Hasten net metering applications to boost renewables, DILG tells LGUs

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) to expedite the processing of net metering applications to boost the use of renewable energy in the country.

 This is also in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos to accelerate the Philippines' shift to renewables, the DILG said in a statement.

Established under Republic Act No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, net metering allows households and businesses that generate their own electricity, such as through solar panels, to sell their excess power back to the grid.

This system helps diversify the country’s energy mix while enabling consumers to reduce their electricity costs and recover investments in renewable energy systems, according to the DILG.

The DILG, together with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), recently signed Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 001, series of 2026. The JMC provides clear guidelines "to ensure faster, simpler, and more consistent processing of net-metering applications nationwide."

Under the JMC, LGUs are required to streamline documentary requirements and standardize processing timelines for net-metering installations in existing residential, commercial, and industrial establishments, the DILG said.

"Electrical permit applications must be processed within three working days, while Certificates of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) must be issued within seven working days, in accordance with Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law. The JMC also enforces a 'no additional requirements' policy and ensures the application of deemed approval in cases of inaction within the prescribed period," the DILG added.

LGUs are also encouraged to explore using digital solutions and to strengthen internal data-sharing mechanisms to improve efficiency and reduce processing delays.

The DILG will oversee the implementation of the JMC in coordination with DOE and DPWH. It will also monitor capacity-building initiatives and compliance with the eased requirements through the Ease of Doing Business Online Monitoring System.—LDF, GMA Integrated News