THE Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) launched on April 28 the Power Rates and Energy Supply Overview for the Philippines (Presyo-PH), a pioneering data platform aimed at enhancing transparency in the country’s electricity pricing. It comes at a time when global fuel supply disruptions have led to increased coal and liquefied natural gas prices in the world market.
Presyo-PH is available online and is accessible to the public, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of the country’s energy sector. It integrates pricing data from over 150 distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs) nationwide, providing detailed insights into their respective energy sources.According to ICSC, the power procurement strategies of DUs and ECs, particularly their reliance on specific energy sources, are a key driver of varying and volatile electricity prices in the country. Presyo-PH addresses this issue by providing a comprehensive overview of the country’s energy supply portfolio and its impact on electricity prices.“Generation rates and how important they are are not understood by most people,” said Miguel Joachim Balburias, ICSC data analyst. “That’s why it’s important to release tools like Presyo-PH to bridge that gap, especially for the common Filipinos.”The Philippines has been experiencing volatile electricity prices, with households and businesses bearing the brunt of fluctuations in power rates. ICSC Director for Energy Policy Romil Hernandez attributed this to the complex system shaped by power procurement decisions, global fuel markets, regulatory processes and the country’s evolving energy mix. Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan cited the suspension of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market as a measure to prevent major spikes in prices.Presyo-PH allows consumers to examine why electricity prices vary and how they evolve. The platform breaks down generation rates and supply mix contributing to electricity prices, providing valuable insights into the country’s energy supply portfolio.Equitable energy futureICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos dela Cruz said Presyo-PH aims to empower stakeholders with knowledge that is both practical and relevant by shedding light on where electricity comes from — whether coal, natural gas, or renewable energy.“Presyo-PH strengthens transparency in the power sector and provides a valuable tool for policymakers, researchers and consumers alike to better understand the relationship between energy supply and electricity pricing,” said dela Cruz. “We hope that available evidence will be better utilized to make well-informed decisions that will shape the country’s power system, and ensure a more transparent, sustainable and equitable energy future for the Philippines.”During the launch, a panel discussion featuring experts from the energy sector emphasized the need for a balanced mix of energy sources to meet the country’s power demands.“We are still an importer when it comes to energy; hindi pa rin tayo fully independent,” said Department of Energy-Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Marissa Cerezo. “Mayroon pa ring imports. But what is the best mix for us to get the best price — that’s the question.”ICSC Chief Data Scientist Jephraim Manansala stressed the importance of DUs and ECs prioritizing the diversification of generation sources to ensure stability and affordability of electricity rates. “Diversification provides a balanced approach to manage the risks attributed to generation sources,” he said.The platform highlights the country’s dependence on an inflexible, centralized power system as a key factor in the Philippines’ vulnerability to global market prices. Research Lead Sam Reynolds from the Institute of Energy Economics and Financial Analysis said that the country’s power system is characterized by a lack of flexibility, which exacerbates the impact of global market fluctuations on local electricity prices.
