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In a significant move toward a cleaner energy future, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), in partnership with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Quezon City local government, has formally launched a joint initiative to accelerate the use of renewable energy (RE) in the metro.

At the heart of this effort is a newly signed tripartite agreement that brings together public and private sector capabilities to make clean energy more accessible and more impactful—especially in highly urbanized areas like Quezon City. The initiative is designed to support the national government’s ambitious goal of increasing renewable energy’s share in the power mix to 35% by 2030, and 50% by 2040.

For Quezon City, the collaboration is a natural extension of its broader climate agenda as an active member of C40 Cities, a global network of cities committed to urgent climate action.

“One of our core priorities in Quezon City has always been to make energy cleaner, more reliable, and more accessible,” said Mayor Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte. “Through this agreement with ERC and Meralco, we’re creating clearer systems and stronger support for residents and businesses alike to join our clean energy journey.”

Central to the partnership is the improvement of the net-metering program, which allows consumers to install renewable energy systems—such as solar panels—and earn credits for excess electricity they feed into the grid. With nearly 2,500 net-metering customers in Quezon City already—the highest among all areas in Meralco’s franchise—there is strong momentum to build upon.

As part of the agreement, Meralco will establish a dedicated booth at the Quezon City Hall Compound, with staff ready to assist residents with net-metering and distributed energy resource (DER) applications. Meanwhile, the city government will provide logistical support, and the ERC will guide the process with technical and regulatory expertise.

Outgoing ERC Chairperson Monalisa C. Dimalanta highlighted the broader significance of the initiative. “The net-metering program is one of the best examples of how we can empower ordinary Filipinos to participate directly in crafting our nation’s energy destiny,” she said.

Meralco, for its part, will also contribute technical knowledge and manpower to help raise public awareness through information campaigns and on-the-ground consultations.

“This agreement reflects a shared vision for renewable energy and a deeper commitment to consumer empowerment,” said Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz. “We remain fully committed to helping shape a future powered by clean and sustainable energy.”

The Quezon City partnership follows a similar collaboration between Meralco, the ERC, and Pasig City, suggesting that more local initiatives may soon follow across Meralco’s service areas.

In an era where cities play an increasingly central role in climate action, this public-private partnership could serve as a blueprint for how local communities can lead the charge in the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.