ERC VOWS ‘TRANSPARENT, ACCOUNTABLE’ POWER RATES

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) pledged to uphold and empower electricity end-users in the hopes of achieving “energy democracy” in the Philippines.

“If we truly want to empower our consumers, we need to give access to information that will allow them to make the right decisions. Engage them in an exercise to promote energy literacy,” said ERC Chair Monalisa Dimalanta in a statement.

Dimalanta said the regulator intended to attain this objective through transparent and accountable rate regulation.

Energy democracy, as explained by the Climate Justice Alliance, is a shift away from the corporate, centralized fossil fuel economy and toward one governed by local communities anchored on the principle of no environmental harm, supports local economies and improves the health and well-being of all.

The ERC has been exploring ways to alleviate the burden of consumers amid rising power rates. It recently ordered a review of supply agreements entered into by electric cooperatives and is studying the suspension of a subsidy for renewable energy developers that end-users are paying for.

Dimalanta added the agency would also ensure the compliance of regulated entities, including those that remain natural monopolies, with existing laws to give both suppliers and customers a level playing field in making economic decisions.

“If there is no level playing field, if players are not held accountable, there can be no genuine exercise of the right to choose. In other words, we need to create and then protect this enabling environment for us to achieve energy democracy,” she said.