How to Apply for Net Metering with VECO (Visayan Electric)
TL;DR
Visayan Electric (VECO) accepts net metering applications online or at its Cebu City office with the standard document set — application form, Certificate of Compliance, single-line diagram, bill of materials, LGU permit, and CFEI — and under the April 2026 DOE circular has 10 working days to approve or reject a complete filing.
- Used in the house as it is generated. Worth the full retail rate you would otherwise have paid — generation, transmission, distribution, subsidies and tax, all of it avoided. This is the valuable one, which is why it is the thick arrow.
- Exported to the grid. Credited at the generation rate only, roughly ₱5–7/kWh. Materially less than the rate you avoid by using it yourself.
- Drawn back from the grid at night or on dull days, and charged at the full retail rate as normal.
Visayan Electric (VECO) is the distribution utility for Cebu City and surrounding Metro Cebu municipalities, and it follows the national net metering framework with its own submission channels and office. This guide covers what’s specific to VECO; for the general process, see our net metering application guide and permits and requirements guide.
Where to submit
VECO takes net metering applications through its online portal or in person at its main office on P. del Rosario St., Cebu City, as well as through its network of service centers around Metro Cebu. If you file in person, bring both originals and photocopies of every document — VECO staff verify against the originals and keep the copies. Request a date-stamped receipt on the spot; that’s your proof of submission date and what starts the 10-working-day review clock.
Document checklist
VECO asks for the same standard package used across Philippine distribution utilities:
- Completed VECO net metering application form
- Certificate of Compliance (CoC), signed by a PRC-licensed PEE or RME
- As-built single-line diagram
- Bill of materials
- Anti-islanding inverter certification
- LGU electrical permit
- Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI)
- Proof of ownership (or authorization if you’re not the property owner)
- Latest VECO bill
Your installer normally files this on your behalf, since the technical documents — CoC, single-line diagram, bill of materials — come directly out of the installation itself. Choosing a PCAB-licensed installer with VECO experience matters here; one familiar with VECO’s specific form and checklist avoids the back-and-forth corrections that eat up weeks.
Fees
VECO charges processing and inspection fees plus a charge related to the bi-directional meter, and these vary with system size. Don’t rely on a number from an old forum post — confirm the current fee schedule directly with VECO or your installer before signing a contract. This is separate from your installed system cost; see our cost calculator for typical installed pricing by system size in the Philippines.
2026 timeline
| Stage | Handled by | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| LGU electrical permit | LGU / OBO | up to 3 working days |
| Final inspection + CFEI | LGU | up to 7 working days |
| VECO application review | VECO | up to 10 working days |
| Meter swap + agreement | VECO | varies |
As with any distribution utility, the 10-working-day clock applies only to a complete application — if VECO flags a missing or unclear document, the clock resets once you resubmit. For the regulatory basis behind these deadlines, see our DOE 2026 net metering rules guide.
After approval
Once VECO approves your application, it schedules the meter swap to a bi-directional unit and you sign the net metering agreement — which can now be done electronically, cutting out the notarization step that used to slow this down. From there, your solar exports earn bill credits at VECO’s blended generation rate, which moves month to month but sits well below retail electricity rates.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I submit a net metering application to VECO?
Through VECO's online portal, or in person at its main office on P. del Rosario St. in Cebu City, or at one of its service centers around Metro Cebu.
What area does VECO cover?
Visayan Electric serves Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and Naga City, plus the municipalities of Consolacion, Liloan, Minglanilla, and San Fernando. Nearby areas fall under different utilities — for example Lapu-Lapu is served by Mactan Electric (MECO), not VECO — so if you're outside VECO's footprint, check your latest electric bill for the provider name.
What documents does VECO require?
The same core set used nationwide: a completed VECO application form, Certificate of Compliance signed by a PEE or RME, as-built single-line diagram, bill of materials, anti-islanding inverter certification, LGU electrical permit and Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection, proof of ownership, and your latest bill.
How long does VECO take to approve net metering applications?
Up to 10 working days for a complete application under the April 2026 DOE circular. If VECO asks for a correction or additional document, that pauses the clock until you resubmit, so respond quickly to keep the process moving.
What if VECO doesn't respond within 10 working days?
A complete, correctly filed application is deemed approved if VECO misses its deadline. Keep your date-stamped submission receipt or online confirmation as proof of when the clock started.