The Department of Energy has initiated a comprehensive effort to expedite the Net Metering Program, establishing quicker permit processes for local governments and simplifying documentation for utilities. New policies empower consumers with ownership of Renewable Energy Certificates and allow for multi-site net metering, enhancing accessibility and encouraging renewable energy adoption.

The post Philippines Fast-Tracks Net-Metering Rollout Through Unified LGU Reforms, ERC Simplification Measures, and Expanded Consumer Incentives appeared first on SolarQuarter.

Summary:

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### **1. BACKGROUND & CONTEXT**

HAPL operates a manufacturing plant in Solapur, Maharashtra, and is an MSEDCL consumer (Consumer No. 341629059470). It had installed a **983 kW rooftop solar system** under a **Net Metering Agreement** with MSEDCL (executed August 2022). HAPL also entered into **Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)** for captive renewable energy supply through open access.

The dispute arose because after availing **Open Access** for its offsite renewable power, MSEDCL **refused to allow Net Metering** for HAPL’s rooftop solar generation, instead treating it on a **Gross Metering basis** from November 2023 onward. This resulted in significant financial loss to HAPL.

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### **2. HAPL’S MAIN PRAYERS**

1. Direct MSEDCL to treat HAPL’s rooftop solar system under **Net Metering** arrangement.
2. Grant **retrospective adjustment** of amounts paid from the start of Open Access (November 2023) based on Net Metering.

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### **3. KEY ARGUMENTS OF HAPL**

– HAPL is eligible under **Regulation 3.2** of the Distribution Open Access (DOA) Regulations (Contract Demand > 1 MVA).
– The **DOA (Second Amendment) Regulations 2023** (effective 10 November 2023) **deleted the 8th proviso** that earlier mandated Gross Metering during Open Access.
– New **Regulation 3.4** explicitly permits simultaneous Open Access and Net Metering for eligible consumers.
– MSEDCL’s continued Gross Metering billing is **contrary to the amended regulations**.
– HAPL had repeatedly requested MSEDCL to allow Net Metering (Jan–July 2025) but received no response.
– MSEDCL’s reliance on its own **Clarification Petition (Case No. 232 of 2024)** is misplaced as the regulation is already in force.

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### **4. MSEDCL’S DEFENSE**

– At the time of commissioning (Nov 2022), the **DOA (First Amendment) Regulations 2019** applied, which required Gross Metering during Open Access.
– The 2023 Amendment is **prospective**, and HAPL did not apply for **Green Energy Open Access (GEOA)** through the proper **Nodal Agency (MSLDC)** as required.
– MSEDCL filed **Case No. 232 of 2024** seeking clarification on the interpretation of Regulations 3.3 and 3.4, which is still pending.
– Until clarity is provided, existing billing (Gross Metering) continues.
– HAPL’s failure to comply with GEOA procedure renders its claim invalid.

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### **5. MERC’S ANALYSIS & RULINGS**

#### **a) Regulatory Framework (Issue a)**
– The **8th proviso of the 2019 Regulations** (requiring Gross Metering during Open Access) was **deleted** in the 2023 Amendment.
– **Regulation 3.4** now explicitly allows **simultaneous Open Access and Net Metering**.
– Since HAPL’s Open Access started in **November 2023**, billing **must follow Net Metering** from 10 November 2023 onward.

#### **b) Compliance with Open Access Procedure (Issue b)**
– MSEDCL delayed implementing the 2023 Amendment until directed by MERC in **Case No. 129 of 2024** (Sept 2024).
– HAPL applied to MSEDCL (as Nodal Agency under earlier rules), and MSEDCL approved monthly Open Access.
– **MSEDCL’s own failure to implement the new system cannot deny HAPL its rightful benefit.**

#### **c) Overlap with MSEDCL’s Clarification Petition (Issue c)**
– In **Case No. 197 of 2024** (July 2025), MSEDCL had already **agreed to provide Net Metering adjustments** subject to the outcome of its clarification petition.
– MERC held that **MSEDCL cannot discriminate** between similarly placed consumers.
– The regulation is **in force**, and MSEDCL must comply.

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For more information please see below link:

Summary:

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### **1. PETITION DETAILS**
– **Petitioner:** BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd.
– **Legal Basis:** Filed under **Sections 86(1)(c), 86(1)(e), and 86(1)(k)** of the Electricity Act, 2003, read with:
– **Regulation 14** of the DERC (Net Metering for Renewable Energy) Regulations, 2014.
– **DERC (Peer-to-Peer Energy Transaction) Guidelines 2024.**
– **Nature:** Petition concerning a **pilot project** related to net metering and/or peer-to-peer energy transactions.

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### **2. HEARING & COMMISSION’S ORDER**
1. **Petition Admitted:** The Commission has **admitted the petition** for the pilot project.
2. **Jurisdictional Issue:** The Commission raised a question regarding its **jurisdiction over interstate transactions** (referenced in **Prayer C** of the petition).
3. **Additional Submissions:** The Petitioner’s Senior Counsel requested time to make additional submissions. The Commission directed:
– Petitioner to make **additional submissions by 27.01.2026** on the jurisdictional aspect.
– DERC officers may seek **additional clarifications** from the Petitioner in the meantime.
4. **Next Hearing:** Listed for **27.01.2026**.

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### **3. KEY IMPLICATIONS**
– The **pilot project petition is admitted**, but its scope—particularly concerning **interstate energy transactions**—remains subject to jurisdictional determination.
– The Commission’s final decision will depend on the **additional legal submissions** to be filed by the Petitioner.
– The case highlights the evolving regulatory landscape for **peer-to-peer energy trading** and **cross-state electricity transactions**.

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For more information please see below link: