Manila: Households with solar panels that are not seeking enrollment in the government's net metering program will only be required to apply for an electrical inspection once the new policy framework is rolled out, likely by the third quarter of 2026. Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan stated that the streamlined process would benefit households that do not intend to feed excess power back into the grid.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marasigan mentioned that the Department of Energy is accelerating the development of the new framework, transitioning from a system of clearance to one based on information. He explained that the department is currently consulting stakeholders, including distribution utilities, local governments, and power consumers, and has already drafted the policy.

Marasigan indicated that positive feedback from these stakeholders could lead to the release of the framework within a month or two. Under the current net metering program, households with solar panels must register with their local government units and notify their distribution utilities to transfer excess electricity to the power grid for public distribution. This excess capacity is compensated through credits or refunds reflected in households' electricity bills.

The Energy Regulatory Commission has also introduced improvements to streamline the process, including setting minimum requirements for distribution utilities and local governments to expedite applications and shorten processing times. Marasigan emphasized that residential solar facilities generally have small capacities and are primarily intended for personal consumption, which does not necessitate the same process required for net metering participants.

He further noted that many households, especially those in areas on the outskirts of Metro Manila, already have solar power systems that need to be inspected and registered to ensure safety.