The Makati Business Club (MBC) has expressed its support for the Energy Regulatory Commission’s efforts to secure adequate and affordable electricity supply by pursuing transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly policies.
The Makati-based business group issued the statement Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, following a meeting with ERC Chairwoman Monalisa C. Dimalanta on Jan. 10, 2023.
MBC cited the ERC efforts to include reviews of the secondary price cap mechanism (which is designed to moderate spikes but may be curtailing new investment), the rules on open access (which is meant to allow consumers to choose their supplier but has not gained much ground), and rules on renewable energy and storage (batteries).
MBC also expressed support for the constant collaboration between ERC, the Department of Energy, National Transmission Co. (Transco), and industry players to find solutions to the many challenges in the sector. In the near term, the group said it would support the government’s efforts to prepare the public for higher prices while improving energy efficiency.
“The ERC under Atty. Dimalanta appears focused, determined, and on the right track,” MBC Chairman Edgar O. Chua said after leading MBC’s meeting with Chairwoman Dimalanta at the ERC head office in Pasig. “Amid all the challenges in the sector, it is a confidence booster that our energy officials are all knowledgeable and professional with a high sense of urgency.”
The group offered to assist in providing ERC with information and connections to help improve its operations, including digitalization.
Also in the meeting were Shell Philippines CEO Lorelei Osial; ACEN COO Miguel de Jesus; Aboitiz Power COO Liza Montelibano and SVP Sandro Aboitiz; National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) AVPs Leonor Felipa Cynthia P. Alabanza and AVP and Giovanni Randolfo A. Galang; Terra Renewables Chief Administrative Officer Cheryll Len V. Mendoza; and Amber Kinetics Technical Manager Andy Dimaandal. Also joining the meeting were MBC Executive Director Coco Alcuaz and Policy and Program Officer Bettina Bautista.
The ERC meeting followed previous meetings with DOE Sec. Raphael Lotilla on October 5, 2022 and then Transco President Rowena Cristina Guevarra on October 13, 2022.