The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) convened a meeting last week with key agencies to fast-track the processing of net metering applications, a move aimed at reducing red tape and improving access to rooftop solar.

The meeting gathered representatives from the Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the National Electrification Administration, and Meralco, Manila’s largest power distributor. Together, they discussed measures to remove bottlenecks in the current application process, where applicants in some areas are asked to submit up to 15 different documents before approval. Local government requirements such as Certificates of Final Electrical Inspection and Electrical Permits often add to the delays.

According to the Philippines Information Agency, participants committed to stricter enforcement of existing policies, with clearer timelines at each stage of the process. The DOE also emphasized the need for simplified and standardized forms, along with eligibility requirements that are “relevant, necessary, and straightforward.”

Meralco pledged to enhance its net metering services through digitization, digitalization, accreditation of solar installers, and standardization of equipment.

The initiative follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address, where he called for urgent reforms to cut bureaucratic hurdles and provide immediate relief to electricity consumers.

“Every day we delay is another day Filipino consumers lose the chance to reduce their electricity bills and earn from their own clean energy production,” said Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin. “The president has made it clear: the net metering program must work for the people, not against them.”

Under the Philippines’ net metering scheme, solar installations of up to 100 kW are eligible. Any excess electricity generated is automatically exported to the grid, with consumers receiving peso credits that are deducted from their electricity bills.