MBC BACKS ERC EFFORT FOR CHEAP, ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY
THE Makati Business Club (MBC) expressed its support for the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) efforts to secure “adequate and affordable electricity supply by pursuing “transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly” policies.
The business group made the statement on Wednesday following a meeting with ERC Chairwoman Monalisa C. Dimalanta last Tuesday.
The efforts MBC is pertaining to include ERC’S reviews of the secondary price cap mechanism, which it said is designed to moderate spikes but may be curtailing new investment; the rules on open access (meant to allow consumers to choose their supplier but has not gained much ground), and rules on renewable energy and storage (batteries).
MBC also expressed support for the “constant” collaboration between ERC, the Department of Energy (DOE), National Transmission Corp. (Transco), and industry players to find solutions to the many challenges in the sector.
In the near term, the business group said it would support the government’s efforts to prepare the public for higher prices while improving energy efficiency.
For his part, MBC Chairman Edgar O. Chua lauded the ERC under Dimalanta’s leadership, saying it appears “focused, determined, and on the right track.”
“Amid all the challenges in the sector, it is a confidence booster that our energy officials are all knowledgeable and professional with a high sense of urgency,” Chua added.
The business group offered to assist in providing ERC with information and connections to help improve its operations, including digitalization.
According to MBC, among those present at the meeting with Chua were Shell Philippines CEO Lorelie Osial; ACEN COO Miguel de Jesus; Aboitiz Power COO Liza Montelibano and SVP Sandro Aboitiz; National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) AVPS Leonor Felipa Cynthia P. Alabanza and Giovanni Randolfo A. Galang; Terra Renewables Chief Administrative Officer Cheryll Len V. Mendoza; and Amber Kinetics Technical Manager Andy Dimaandal.
According to a story published by the Businessmirror last Monday, Dimalanta said the ERC is pushing for greater transparency so that true rates are reflected in the electricity bills. She said the priorities the ERC has set for this year are all meant to protect consumer interest.
The ERC said it would complete within the first quarter the reset of NGCP’S rates. It will also process the generation rates review for pass through charges in the first quarter and complete them within the first half of 2023.
For the second half, Dimalanta said the ERC and the DOE are expected to complete the revised guidelines for competitive bidding for power supply agreements (PSAS) contracting, and dispense the pending rulings on PSAS affected by the Supreme Court’s decision on Alyansa cases.