PEMC head steps down
PHILIPPINE Electricity Market Corp. President Melinda Ocampo announced on Monday she has resigned her post as PEMC head, ending her 40- year stint in the electricity industry.
Ocampo, in a statement, highlighted her achievements since she took the helm in March 2009, which includes the integration of the Visayas and Mindanao grid in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market ( WESM), the awarding of ISO certifications on quality management system and information system security, the implementation of preferential dispatch status for emerging renewable energy resources, and the automation of market processes via the Central Registration and Settlement System.
The outgoing PEMC head said she was honored to have served the industry which, according to her, has elevated the level of competition and transparency.
On Friday, the Department of Energy formed a panel to work on the transition for PEMC and WESM after accepting Ocampo’s resignation.
The committee has until March next year to evaluate PEMC’s existing structures, systems, and resources and come up with a proposal for the WESM to meet challenges ahead.
Former Energy Regulatory Board Chairman Oscar Ala will spearhead the committee. Other members include former Energy Regulatory Commission Commissioner Rauf Tan, former ERC Executive Director Francis Saturnino Juan, Jose Mari Bigornia, and Jose Layug.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said on Friday the latest move is in line with the President Rodrigo Duterte’s push to protect power consumers affected by the operation of two entities.
Cusi added the market operator shall continue to effectively govern the operations of WESM for the benefit of all electricity stakeholders.
He also assured PEMC employees the corporation’s leadership shall continuously promote their interest as WESM operations continue to evolve.
The PEMC is a non- stock, non- profit corporation which was incorporated in 2003 upon the DoE’s initiative. With representatives from different sectors of the electric power industry, it serves as the governance unit of the WESM.