Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday urged local government units (LGUs) to simplify and streamline net-metering application processes to boost renewable energy adoption. Established under Republic Act (RA) 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, net-metering allows households and businesses that generate their own power, such as through solar panels, to sell excess electricity to the grid.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DILG stated that the system helps diversify the country's energy mix while lowering consumer power costs and improving investment recovery. To support this effort, 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, which sets clear guidelines for faster, simpler, and more consistent net-metering application processing nationwide.

Under the JMC, LGUs must streamline documentary requirements and standardize processing timelines for net-metering installations in existing residential, commercial, and industrial establishments. Electrical permits must be processed within three working days, the DILG said, while Certificates of Final Electrical Inspection must be issued within seven working days, in line with RA 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Law.

The circular enforces a 'no additional requirements' policy and provides for deemed approval in cases of inaction within prescribed periods. LGUs are also encouraged to adopt digital solutions and strengthen data-sharing mechanisms to reduce delays. The DILG said it will oversee the JMC's implementation in coordination with the DOE and DPWH, including capacity-building initiatives and compliance monitoring through the Ease of Doing Business Online Monitoring System.