The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the Amended Rules to Govern the Implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) by Distribution Utilities (DUs) and ERC-Authorized Entities, setting a stronger regulatory framework for the country’s transition toward a smart, secure, and consumer-empowered electricity distribution network.
“The new AMI Rules mark a milestone in the digital transformation of the country’s power distribution sector,” Chairperson and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan said.
“By enabling real-time data exchange and empowering both utilities and consumers, we are laying the foundation for a smarter, more secure, and inclusive energy future.”
“By enabling real-time data exchange and empowering both utilities and consumers, we are laying the foundation for a smarter, more secure, and inclusive energy future,” Juan stressed.
The new AMI Rules updated the original 2016 guidelines to reflect technological advancements, global best practices, and evolving consumer and market demands, while ensuring data privacy and cybersecurity.
Furthermore, it simplified the approval process through the consolidation of the various processes into a single application for approval of capital expenditure projects necessary to implement the AMI, or in the alternative, as part of the reset process of DUs.
AMI, which integrates smart meters, communication platforms, and data management systems, enables two-way information flow between consumers and utilities—providing real-time data on electricity consumption, automated billing, outage detection, and remote service management.
“The ERC is committed to work closely with stakeholders in ensuring a phased, transparent, and consumer-centric implementation of AMI nationwide.”
“The ERC is committed to work closely with stakeholders in ensuring a phased, transparent, and consumer-centric implementation of AMI nationwide,” Juan said.
“The Commission will issue supplemental guidelines as may be needed on AMI accreditation, performance standards, and reporting requirements to ensure consistent compliance across all utilities,” he added.
Under the amended framework, DUs can adopt AMI systems that comply with prescribed technical standards, cybersecurity protocols, and consumer data privacy safeguards. The amended rules institutionalize consumer access to near real-time usage data through the Consumer Meter Data Channel (CMDC), enabling households and businesses to make more informed and efficient energy decisions.
The revised provisions also support the implementation of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Smart Grid Roadmap and various retail market reforms—including Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), and Net-Metering for renewable energy. By mandating interoperability and standardization, the ERC aims to foster integration of renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and distributed energy resources into the grid, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient power system.
The promulgation followed an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process involving electric cooperatives, private DUs, retail electricity suppliers, and technical experts. The ERC-AMl Technical Working Group conducted surveys and public consultations to assess the readiness of utilities and ensure that the final rules balance modernization with affordability and consumer protection.
For consumers, the AMI Rules promise greater transparency, accuracy, and control. Real-time meter data and automated readings will reduce billing errors, eliminate estimated consumption, and enhance service response during outages. Consumers will be able to track and manage their energy usage digitally—promoting efficiency and savings.
For distribution utilities, AMI introduces advanced operational capabilities such as remote meter reading, load management, outage detection, and theft mitigation—resulting in lower system losses and improved reliability. Compliance with the AMI technical and cybersecurity standards will also prepare utilities for integration with future digital platforms and energy market reforms.
For the energy sector as a whole, the adoption of AMI advances the Philippines’ Smart Grid transformation, supports renewable energy integration, and enhances the resilience of the power system against disruptions caused by natural disasters or system contingencies. The rules further align with the national policy objectives of affordability, reliability, and sustainability as outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan and the DOE’s Smart Grid Framework.
