POLICY NO. 02-2023 Title: POLICY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NET METERING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM Pursuant to the resolution adopting the Rules Enabling the Net-Metering Program for Renewable Energy, Resolution no. 9 Series of 2013. In this regard the following working instructions are hereby issued to the field for effective implementation.
1. Net Metering arrangement is permitted for QUIRELCO consumers with existing accounts and in good credit standing in the payment of electric bill. Qualified End-user (QE) or consumer is allowed to install an on-site Renewable Energy (RE) facility not exceeding 100 kilowatts (KW) in capacity per Consumer Account. However, a QE must generate a facility not to exceed his maximum load requirement, otherwise QUIRELCO reserves the right to temporarily disconnect the RE facility after due notice until such time that an adjustment with the QE load will be made.
2. A QE who intends to operate in parallel with the QUIRELCO’s Distribution system shall inform QUIRELCO through written request/ letter of intent (LOI) addressed to QUIRELCO, of its intention to participate in the Net Metering Program.
3. QUIRELCO shall provide applicant with list of required documents in response to QE’s inquiry such as Net-Metering Application Form, Detailed Planning Data, Plant Parameters Form, pro forma Net Metering Agreements, information and metering requirements.
4. Applicant shall submit the accomplished Net Metering Application forms with the supporting documents. QUIRELCO will then verify the accuracy and completeness of the documents. Upon receipt of the application, QUIRELCO will send feedback on whether or not the application is complete.
5. With the submission of complete documentary requirement, the application proceeds to the technical evaluation. QUIRELCO will perform an initial assessment to determine on a nondiscriminatory basis whether or not a specific Distribution Impact Study (DIS) and Distribution Asset Study (DAS) will be needed, in accordance with the DSOAR, and inform the applicant accordingly.
6. If the conduct of DIS and DAS is deemed necessary, QUIRELCO informs the applicant and relays the following details on the DIS: Scope of the Study, and Estimated Time of DIS Completion. QUIRELCO should complete the DIS and DAS and informs the applicant of the result. Should there be adverse impact on the distribution system due to the result of the DIS, the applicant shall exert remedial measures to mitigate such impact.
7. Before finalizing the design of the interconnection facilities based on the result of the DIS and or DAS, the applicant shall submit the electrical permit issued by the Electrical Division of Office of the Building Official (OBO) of the LGU to see to it that the applicant complies with the standard and requirements on electrical safety in the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), and the Electrical Engineering Law.
8. QUIRELCO shall conduct inspection of the Service Entrance depending on the meter set-up (2 unidirectional meter or single bi-directional meter).
9. After the completion of the plans for the interconnection facilities, project agreements (e.g. Net Metering Agreements, Fixed Asset Boundary Documents) will be executed and pay the ERC fee of ₱1,500.00. Construction of the interconnection facilities may then proceed.
10. The applicant shall be responsible for providing adequate protection for its facility under any operating conditions, and regardless of whether or not the interconnected generation is in operation. Mandatory safety precautions/features which have to be taken into consideration as part of the grid connected solar PV system installations are:
a) Automatic synchronization devices shall be installed to monitor and control the synchronization, frequency, power factor and the voltage level of the RE facility. Automatic synchronizing settings shall not be changed following installation unless mutually agreed by both parties.
b) The QE shall provide facilities against islanding to isolate and block the RE facility from closing back into the Distribution System until the system is energized for a minimum of two (2) minutes from the normal utility or QUIRELCO source.
c) The Solar PV system should be separately grounded/earthed in accordance with requirements of the PEC.
d) The QE shall provide a visible manual disconnecting switch with locking facility where it will be easily accessible to electrically isolate QUIRELCO’s Distribution System from the RE facility and to established working clearance for maintenance, safety and system consideration. The disconnect device shall be located 10 feet from the Connection point. If this is not practical, the disconnected device should be located between the RE facility and the connection point. The type of disconnect device must allow for visual indication of the contract’s position and the handle must be lockable in the open position with a padlock.
e) Protective relays shall be installed to trip the corresponding circuit breaker during abnormal conditions or grid failure and thus prevents any solar power injection to the Distribution System.
11. Caution Stickers shall be used with the yellow back ground and the text “Solar PV System” written in black letters. The size of these stickers shall be 10 cm (width) x 7 cm (height) with the text clearly printed in the center of the sticker. All SPV owning consumers should provide the mandatory sign board fitted near the existing meter reading terminal stating that ‘This service is fitted with a grid connected SPV plant’. The Solar PV System Caution Stickers shall be provided and installed by QUIRELCO in the following locations during commissioning.
a) On or near to, the service connection meter of service with grid connected Solar PV System.
b) On the Consumer’s main switch, of a service connection with a grid connected Solar PV System.
c) On distribution poles with grid connected Solar PV Systems at height of about 1.50 meters from the ground.
d) On each of the takeoff poles of a Distribution Transformer to which Solar PV Systems are connected.
e) On LT feeder pillars with grid connected Solar PV System on the street-facing door of the feeder pillar.
12. Applicant shall inform QUIRELCO once the installation is complete. Applicant’s installed facilities will undergo testing and commissioning to be conducted by QUIRELCO accredited third party and to be witnessed by QUIRELCO representative. Applicant is responsible for carrying out the relevant commissioning tests which includes the installation of required test equipment at the RE facility. Commissioning will include on-site inspection of the system components and functional test to ensure its conformance to the technical requirements. Any non-conformance shall be corrected by the applicant.
13. Applicant shall provide technical literature including type test certificates of the protective equipment from the QUIRELCO accredited third party.
14. Upon receiving the applicant’s request for effecting Solar Net Metering along with the copy of the Certificate of Final Inspection issued by the Office of the Building Official (OBO), signed net metering agreement and payment ERC Fee, the Solar PV System shall be connected to the distribution system by the QUIRELCO.
15. Two Uni-directional meters shall be installed to measure import and export (kWh) separately or a single Bi-directional meter. A generation check meter may be installed in proximity to RE facility (at low voltage side) to record all energy production of the RE facility. The pull-out meter reading of the existing service connection meter and initial meter reading of the new Bi-directional or two Uni-directional meter should be properly recorded.
16. In the event there is no power from QUIRELCO the RE facility should automatically disconnect from the system. The QE must inform QUIRELCO’s System Operator if it is going to synchronize to or isolate from the system. QE shall provide QUIRELCO the contact number of the person who is responsible for the operation of the RE facility. QE shall also maintain the RE facility and interconnection facilities in a safe manner as approved by QUIRELCO in conformity with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
17. QUIRELCO shall own and shall be responsible for the design, provision, installation, operation, maintenance, testing and sealing of the meter and associated metering equipment in accordance with section 2.11 of the DSOAR.
18. A list of service connections with grid connected Solar PV Systems shall be available at the Member Services Division, Corporate Planning Department, TSD and billing office.
a) The Consumer Account Division shall verify the periodically the expected generation with the Solar Generation Meter and also compare the inverter meter reading with Solar Generation Meter reading to avoid malpractices.
b) A record shall be maintained at the Corporate Planning Department, of each SPV plant commissioning date and other details including whether the inverter is a sine wave inverter and comply with Harmonic requirements as seen in the test certificate.
c) The SPV connection details of pole/pillar box/Distribution Transformer/Substation feeder end shall be maintained at the Corporate Planning Department, as these information are vital.
19. Meter Reading & Billing
a) The service connection meter readings of solar service connections can be taken along with the readings of other service connections as per the standard meter reading schedule
b) In case of a net import bill, the Consumer shall settle the same as per existing norms and the applicable service connection tariff. If in any billing cycle energy exported exceeds energy imported, the amount of net exported Kwh will be carried over to the next billing cycle for adjustment against the amount imported of that billing cycle.
c) A meter card to record separately the service connection “import” kwh and export kwh and the readings of the Solar Generation Meter and Solar Generation Check meter (where ever applicable) with a facility to incorporate both the meter reader and Consumers initials shall be provided by QUIRELCO.
RESPONSIBILITY: The General Manager or his duly authorized representative shall be responsible in the implementation of this policy.
REPEALING CLAUSE: Policies, Coop Rules and Regulations inconsistent and contrary to the provisions of this policy are hereby repealed accordingly.
EFFECTIVITY: Upon approval of the Board of Directors. Approved thru Board Resolution No. 79 Series of 2023
