Philippines: Net metering seen to boost renewables

Philippines: Net metering seen to boost renewables

Investments in renewable energy have received a boost thanks to a scheme
that allows customers equipped with solar, wind, or biomass power systems to
offset their electricity purchases from their local power utility and
receive credits for the excess electricity exported to the grid.

In a press statement, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the net metering
scheme has paved the way for investments in renewable energy through
distribution utility customers.

The Department of Energy is accelerating efforts to provide consumers with
more sustainable energy choices by organizing, through its Consumer Welfare
and Promotion Office, an orientation program about the net metering program
of the Manila Electric Co.

Meralco's program manager for renewable energy Anna Maria Reodica said the
first net metering customer in the country, with a 5-kilowatt rooftop solar
photovoltaic (PV) cell system, was "energized" by Meralco in November 2013.

Since then, net metering applications have been growing at an exponential
rate, expanding from rooftop installations in households to commercial and
industrial establishments, such as malls.

Cusi advised customers to exercise caution by informing their distribution
utility of any Solar PV or renewable energy installations to ensure safety
to both parties and preserve the stability of the grid where they are
connected.

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Ref:
http://business.inquirer.net/217807/net-metering-seen-to-boost-renewables

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com