Without the CFEI from your LGU, no distribution utility in the Philippines will activate net metering. The CFEI is the government’s sign-off on the completed electrical installation — and it is non-negotiable in the DU application package.
The DOE April 2026 circular changed the processing timeline significantly. What used to take 1–4 weeks at many LGUs now has a binding 3-working-day limit from the date of inspection. That change reduces one of the most common project delays in Philippine solar installations. But the rule only helps if you know how to apply it — and how to escalate when it isn’t followed.
The Electrical Permit and the CFEI Are Not the Same
These two documents are often confused by property owners and even some installers. The electrical permit is issued by the LGU before installation begins — it authorises the work. The CFEI is issued by the LGU after the installation is complete — it certifies that the finished installation passed inspection. The DU needs both documents in the net metering application. One cannot substitute for the other. If you submit an application with only the electrical permit and no CFEI, the DU will reject it as incomplete.
What the CFEI Certifies
The CFEI is the LGU’s government inspector confirming — in writing — that the completed electrical installation has been physically examined and found to meet the requirements of the Philippine Electrical Code and applicable local ordinances.
The Electrical Inspector of Buildings and Infrastructure (EIBI) conducts the inspection. The EIBI is a government-employed or government-designated official, typically based in the city or municipal engineering office or building official’s office. They are not affiliated with the solar installer or the distribution utility.
What the EIBI physically checks during the inspection:
| Inspection Area | What the Inspector Looks For |
|---|---|
| Panel installation | Panels properly mounted, no visible damage, rail/racking secure |
| DC wiring | Conductors correctly sized, protected from physical damage, properly supported |
| DC disconnects | Accessible DC disconnect switch present, correctly rated, labelled |
| DC overcurrent protection | Fuses or breakers in place where required by PEC |
| Inverter installation | Inverter mounted to clearance specifications, properly ventilated |
| AC output wiring | Correctly sized AC conductors from inverter to distribution board |
| AC overcurrent protection | Correctly rated breaker in the main distribution board |
| Earthing / grounding | All metallic components bonded and grounded; earth rod visible |
| Labelling | All junction boxes, disconnects, and the inverter labelled per PEC |
| Bidirectional meter provision | Space and wiring provision for DU to install bidirectional net meter |
The EIBI does not assess the structural adequacy of the roof mounting or the solar panel performance — those are outside the electrical inspection scope. The CFEI’s scope is limited to the electrical installation.
What the CFEI does not certify:
- Structural integrity of the roof or mounting structure (building permit / structural engineer’s responsibility)
- Solar panel output performance (covered by manufacturer warranty)
- Inverter settings or grid compatibility (covered by DU technical review)
Electrical Permit vs CFEI: Two-Step LGU Process
Both the electrical permit and the CFEI come from the LGU, which makes the confusion understandable. But they are issued at different points in the project:
| Dimension | Electrical Permit | Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) |
|---|---|---|
| When issued | Before installation begins | After installation is complete |
| Purpose | Authorises the planned electrical work | Certifies the finished installation passed inspection |
| Based on | Submitted electrical plans and specifications | Physical inspection of completed installation |
| Who issues it | LGU building official / engineering office | EIBI — government electrical inspector |
| Required for | Getting permission to proceed with installation | Net metering DU application (mandatory document) |
| Expires? | Yes — permit is valid for a defined project period | No — permanent record of inspection |
| Cost | Fee paid when permit is applied for | Fee paid when CFEI application is filed |
Project timeline showing both documents:
| Stage | Document | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-construction | Apply for electrical permit | Before any installation work |
| Pre-construction | Electrical permit issued | Typically 3–7 working days after application |
| Construction | Installation completed | — |
| Post-installation | Engineer issues CoC | After final engineer inspection |
| Post-installation | Apply for CFEI inspection | Immediately after CoC is issued |
| Post-installation | EIBI conducts inspection | On scheduled inspection date |
| Post-installation | CFEI issued | Within 3 working days of inspection (2026 mandate) |
| Application | Submit to DU | With CoC, CFEI, electrical permit, and other documents |
The 3-Day Rule: What the DOE April 2026 Mandate Says
The DOE April 2026 circular introduced binding processing timelines for both LGU and DU steps in the net metering pathway. For the CFEI specifically, the rule is:
LGUs must issue the CFEI within 3 working days of the physical inspection.
This is not a target or guideline — it is a mandatory processing limit binding on all LGUs under DOE jurisdiction over the net metering process.
Scope of the rule:
- Applies to all solar PV systems applying for net metering
- Covers all LGUs regardless of city or municipal classification
- The 3-day clock starts from the date of the physical inspection by the EIBI — not from the date of CFEI application submission
- “Working days” means government business days, excluding weekends and public holidays
Escalation path if the LGU does not comply:
- Document the submission date with a date-stamped official receipt from the LGU. This is the record that starts the timeline.
- Follow up in writing on day 4, citing the DOE April 2026 circular and requesting status. Address the follow-up to the building official or city/municipal engineer.
- File a written complaint with the DOE’s regional office if no response within 2 additional working days. The DOE has authority to take action against LGUs that obstruct the net metering process.
- Copy DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) on the complaint — DILG has supervisory authority over LGU compliance with national government directives.
Book the Inspection Appointment in Advance
The 3-day clock starts from the inspection date — not from the day you file the CFEI application. In practice, the bottleneck is often scheduling the EIBI’s inspection appointment, not the post-inspection processing. Call the LGU engineering office or building official’s office to book the inspection as soon as the installation is complete and the CoC is ready. A brief phone call to confirm the inspector’s schedule can save a week of waiting.
Step-by-Step CFEI Process
Obtain the electrical permit before construction starts
Apply for the electrical permit at your LGU’s building permit office before any solar installation work begins. Documents typically required: electrical plans signed by a licensed engineer (RME or PEE), bill of materials, proof of property ownership or lessor consent, and a completed permit application form. The electrical permit fee varies by LGU but is typically PHP 500–2,000 for residential systems. Some LGUs process electrical permits within 3–5 working days; others take longer. Build this lead time into your project schedule.
Complete the installation and prepare as-built documents
Once installation is complete, update the electrical drawings to as-built status — showing any changes from the originally permitted plans (different conductor routing, equipment substitution, etc.). Have the engineer of record sign and stamp the as-built single-line diagram and bill of materials. Commission the inverter and record all commissioning parameters. Photograph the completed installation: panel rows, inverter nameplate, earthing system, main distribution board (showing the solar breaker), labelled junction boxes, and the meter panel area. These photos will be part of the CFEI application at many LGUs.
Book the CFEI inspection appointment
Contact your LGU’s building official office or city/municipal engineering office to schedule the inspection. Do not wait for the LGU to contact you — actively book the appointment. Bring the as-built plans, original electrical permit, signed CoC, bill of materials, and photo documentation to the appointment. The EIBI will physically verify the installation during this visit. Be present or arrange for the installer to be present to answer technical questions. If any items require rectification, the EIBI will note them and a re-inspection will be needed — this resets the 3-day clock.
Receive the CFEI within 3 working days
Under the DOE April 2026 mandate, the LGU must issue the CFEI within 3 working days of the inspection. When submitting the CFEI application after the inspection, ensure you receive an official date-stamped receipt — this is your evidence of the submission date and starts the 3-day clock. If you do not receive the CFEI by day 3, follow up in writing, citing the DOE circular. The CFEI, once issued, is a permanent document — it records the inspection result and does not expire. Include it in the DU net metering application along with the CoC and electrical permit.
Documents Needed for CFEI Application
| Document | Format | Who Prepares It |
|---|---|---|
| Completed CFEI application form | LGU’s own form | Consumer or installer fills out; obtainable at the LGU office |
| Original electrical permit | Government document | Issued by LGU before construction; consumer retains the original |
| As-built electrical single-line diagram | Signed and stamped drawings | Licensed engineer (RME or PEE) — as-built version showing completed system |
| Certificate of Compliance (CoC) | Original or certified copy | Licensed RME or PEE — signed after final inspection |
| Bill of materials | List of all electrical components | Installer / engineer — should match permitted BOM with any substitutions noted |
| Photographic documentation | Digital prints or USB | Installer — panels, inverter, earthing, board, labelling |
| Contractor’s license (some LGUs) | PCAB license or SEC registration | Installing contractor |
| Proof of property ownership or consent | Title, tax declaration, or lessor’s consent letter | Consumer |
Most LGUs do not charge a high fee for the CFEI itself — typical government processing fees for the CFEI range from PHP 500 to PHP 3,000 depending on the LGU and system size. This is separate from the electrical permit fee paid earlier.
Cut LGU Document Preparation Time With Compliant As-Built Drawings
SurgePV’s solar software generates as-built single-line diagrams and bill of materials formatted to Philippine LGU and DU requirements — so your engineer of record can sign off quickly and your CFEI application is complete on day one.
Book a Free DemoNo commitment required · 20 minutes · Live project walkthrough
City-by-City CFEI Notes
Processing practices and fees vary across LGUs. The following table summarises known practices for major Philippine cities as of April 2026:
| City | Office | Typical Processing Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quezon City | QC Building Official’s Office — Electrical Division | PHP 1,000–2,500 (system-size dependent) | Among the more process-mature LGUs; inspection appointments can be scheduled 2–3 working days out; known to follow the 3-day CFEI rule post-inspection |
| Makati | City Engineering Office / Office of the Building Official | PHP 1,000–2,000 | Stricter on document completeness; will not accept incomplete CFEI application packages; recommend calling ahead to confirm current requirements |
| Cebu City | Office of the Building Official — Electrical Division | PHP 800–2,000 | Processing times improved post-2026 DOE circular; EIBI schedule can be tight in peak construction months — book early |
| Davao City | City Engineer’s Office | PHP 500–1,500 | Generally responsive; some variation across barangay zones; electrical permit and CFEI handled by same office in most cases |
Call the LGU Before Filing
LGU fee schedules and document requirements are not always published online or kept current. A five-minute call to the building official’s office or city engineering office before filing the CFEI application confirms current fees, any additional local requirements, and the inspector’s next available inspection slot. This prevents wasted trips and avoids discovering missing document requirements at the time of submission.
What Happens If the Inspection Fails
An inspection failure means the EIBI identified one or more deficiencies in the completed installation during their visit. The CFEI will not be issued until the deficiencies are corrected and a re-inspection passes.
Common reasons for CFEI inspection failures:
| Failure Reason | Typical Root Cause | How to Address |
|---|---|---|
| Missing or inadequate earthing | Earth rod not installed, bonding connections missing, or earth resistance too high | Install or complete earthing system; re-test and measure earth resistance; confirm below 10 ohms before re-inspection |
| DC wiring not protected or supported | DC cables run without conduit or support where required, or exposed to physical damage | Add conduit or cable management; re-route as needed; ensure cables are supported per PEC spacings |
| Missing labelling | Junction boxes, disconnect switches, or inverter not labelled with voltage, current, and warning notices | Apply all required PEC labels before re-inspection |
| DC disconnects inaccessible or unlabelled | Disconnect hidden inside enclosure with no external access, or handles missing | Rectify access and labelling; confirm disconnect operation |
| Bidirectional meter provision absent | No space or wiring provision for the DU’s net meter installation | Discuss with DU what provision they need; modify meter panel accordingly |
| Inverter clearances not met | Inverter installed with insufficient clearance for ventilation or maintenance | Relocate inverter to meet minimum clearances per manufacturer and PEC |
| Plans do not match installed system | As-built drawings show different routing, equipment, or configuration than what was installed | Update as-built drawings to reflect actual installation; re-issue signed and stamped drawings |
After correcting the deficiencies, contact the LGU to schedule a re-inspection. The 3-day CFEI issuance clock starts again from the re-inspection date. Document the corrections with photographs — the EIBI will cross-reference the original inspection notes.
Avoid Inspection Failures With a Pre-Inspection Walkthrough
Before booking the EIBI inspection, have the engineer of record conduct their own final walkthrough using the PEC checklist. The engineer’s final inspection — which produces the CoC — should catch any deficiencies before the government inspector arrives. A failed CFEI inspection adds at least 1–2 weeks to the project timeline (deficiency correction + re-inspection booking + 3-day processing). The cost of preventing that delay is a thorough pre-inspection by the engineer of record.
The Certificate of Compliance guide covers what the engineer checks during their pre-inspection walkthrough and what the CoC must contain for the DU application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CFEI and who issues it?
A Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) is a government document issued by your city or municipal government (LGU) confirming that the electrical installation has been physically inspected and found to comply with the Philippine Electrical Code. It is issued by the LGU’s building official or city/municipal engineering office through the EIBI. The CFEI is required for the net metering application to your distribution utility.
How long does a CFEI take to process in 2026?
Under the DOE April 2026 circular, LGUs must issue the CFEI within 3 working days of the inspection. Prior to this rule, processing took 1–4 weeks in many LGUs. If your LGU does not meet the 3-day deadline, escalate to the DOE regional office and DILG.
What documents do I need to get a CFEI?
The standard package: original electrical permit, as-built electrical single-line diagram, Certificate of Compliance (CoC) signed by a licensed engineer, bill of materials, completed LGU application form, and photographic documentation. Some LGUs additionally require a copy of the contractor’s license.
Is the CFEI the same as the electrical permit?
No. The electrical permit is issued before construction, authorising the work. The CFEI is issued after construction, certifying the completed installation passed inspection. Both are needed for the DU application. The electrical permit comes first.
What if my LGU takes more than 3 days to issue the CFEI?
Document the delay with a date-stamped application receipt. Follow up in writing citing the DOE April 2026 circular. If unresolved, report to the DOE regional office and DILG. In practice, calling ahead to schedule the inspection appointment reduces delays after submission.
Does the CFEI expire?
No. The CFEI permanently documents the inspection result. However, some DUs may informally request that the CFEI is recent (within 12 months of the DU application) for very large commercial systems. For residential and standard commercial projects, the CFEI does not expire.
Can I get the CFEI from any LGU office?
No — the CFEI must come from the LGU where the installation is physically located. You cannot obtain a CFEI from a different city or municipality. The EIBI must physically inspect the actual installation.
For the complete net metering application process after you have the CFEI in hand, see the ERC net metering rules guide. For the full Philippines compliance overview, see the Philippines solar compliance hub and the broader solar compliance section.
