Meralco is the largest distribution utility in the Philippines, serving approximately 7.7 million customers across Metro Manila and parts of Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Quezon, and Pampanga. If you are installing solar in the National Capital Region, your net metering application goes to Meralco. The April 2026 DOE circular cut the approval timeline to 10 working days and standardized the document requirements — the process is now more predictable than at any point in the program’s history.
This guide covers the complete Meralco net metering process from document preparation through your first net-metered bill, including the BGC export rate calculation with a worked example.
Meralco’s Service Area
Meralco’s franchise area covers the most densely populated part of the Philippines. Before assuming your property is in Meralco’s service area, confirm by checking the Meralco website or by looking at your electricity bill — the distribution utility name appears on the bill.
Within Metro Manila (all 16 cities and 1 municipality): Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, and Pateros are all Meralco territory.
Outside NCR where Meralco also operates: Parts of Laguna (including Santa Rosa and Biñan), parts of Bulacan (including Meycauayan and Marilao), parts of Cavite (including Bacoor and Imus), and portions of Rizal, Batangas, Quezon, and Pampanga provinces. Some addresses in these provinces are served by electric cooperatives (e.g., QUEZELCO, BATELEC) rather than Meralco — your electricity bill will confirm.
Properties served by electric cooperatives outside Meralco’s franchise area submit net metering applications to their respective cooperative, not to Meralco.
Understanding the BGC Export Rate
The Blended Generation Rate (BGC) is the export credit rate under Philippine net metering. It is not a fixed tariff — it changes every month. Understanding how it is calculated is important for realistic financial projections.
What the BGC represents: The BGC is the weighted average cost of generation in Meralco’s power supply portfolio for a given billing period. It captures all generation charges on your bill: base generation cost, purchased power from independent power producers, and fuel-related adjustments. The distribution, transmission, and other non-generation charges are excluded from the BGC.
Approximate Meralco BGC for 2025–2026: PHP 5.00–6.50 per kWh. This range reflects monthly fluctuations due to fuel cost volatility, dispatch patterns, and Meralco’s generation mix. The BGC is stated on each monthly bill — it varies from the total bill rate (approximately PHP 10.50–11.50/kWh all-in) because it excludes taxes, distribution, transmission, and system charges.
Why this matters for ROI calculations: When using solar design software to model a Meralco residential system, use the full Meralco rate (PHP 10.50–11.50/kWh) for self-consumed electricity savings and the BGC rate (PHP 5.00–6.50/kWh) for exported electricity credits. These are different values and must be modeled separately for an accurate payback calculation. The generation and financial tool handles this distinction natively.
Worked Example: PHP 10,800/Month Bill
A household spending PHP 10,800/month with Meralco consumes approximately 900–1,000 kWh/month (at an all-in rate of approximately PHP 10.80–11.00/kWh). A 7 kWp rooftop system in Metro Manila (approximately 4.8 peak sun hours/day) would generate approximately:
- Daily generation: 7 kWp × 4.8 h × 0.80 (system efficiency) = 26.9 kWh/day
- Monthly generation: 26.9 × 30 = 807 kWh/month
If the household self-consumes 600 kWh of the solar generation and exports 207 kWh:
| Component | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Self-consumption savings | 600 kWh × PHP 10.80/kWh | PHP 6,480 |
| Export credit (BGC at PHP 5.50) | 207 kWh × PHP 5.50/kWh | PHP 1,138 |
| Total monthly benefit | PHP 7,618 | |
| Remaining Meralco bill | PHP 10,800 − PHP 7,618 | PHP 3,182 |
At a system cost of approximately PHP 350,000 for a 7 kWp system (equipment and installation), payback at this consumption and export profile is approximately 3.8 years. This is a simplified example — actual results depend on daily consumption timing, shading, system orientation, and monthly BGC fluctuations.
Maximize Self-Consumption for Better ROI
Every kilowatt-hour your system generates and you consume directly saves you the full Meralco rate (PHP 10.50–11.50/kWh). Every kWh you export earns only the BGC (PHP 5.00–6.50/kWh). Sizing the system to match your daytime consumption — or adding battery storage to capture evening consumption — significantly improves the economics compared to sizing for maximum export.
Document Checklist
Complete applications process faster. An incomplete first submission pauses the 10-day clock until you resubmit. Gather all these documents before filing.
| Document | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meralco net metering application form | Download from meralco.com.ph | |
| Certificate of Compliance (CoC) | Signed by PRC-licensed RME or PEE | |
| As-built electrical single-line diagram | Signed and sealed by engineer | |
| Bill of materials | Signed by engineer, includes all equipment specs | |
| CFEI from LGU | Original or certified true copy | |
| Proof of ownership or lease | TCT/CCT (title), tax declaration, or lease agreement | |
| Latest Meralco bill | PDF or photo | Must be current (within 3 months) |
| System specifications | Inverter and panel datasheets | |
| Barangay clearance | Required for some LGU areas |
The CFEI Is the Longest Lead Item
The CFEI from your LGU is the document that most commonly delays net metering applications. Under the DOE April 2026 mandate, LGUs must issue the CFEI within 3 working days of the final inspection. However, scheduling the inspection itself may take additional days. Get the electrical permit, complete the installation, and schedule the inspection as early as possible. See the LGU 3-day permit guide for the full inspection and permit process.
Applying Through the Meralco Online Portal
The Meralco online portal at meralco.com.ph is the fastest channel for net metering applications. The portal accepts document uploads and generates a submission record with a timestamp — important for tracking the 10-day window.
Log In to the Meralco Customer Portal
Go to meralco.com.ph and log in to the customer account using your Meralco account number and registered email. If your account does not have online access registered, use the “Register” option on the login page — you will need your account number (from the top right of your Meralco bill) and your registered email address or mobile number. New account registration is typically confirmed within 24 hours.
Navigate to Net Metering Application
After logging in, look for “Distributed Energy Resources,” “Renewable Energy Services,” or “Net Metering Application” in the portal navigation. Meralco periodically updates the portal structure — if you do not find the section immediately, use the portal search function. Download the Meralco net metering application form from this section. Complete the form before uploading — incomplete forms are a common rejection reason.
Upload All Required Documents
Upload each document as a clear, legible PDF or JPEG. Meralco’s portal typically has individual upload fields for each required document. Ensure: (1) the CoC is signed and the engineer’s PRC license number is visible; (2) the single-line diagram is clear enough to read all components; (3) the CFEI shows the issuing LGU, date, and official stamp; (4) the bill is dated within the last 3 months. Blurry scans or photocopies of photocopies are a common cause of initial rejection.
Submit and Save Your Submission Reference
Submit the complete application. The portal generates a submission confirmation with a reference number and timestamp. Save this — it is your evidence of submission date and starts the 10-working-day clock. Email yourself a copy. Under the DOE April 2026 mandate, Meralco must respond within 10 working days with: approval, rejection with reason, or a request for additional information (which pauses the clock).
Respond to Any Additional Information Request Immediately
If Meralco requests additional documents, address the request within 1–2 working days. The 10-day clock is paused while the request is pending. Once you resubmit, the clock resumes. Common additional information requests: clearer copy of a document, missing PRC license information on the CoC, updated bill if the submitted one is more than 3 months old, or clarification on system specifications.
Receive Approval and Schedule Meter Installation
Meralco sends written approval by email and through the portal. The approval letter is your permanent record — keep it. Meralco will schedule a bidirectional meter installation appointment, typically within 5–10 working days of approval. Ensure an authorized person (owner or installer representative) is present at the property during the installation appointment. Meralco’s crew installs the bidirectional meter, confirms system interconnection, and records the initial meter reading.
Verify Your First Net Metered Bill
The first complete billing cycle after meter installation is your first net metered bill. Check the bill for: the bidirectional meter reading (separate import and export readings), the BGC rate applied to exported kWh, the export credit as a line item deducted from your total bill, and the net consumption charged at the full Meralco rate. If anything does not appear correctly, contact Meralco’s customer service line immediately with the approval reference number. Do not wait for a second incorrect bill before following up.
In-Person Application at Meralco Business Centers
If you prefer in-person filing or encounter issues with the online portal, Meralco business centers accept net metering applications in person. Bring originals of all required documents — Meralco staff will photocopy them and return originals. Request a date-stamped acknowledgment receipt for your submission.
Major Meralco business centers in Metro Manila include locations in: Ortigas Center (Pasig), Makati, Quezon City (multiple locations), Manila, Taguig, Las Piñas, and Marikina. The full list of business center addresses and operating hours is available at meralco.com.ph.
Credit Carry-Forward Rules
Monthly export credits that exceed your monthly consumption bill are carried forward as a monetary credit. The credit appears on subsequent bills as a deduction. Meralco’s credit carry-forward mechanism works as follows:
- Monthly: Unused credit (generation credit minus current month’s bill) carries forward to the next month
- Annual settlement: On the billing anniversary month (12 months after the net meter was installed), Meralco settles any remaining accumulated credit as a financial payment — either a check mailed to your registered address or a credit applied to the next bill cycle
- No expiry before annual settlement: Credits accumulated during the year do not expire; they accumulate and are settled once annually
This means summer months (March–May) when solar generation is highest but air conditioning load is also high typically have moderate net credits. December–February may see months with more modest generation. The annual settlement captures any net positive balance.
What Changed With the DOE April 2026 Mandate
Before April 2026, the Philippine net metering process had no binding timelines for DU response. Meralco’s actual processing time ranged from 2 weeks to several months depending on application volume, incomplete submissions, and internal processing queues. The 1 MW system size cap limited larger commercial installations from participating.
After April 2026:
| Aspect | Before April 2026 | After April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| DU response timeline | No binding limit | 10 working days maximum |
| System size cap | 100 kWp for residential | Up to 1 MW |
| LGU CFEI timeline | No binding limit | 3 working days from inspection |
| Consequence for non-compliance | None defined | DOE regulatory intervention |
The practical effect for solar installers in Metro Manila: projects can now be scoped, sold, and commissioned with a predictable maximum timeline. The 10-day rule has been enforced for the initial months after implementation, though monitoring of LGU compliance with the 3-day CFEI rule is still developing.
1 MW Cap Lift Opens Commercial Solar
The removal of the previous 100 kWp cap on residential net metering and the increase to 1 MW opens the program to commercial buildings, mid-size industrial facilities, and mixed-use developments that previously could not participate or faced a different (more complex) process for larger systems. Commercial solar assessments should now model the full building load against potential system size up to 1 MW.
Connecting to the Philippines Compliance Framework
The Meralco net metering application is one step in the full Philippines solar compliance process. The complete path:
- Design the system — Size to Meralco consumption profile and site constraints. Solar software with Philippines-specific irradiance data models Metro Manila’s approximately 4.8 peak sun hours per day.
- Obtain LGU electrical permit — Pre-construction, from the OBO or MEO. See the LGU 3-day permit guide.
- Install and obtain CoC — Signed by PRC-licensed RME or PEE. See the Certificate of Compliance guide.
- Obtain CFEI — Post-construction LGU inspection. See the CFEI guide.
- Apply to Meralco — This guide.
- Meralco installs bidirectional meter — Net metering begins.
The Philippines solar compliance overview and the Philippines solar compliance hub have the full framework, including ERC resolution references and RA 9513 background.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for net metering with Meralco in 2026?
Submit the application through Meralco’s online customer portal at meralco.com.ph or visit a Meralco business center. Required documents include: completed Meralco net metering application form, Certificate of Compliance (CoC) from a licensed electrical engineer, as-built electrical single-line diagram, bill of materials, Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) from the LGU, proof of ownership or lease, and a copy of your latest Meralco bill. Meralco must respond within 10 working days under the DOE April 2026 mandate.
What is Meralco’s net metering export rate in 2026?
Meralco credits exported electricity at the blended generation rate (BGC), which is the weighted average generation charge on your bill. The BGC is approximately PHP 5 to PHP 6 per kWh depending on the billing month. It changes monthly because Meralco’s generation cost (a major component of your bill) fluctuates with fuel and purchased power costs. Your BGC export credit appears as a line item on your monthly Meralco bill.
How long does Meralco take to install the bidirectional net meter?
Meralco schedules meter installation within 5–10 working days after approving the net metering application. The installer must be present for the meter installation appointment. Net metering billing takes effect from the first complete billing cycle after the new bidirectional meter is installed. Meralco covers the cost of the net meter.
What happens to excess credits on my Meralco net metering account?
Unused credits (months where your system generates more than you consume) are carried forward as a monetary credit on your next Meralco bill. Credits accumulate month to month. Once a year, on your billing anniversary month, Meralco pays out any remaining accumulated credit at the BGC rate as a check or bill credit. The credit does not expire before the annual settlement.
Does Meralco charge a fee for the net metering application or the bidirectional meter?
Meralco does not charge an application fee for net metering and provides the bidirectional net meter at no cost to the consumer. This is required by ERC Resolution No. 09-2013. The consumer is responsible for the electrical installation costs (installer, CoC, CFEI) but not for the meter itself or the application processing.
