ERC slaps 60-day ultimatum to 6 power projects without ECCs
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given a 60-day ultimatum to six power projects to submit their mandatory environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) for their respective power plant ventures.
At least three of the power projects, according to ERC Chairperson Agnes T. Devanadera, have been part of the seven controversial power supply agreements (PSAs) inked with Manila Electric Company.
Two of these major power projects – the proposed Central Luzon Premiere Power Corporation and Mariveles Power Generation Corporation – are up for development by the San Miguel Group; while another is the Global Luzon Energy Development Corporation of Global Business Power Corporation of the Pangilinan group.
For the Luna power project of Global Business Power, company executives previously indicated that they are already close to securing their ECC; while, for the San Miguel group, the intent is still firm when it comes to pursuing the projects.
The rest of the power plant ventures still lacking ECCs but have pending PSAs with the ERC, are being pushed to commercial development by other project sponsors.
“We have given them ultimatum to submit – those that do not have ECCs to submit within 60 days, and the 60th day is falling within June. If they will not submit within those periods, then goodbye,” the ERC chief said.
Devanadera qualified that the deadlines of those companies that were sent letters to – on the slapped two-month ultimatum shall be between June 20June 25 this year.
She noted that the Meralco-underpinned supply contracts are three or four, “but there are five to six of them, but not all are part of the seven PSAs,” referring to the 3,551 megawatts of contracted capacity that the country’s biggest power utility firm had cemented with seven power projects.
“If you don’t have ECCs, whether you’re Meralco or you’re San Miguel, our treatment is equal to all players,” she stressed.
Devanadera added that she preferred not looking at the names of the companies involved so she could avoid having prejudice in favor or against certain project developers, hence, when pressed by the media on the identities of the parties involved, she was not giving specific details.
“All I can say is: we sent them the letters. I opted not to look at the profile of the companies because I may end up having biases,” the ERC chief averred.
She further indicated “we only have one gaming rule for all – whether you are big or you are small, if it is a requirement, then you have to comply.”