MALASIQUI, Pangasinan — The Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (Cenpelco) announced that 300 of its consumers have successfully adopted the net metering program, allowing them to generate their own solar power and lower their monthly bills.
The program, established under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, allows households to install solar facilities with a capacity of up to 100 kilowatts (kW).
- Total Impact: The 300 participating households have added approximately 1.2 megawatts (MW) of capacity to the local power grid.
- How It Works: During the day, solar panels power the home. Any excess electricity generated is “exported” back to Cenpelco’s grid. At night, or when the sun isn’t shining, the home draws power from the cooperative as usual.
Cenpelco General Manager Rodrigo Corpuz explained that customers are compensated for the energy they export through credits on their monthly bills.
- Savings Example: If a household exports 1,000 kWh and the generation rate is ₱5.50, they receive a ₱5,500 discount deducted from their bill.
- Peak Season: The benefits are most significant during the dry season when sunlight is abundant, providing substantial relief from high electricity costs.
The initiative is part of a broader push toward renewable energy in the Philippines, helping to stabilize the grid and reduce reliance on imported fuels. Cenpelco is encouraging more consumers to take advantage of the program as solar technology becomes more affordable and accessible.