THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Thursday expressed support for recent reforms by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) aimed at promoting consumer welfare, competition and regulatory efficiency.
The ERC is an independent, quasi-judicial body created under Republic Act 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, tasked with promoting market competition, regulating electricity rates, enforcing retail competition and protecting consumer welfare in the power sector.
Its recent measures include lowering the Retail Competition and Open Access threshold to 100 kilowatts effective June 26, streamlining net-metering requirements, expanding transmission infrastructure access through third-party participation and suspending the Green Energy Auction Allowance to provide direct bill relief to consumers.
“The ERC’s reforms reflect a clear commitment to lowering electricity rates and ensuring a reliable, transparent and competitive power market,” PCCI President Ferdinand Ferrer said, commending ERC Chairman Nino Juan and the agency for actions that would benefit consumers and industries.
The business group also lauded the ERC for adopting new off-grid service charge rules to improve electricity access in underserved areas, approving transmission development rules for point-to-point limited projects to strengthen energy security, publishing generation market share data for greater transparency and maintaining faster approval timelines to boost investor confidence.
“These measures are not only pro-consumer but also pro-industry,” said PCCI Director for Energy and Power David Chua. “By expanding access, streamlining processes and safeguarding competition, the ERC is laying the groundwork for a stronger and more sustainable energy future.”
