The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Saturday said they have streamlined the process of securing permits for solar home systems in preparation for the impending El Niño and upcoming summer months.

ERC Chairperson Mona Dimalanta said they have partnered with local government units to establish a one-stop shop.

“Ang ginagawa po namin dito sa ERC, kasi po may permit iyan eh to put up solar home systems – pinapadali po namin iyong permit, nagpa-partner po kami with the local governments para po mag-establish ng one-stop-shop sa mga local governments,” Dimalanta said in a news forum in Quezon City.

“Hindi na po kayo pupunta sa opisina ng ERC para ayusin iyong mga permit, kami na po iyong pumupunta sa local government para po mas mabilis iyong pag-process ng permits,” she said.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and ERC are promoting the use of solar home systems as one of the alternative solutions to reduce energy demand on the grid.

Dimalanta said they are partnering with Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) for financing aid for those who are interested to install solar home systems as well as create programs to assist cooperatives for any energy problems that may arise as impact of the dry season.

“For the summer months din po, last year na na-implement na namin ito together with LandBank, iyong tawag nating Anti-Bill Shock Protection Program. Iyon pong mga kooperatiba puwede silang mangutang sa LandBank para po kapag tumaas iyong presyo ng kuryente hindi muna nila sisingilin lahat sa mga consumers nila, iyong LandBank po muna magpupuno noong kakulangan para mabayaran nila iyong mga generating plans,” she said.

Dimalanta added the ERC is also eyeing a partnership with PAG-IBIG’s loan facility to encourage more households to have their own solar home systems. PND