ANNEX "A-1"

DRAFT AMENDED NET-METERING INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

I. OVERVIEW 3
II. SCOPE AND PURPOSES 3
III. DEFINITIONS 3
IV. GENERAL GUIDELINES 6
V. APPLICATION FOR INTERCONNECTION 7
VI. SYSTEM PARAMETERS 8
VII. SYSTEM PROTECTION 10
VIII. OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE 13
IX. METERING 13
X. TESTING AND COMMISSIONING 14
XI. BIBLIOGRAPHY 15
XII. APPENDIX 16
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I. OVERVIEW

These guidelines set forth the Net-Metering Interconnection Standards

for Qualified End-users (QEs) who enter into Net-metering Agreements
with on-grid Distribution Utilities (DUs).

II. SCOPE AND PURPOSES

These guidelines cover distributed generation, which is connected to

and operates in synchronism with the on-grid DUs, and apply to single-
phase or three-phase generation with a maximum capacity of 100 kW.
These guidelines establish the rules and standards for the
interconnection of RE generating facilities to the DU’s Distribution
System. They provide technical guidance to address engineering,
electric system reliability, and safety concerns for net-metering
interconnections.

III. DEFINITIONS

The following terms shall be understood to have the following meanings

when used in these guidelines:

3.1 Commissioning Test refers to a test conducted when the

equipment is installed to verify correct operation.

3.2 Connection Point refers to the point of connection of the QE

System or Equipment to the Distribution System.

3.3 Distributed Generation refers to a system of small generation

entities supplying directly to the distribution grid, any one of which
shall not exceed one hundred kilowatts (100 kW) in capacity, as
defined in Section 4(j) of Republic Act No. 9513.

3.4 Distribution Asset Study (DAS) refers to a study to determine all

distribution assets and costs necessary to accommodate a
proposed net-metering interconnection.

3.5 Distribution Impact Study (DIS) refers to a set of technical

studies which are used to assess the possible effects of a
proposed expansion, reinforcement, or modification of the
Distribution System or a User Development and to evaluate
Significant Incidents.

3.6 Distribution Services and Open Access Rules (DSOAR) refers

to the Rules promulgated by the Energy Regulatory Commission
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under ERC Resolution No. 2, Series of 2010 including any

subsequent amendments thereto, covering, among others, the
terms and conditions for the connection of generating facilities to
the Distribution System.

3.7 Distribution System refers to the system of wires and associated

facilities belonging to a franchised distribution utility extending
between the delivery points on the transmission or sub-
transmission system or generator connection and the point of
connection to the premises of the end-user, as defined in Section
4(o) of Republic Act No. 9136.

3.8 Distribution Utility (DU) refers to any electric cooperative, private

corporation, government-owned utility or existing local government
unit which has an exclusive franchise to operate a Distribution
System in accordance with its franchise and R.A. No. 9136, as
defined in Section 4(l) of Republic Act No. 9513.

3.9 Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) refers to the

independent quasi-judicial regulatory agency created pursuant to
Republic Act No. 9136, as defined in Section 4(n) of Republic Act
No. 9513.

3.10 Flicker refers to the impression of unsteadiness of visual

sensation induced by a light stimulus whose luminance or spectral
distribution fluctuates with time.

3.11 Grounding refers to a conducting connection by which an

electrical circuit or Equipment is connected to earth or to some
conducting body of relatively large extent that serves as ground.

3.12 Harmonics refers to sinusoidal voltages and currents having

Frequencies that are integral multiples of the fundamental
Frequency.

3.13 Interconnection refers to the result of the process of adding an

RE system to the Distribution System.

3.14 Island refers to a condition in which a portion of the DU’s

distribution network is energized solely by one or more RE
systems.

3.15 Metering Service Provider (MSP) refers to a person or entity

authorized by ERC to provide Metering Services. The DU shall be
the sole metering service provider for the retail market until such
time that the ERC determines the provision of metering services at
the retail level as competitive.
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3.16 Net-Metering refers to a system, appropriate for distributed

generation, in which a distribution grid user has a two-way
connection to the grid and is only charged or credited, as the case
may be, the difference between its import energy and export
energy.

3.17 Net-Metering Agreement refers to the agreement between a QE

and the DU governing the commercial and inter-connection
arrangements between the DU and the QE (See Annex "A-2").

3.18 Parallel Operation refers to the operation of an RE system with or

without an exporting capacity while connected to DU’s Distribution
System.

3.19 Philippine Distribution Code (PDC) refers to the set of Rules,

requirements, procedures and standards governing DUs and
Users of Distribution System in the operation, maintenance and
development of the Distribution System. It also defines and
establishes the relationship of the Distribution System with the
facilities or installations of the parties connected thereto.

3.20 Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) refers to the electrical safety

Code that establishes basic materials quality and electrical work
standards for the safe use of electricity for light, heat, power,
communications, signaling, and for other purposes.

3.21 Qualified End-user (QE) refers to entities that generate electric

power from an eligible on-site RE generating facility, such as, but
not limited to, house or office building with photovoltaic system that
can be connected to the grid, for the purposes of entering into a
Net-Metering agreement, as defined in Section 7 of the
Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 9513.

3.22 Reclosing refers to the automatic return of power lines to service

following their disconnection for fault conditions.

3.23 Renewable Energy (RE) Certificate refers to a certificate issued

by the RE Registrar to electric power industry participants showing
the energy sourced, produced, and sold or used. RE Certificates
may be traded in the RE Market in complying with the RPS, as
defined in Section 3(tt) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations
of R.A. 9513.

3.24 Renewable Energy Facility (RE system) refers to the

generator(s) and/or inverter(s) together with all protective, safety,
and associated equipment located on the QE’s side of the
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Connection Point which the QE requests to interconnect to the

DU’s Distribution System.

3.25 Renewable Energy Resources (RE Resources) refers to energy

resources that do not have an upper limit on the total quantity to
be used. Such resources are renewable on a regular basis, and
whose renewal rate is relatively rapid to consider availability over
an indefinite period of time. These include, among others,
biomass, solar, wind, geothermal, ocean energy, and hydropower
conforming with internationally-accepted norms and standards on
dams, and other emerging renewable energy technologies, as
defined in Section 4(uu) of Republic Act No. 9513.

3.26 Standard Planning Data refers to the general data required by

the distribution utility as part of the application for a net-metering
interconnection.

3.27 Synchronization refers to the process of attaining the state when

connected Generating Units and/or interconnected AC Systems
operate at the same Frequency and where the phase angle
displacements between their voltages vary about a stable
operating point.

IV. GENERAL GUIDELINES

4.1 A QE who intends to operate in parallel with the DU’s Distribution

System shall, in consultation with the DU, design, install, operate,
and maintain all necessary equipment on its property for
interconnection, unless otherwise stated in the Net-Metering
Agreement.

4.2 The DU shall allow interconnection of RE systems with a

maximum capacity of 100kWAC per QE account to its Distribution
System, except for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) which will be 100kW DC.

4.3 The DU shall conduct inspections and witness the calibration and
testing of the QE’s lines, wires, and switches.

4.4 The DU shall disconnect the QE’s generation facility from the
Distribution System at any time, using the disconnect device as
specified in 7.4.1 of these Rules, whenever the DU deems it
necessary to conduct maintenance, test, repair, or emergency
condition or other safety concerns related to it.

4.5 All specifications and detailed plans for the installation of the
communication, control and protective devices shall be of the DU’s
standards.
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4.6 The QE shall inform and seek the approval of the DU prior to the
execution of any changes or modifications in the RE system or to
the connection point. The QE shall be liable for any costs and/or
damages incurred by the DU as a result of any changes or
modifications in the RE system or to the connection point without
the latter’s approval.

4.7 The RE system shall conform to the latest revision of the PEC,
PDC, DSOAR, other local codes, and the Terms and Conditions of
Service and Standard Rules and Regulations as approved by the
ERC.

V. APPLICATION FOR INTERCONNECTION

5.1 Upon written request and within three (3) business days from
receipt of such request, the DU shall provide information and
documents (such as the pro forma agreements and the
application, technical requirements, specifications, listing of
certified equipment, application fee information, applicable rate
schedules and metering requirements) in response to a QE’s
inquiry. All such information shall be sent to the QE as agreed
upon by the DU and the QE.

5.2 The application form shall include the following information:

 A description of the proposed connection or modification to an

existing connection to the Distribution System;

 The relevant Standard Planning Data as specified in Section

6.4 of the PDC;

 The manufacturer’s simulation results on technical parameters

such as abnormal voltage and abnormal frequency of the RE
equipment or component; and other data as required by the
DU; and

 The completion date of the proposed interconnection.

 Certificate of Compliance requirements as provided in

Resolution No. 16, Series of 2014, “A Resolution Adopting the
2014 Revised Rules for the Issuance of Certificates of
Compliance (COCs) for Generation Companies, Qualified End-
Users and Entities with Self-Generation Facilities”.

5.3 The QE shall complete and file an application and any possible
Detailed Planning Data as specified in Section 6.5 of the PDC. The
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filing must include the completed application and a fee (if required)
for processing the application.

5.4 Within three (3) business days upon receiving the application, the
DU shall acknowledge its receipt and state whether or not the
application is complete.

5.5 Once an application is accepted by the DU as complete, the DU

shall determine in a non-discriminatory basis whether a specific
DIS is necessary in accordance with the DSOAR.

5.6 Upon completion of the study, the DU shall provide the applicant
with the results of the study, including any additional interim
agreements, such as construction agreements that may be
necessary and a cost estimate to complete the interconnection.

5.7 Prior to signing of the Net-Metering Agreement, the DU, together

with the QE, shall inspect the RE system onsite and check its
conformance to the technical requirements in the Net-Metering
Agreement and of these guidelines. Any non-conformance shall be
corrected first before the Net-metering Agreement is signed and
the RE system is connected and energized.

5.8 The DU and QE, taking into consideration the agreed target
completion date, shall use their reasonable endeavors, in
coordination with each other, to complete their respective
connection arrangements as agreed in the Net-metering
Agreement.

VI. SYSTEM PARAMETERS

Any RE system causing interference, problems, or any unacceptable

parameters to the DU’s Distribution System shall be disconnected by the
DU from the Distribution System and shall remain disconnected until the
condition has been corrected, provided that reasonable notice is given
on the intent to disconnect, and the QE is given at least three (3) days
within which to remedy the hazardous condition. If the cause of the
problem is the RE system, all costs associated with determining and
correcting the problem shall be at the QE’s expense.

6.1 Voltage Level

The QE shall operate its facility maintaining the same voltage level
as the DU’s Distribution System at the Connection Point. The QE
must provide an automatic method of disconnecting its facility from
the Distribution System within DU’s limits as stated in Table 1.
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Table 1 – Minimum Time Requirements for RE to Remain

Connected at Different Voltage Ranges

RE System
Voltage Range
Time (s)
(% of Base Voltage)
V<50 0.16
50≤V<90 2.00
90<V ≤110 Normal Operating Range
110<V<120 1.00
V≥120 0.16

6.2 Frequency

All RE systems shall operate at a frequency of 60 Hz. The QE

shall provide automatic disconnection means from the DU’s
Distribution System within the time prescribed in Table 2.

Table 2 - Minimum Time Requirements for RE to Remain

Connected at Different Frequency Ranges

RE System
Frequency Range (Hz) Time
F > 62.4 Automatic disconnection
61.8 < F ≤ 62.4 5 minutes
58.2 ≤ F ≤ 61.8 Continuous Operation
57.6 ≤ F < 58.2 5 minutes
F < 57.6 5 seconds

6.3 Power Quality

6.3.1 Limitation of Direct Current (DC) Injection

The RE system and its interconnecting system shall not
inject DC greater than 0.5% of the full load rated output
current at the Connection Point.

6.3.2 Flicker Severity

The flicker severity at the Connection Point shall not exceed
1.0 unit for short term and 0.8 units for long term as specified
in Section 3.2.6 of the PDC, or any subsequent amendments
thereto.
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6.3.3 Harmonics
The harmonic content of the voltage and current waveforms
in the DU’s Distribution System shall be restricted to levels
that will not cause interference or equipment-operating
problems. The harmonics shall be within the limits defined in
Section 3.2.4 of the PDC or any subsequent amendments
thereto.

6.4 Power Factor

The QE shall maintain a power factor of not less than 85% lagging,
measured at the Connection Point. Failure to maintain the power
factor within this range may result in rate penalties and/or
discontinuation of interconnection with the DU’s Distribution
System.

VII. SYSTEM PROTECTION

The QE shall be responsible for providing adequate protection for its

system under any operating conditions, and regardless of whether or not
the interconnected generation is in operation. Conditions include, but are
not limited to, single phasing of supply, system faults, equipment
failures, abnormal voltage or frequency, lightning and switching surges,
excessive harmonic voltages, excessive negative sequence voltages
and islanding.

7.1 Synchronization

The QE shall provide synchronizing devices for synchronizing the

RE system to the DU’s Distribution System. Automatic
synchronization devices shall be installed to monitor and control
the synchronism, frequency, power factor and the voltage level of
the RE system. The DU shall review, approve, and inspect the
method of synchronization. Automatic synchronizing settings shall
not be changed following installation unless mutually agreed by
both parties. Typical limits for synchronizing parameters are given
in Table 3.

Table 3 - Typical Synchronizing Parameter Limits

Aggregate Maximum
Maximum Maximum
Rating of Phase Angle
Frequency Voltage
RE Difference
Difference Difference
Resource ΔΦ
Δ f (Hz) Δ V (%)
(kW) (Degrees)
≤ 100 0.3 10 20
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7.2 Islanding

In case the QE’s interconnection system detects possible

islanding, the QE shall disconnect from the Distribution System
within two (2) seconds. The QE shall provide systems against
islanding to isolate and block the RE system from closing back into
the Distribution System until the system is energized for ten (10)
minutes from a normal utility source.

7.3 Integration with DU’s Distribution System Grounding

The grounding scheme of the QE shall not cause over voltages

that exceed the rating of the equipment connected to the DU’s
Distribution System and shall not disrupt the coordination of the
ground fault protection on the Distribution System. All electrical
systems and equipment shall be grounded in accordance with the
requirements of the PEC.

7.4 Protective and Control Devices

The QE’s protection system shall coordinate with the DU’s

protection system. The QE shall submit proposed fused types or
relay settings to the DU for review and acceptance. Any
subsequent relay changes shall also be submitted to the DU.

7.4.1 Disconnect Device

The QE shall provide a visible disconnect device to be used
by the DU to electrically isolate the DU’s Distribution System
from the RE system and to establish working clearances for
maintenance, safety and system considerations. The
disconnect device shall be physically located within 10 feet
from the Connection Point for ease of access by the DU
personnel. If this is not practical, the disconnect device
should be located between the RE system and the
Connection Point. The type of disconnect device must allow
for visual indication of the contact’s position and the handle
must be lockable in the open position with a padlock. Only
the DU personnel will have access to the disconnect device.

The RE system installed within the QE's premises must be

properly labeled and marked at the Connection Point to
guide the DU personnel.

7.4.2 Protective Relays

Protective relays shall be installed to trip the corresponding
circuit breaker during abnormal conditions. Protective relays
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for a given RE Resource rating typically include, but are not

limited to, the lists shown in Tables 4, 5 and 6.

Table 4 - Interconnection Protective Function

Requirements for Induction Generators

RE System Size
Device
Protective Equipment ≤ 10 >10 kW -
#
kW 100 kW
27 Under Voltage Relay x x
27 GEN Voltage Check Relay x x
59 Overvoltage Relay x
81/O - Over-Under Frequency
x
81/U Relay
Anti-Islanding Relay
x x
(phase shift or RoCoF)

Table 5 - Interconnection Protective Function

Requirements for Synchronous Generators

RE System Size
Device Protective
>10 kW -
# Equipment ≤10 kW
100 kW
Synchronism-Check
25 x x
Relay
27 Under Voltage Relay x x
Over current Relay,
51V x
Voltage Restrained
59 Over-voltage Relay x
81/O - Over/Under
x x
81/U frequency Relay
Anti-Islanding Relay
(phase shift or x x
RoCoF)

Table 6 - Interconnection Protective Function

Requirements for Inverters

Device Protective RE System Size

# Equipment ≤10kW ≤ 100 kW
Under-voltage
27 x x
Relay
Over-voltage
59 x x
Relay
81/O – Over/Under
x x
81/U Frequency Relay
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7.5 Reclosing

The RE system should immediately disconnect from the

Distribution System when the system is down. For a Distribution
System with automatic reclosing, the RE system should wait for
ten (10) minutes until the recloser/inverter has normalized the
portion of the system to which the RE system is connected before
synchronizing back to the system.

VIII. OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

8.1 A QE's RE system shall be capable of operating in parallel with

the DU's Distribution System at the point of interconnection.

8.2 In the event there is no power from the DU, the RE system should
automatically disconnect from the DU's system.

8.3 The QE shall provide the DU the contact number of the person
who is responsible for the operation of the RE system.

8.4 The QE shall also maintain the RE system and interconnection

facilities in a safe manner as approved by the DU and in
conformity with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

IX. METERING

9.1 An RE system used for Net-Metering shall be equipped with

metering equipment that can measure the flow of electricity in both
directions at the same rate, through the use of a single bi-
directional meter.

9.2 A generation check meter shall be installed in proximity to the RE

system (at low voltage side) to record all energy production of the
RE system for purposes of issuance of RE Certificate, which the
DU can use to comply with its RPS obligations and to determine
the actual consumption for the non-exemption from paying the FIT-
All, Lifeline Rate, Senior Citizen discount and such other subsidies
that may be relevant.

9.3 The Metering Service Provider (MSP) 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.
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9.4 The QE shall provide the required space and the associated civil
works for the location of the metering facilities.

9.5 Metering facilities shall be installed in a clean place free of

vibration and where it will be easily accessible and visible for
reading and testing by both the DU and the QE. The applicable
provisions of the DSOAR and Magna Carta for Residential
Electricity Consumers shall apply.

X. TESTING AND COMMISSIONING

The DU shall have the right to witness the testing and commissioning
upon completion of construction and shall have a copy of the test data.
The commissioning test shall be conducted after the interconnection
system is installed and is ready for operation. Commissioning test shall
include the following:

 Verification and inspections

 Production test
o Response to abnormal voltage
o Response to abnormal frequency
o Synchronization
 Unintentional islanding functionality test
 Cease-to-energize functionality test
 Flicker Severity Test
 Harmonics Test

The DU and the RE system shall be equipped with whatever equipment

is required to perform these tests. The DU shall not be responsible for
verifying any control or signal wiring not directly related to the
interconnection protection.
Prior to final approval by the DU or any time thereafter, the DU reserves
the right to test the relaying and control related to the protection of the
DU’s Distribution System.
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XI. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Republic Act No. 9513. Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) Part I. Institute of Integrated Electrical

Engineers of the Philippines, Inc., 2000.

Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) Part II. Institute of Integrated Electrical

Engineers of the Philippines, Inc., 2008.

Philippine Distribution Code (PDC). Energy Regulatory Commission,

December 2017.

Distribution Services and Open Access Rules (DSOAR). Energy

Regulatory Commission, January 2006.

IEEE Std. 519-1992 - IEEE Recommended Practices and Requirements

for Harmonic Control in Electrical Power Systems. Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 1992.

IEEE Std. 929-2000 - IEEE Recommended Practice for Utility Interface

of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers, Inc., 2000.

IEEE Std. 1547 – 2003 (R2008), IEEE Standard for Interconnecting

Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems. Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 2008.

IEEE Std. 1547.1 – 2005, IEEE Standard Conformance Test Procedures

for Equipment interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power
Systems. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 2005.

IEEE Std. 1547.2 – 2007, IEEE Application Guide for IEEE Std. 1547,
IEEE Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric
Power Systems. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.,
2007.
The NRECA Guide to IEEE 1547, Application Guide for Distributed
Generation Interconnection. National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association, March 2006.

Relay and Control Requirements for Parallel Operation of Generation.

PPL, Electric Utilities Corp., Inc., March 2003.

IREC Model Interconnection Standards and Procedures for Small

Generator Facilities. Interstate Renewable Energy Council MR-I 2005
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XII. APPENDIX

Appendix A - Typical Single-Line Diagram for the Protection of

Synchronous Generator
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Appendix B - Typical Single-Line Diagram for the Protection of

Induction Generator
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Appendix C - Typical Single-Line Diagram for the Protection of

Inverter