You can begin enjoying the benefits of Net-Metering after all of the following are completed:

• Your existing meter has been replaced with a bi-directional meter (and REC meter, if applicable); 
• Your RE system has passed testing and commissioning (your system can safely operate and export excess electricity to the distribution grid); and
• All other applicable requirements have been fulfilled.

Once these steps are completed, your system can safely operate under Net-Metering, and any exported electricity will be properly recorded and credited.

You will receive credits for the energy exported by your system starting from the date of its successful testing and commissioning. During commissioning, Meralco will read your meter to establish the official start of your enrollment in the Net-Metering Program and your transition from the regular metering program. The corresponding bill credits for the exported energy recorded from this date onwards will be reflected in your next billing cycle. 

Yes. Net-Metering can help reduce your electricity bill by allowing you to use the electricity generated by your RE system. This reduces the amount of power you need to import from the grid and allows you to earn bill credits for any excess electricity exported to the grid. The bill credits will be applied to your succeeding electricity bills.  Unused bill credits can be carried over to the next billing cycle.

To maximize savings, customers are encouraged to understand their electricity usage pattern (or load profile) and peak consumption, so their solar PV system is properly sized to match their needs.
 

Your solar generation is used by your home first. When your system produces more electricity than you consume at that time, the excess energy is exported to the grid and converted into bill credits, which are deducted from your electric bill. 

Your Net-Metering Credit (Export Energy) is shown on the front page of your electricity bill, typically on the right-hand side, where it is deducted from your total charges. A sample bill is shown below for reference.

Front of Bill

Back of Bill

Following ERC's directives, bill credits are based on your actual exported electricity multiplied by Meralco's monthly blended generation charge, excluding other generation adjustments. 

This is the same generation charge that every customer pays as part of the full retail rate which also includes transmission, distribution, and other charges. Therefore, your exported electricity is credited based only on the generation component of the retail rate and excludes other generation charge adjustments.

Your bill credits will be deducted from your bill amount until it zeroes out, and the excess credits are banked and rolled over to your succeeding billing periods.

No. Net-Metering bill credits do not expire. Any excess credits earned from exported electricity are banked and rolled over to your succeeding billing periods.  

Yes. Customers are required to allow Meralco reasonable access to their premises to inspect, test, maintain, and operate meters, protective devices, and other related facilities connected to the Renewable Energy (RE) system. Meralco will give written notice at least three (3) days in advance before entering the premises. In emergency situations where public safety may be at risk, only reasonable notice is required.

To support safe and efficient operations, meters and related facilities should be installed in safe and accessible locations.