917 572 3040

AC Dimatatac, Communications Coordinator, +63 998 546 9788