Net metering · Private distribution utility
CEPALCO net metering: how to apply
Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company serves Cagayan de Oro City and the municipalities of Tagoloan, Villanueva and Jasaan (Misamis Oriental). CEPALCO hasn’t published its own net-metering checklist online, so here are the national rules that apply and how to contact CEPALCO.
Checked October 27, 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm with CEPALCO before you apply.
At a glance
- How to apply
- Contact CEPALCO and ask for its net-metering desk.
- ERC fee
- —
- Meter replacement
- Capped at ₱3,000 for residential customers (ERC)
- Processing time
- 20 working days once permits are in place (ERC); 10 working days during the energy emergency (DOE, April 2026)
What we found
- We could not find a page for net metering (systems up to 100 kW) on CEPALCO's website.
- CEPALCO does publish a Distributed Energy Resources (DER) page, but it covers a separate program for renewable systems from 100 kW to 1 MW, with exports limited to 30% of nameplate capacity. Its steps, documents and credit rates do not apply to household net metering.
How long it takes
- 20 working days. Under the ERC’s 2025 amended rules, the utility has 20 working days to connect you once your permits are in place. (Ocampo & Suralvo Law Offices)
- 10 working days during the energy emergency. In April 2026 the DOE directed utilities and cooperatives to finish processing within 10 working days while the national energy emergency (EO 110, s. 2026) is in force. Ask your utility whether this still applies. (GMA News)
- Faster LGU permits. Under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001, s. 2026, LGUs should issue the electrical permit within 3 working days and the CFEI within 7 working days, without extra requirements. (Department of the Interior and Local Government Region IV-A)
Rules CEPALCO must follow
- Only four requirements. Utilities may only ask for the application form, the Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) from your city or municipality, the amended net-metering agreement, and the ERC Certificate of Compliance fee. They may not ask for a bill of materials or equipment catalogs. (Energy Regulatory Commission (copy published by BATELEC II))
- No notarization needed. Having the net-metering agreement notarized is not mandatory. (Energy Regulatory Commission (copy published by BATELEC II))
- Meter fee capped at ₱3,000. For residential customers, the charge for replacing your meter with a bi-directional meter is capped at ₱3,000. (Energy Regulatory Commission (copy published by BATELEC II))
- Free testing and commissioning. Testing and commissioning are free and must happen within the utility’s processing period. (Energy Regulatory Commission (copy published by BATELEC II))
- Up to 100 kW, with or without batteries. Net metering covers renewable energy systems of up to 100 kW, with or without battery storage. (Department of Energy)
Contact CEPALCO
24-hour customer service: 864-8000 / 162; 0917-530-2828 (Globe); 0998-847-3023 (Smart); inquiry@cepalco.com.ph.
CEPALCO net metering FAQs
How long does CEPALCO take to process net metering?
Under the ERC’s 2025 amended rules, utilities have 20 working days to connect you once permits are in place, and in April 2026 the DOE directed utilities to finish within 10 working days during the national energy emergency.
Sources
- Distributed Energy Resources (DER) — CEPALCO (accessed October 27, 2026)
- CEPALCO homepage — CEPALCO (accessed October 27, 2026)