Meralco is not the regulator of solar energy. The proper regulators are ERC, DOE, and for equipment or installer standards, possibly DTI and LGUs. Under EPIRA, distribution utilities are regulated common carriers, and they must provide distribution services and open, non-discriminatory access within their franchise area, subject to ERC regulation.
Where Meralco has a valid role is when the solar installation is connected to, synchronized with, or capable of backfeeding into its distribution grid. In that case, it can require registration, technical evaluation, inspection, proper metering, and compliance with interconnection standards. RA 9513 allows net-metering subject to technical considerations, while ERC is the one tasked to establish interconnection standards and pricing rules.
For sure they know their limits.
Meralco may enforce grid-safety and interconnection requirements.
Meralco should not “regulate all solar panels” as if it were a government regulator.
Off-grid solar, or solar that is completely isolated from Meralco’s network, should not fall under Meralco’s direct authority except where there is a demonstrable risk to the distribution system.
The safety issue is real. Meralco itself says unregistered RE facilities may create fire, electrocution, backfeeding, lineman safety, and grid instability risks. But this must not become a backdoor way to discourage rooftop solar or make the process expensive, slow, or monopolistic.
And again, I’m sure they know this already. For others’ info only.
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