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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider ERC lifts suspension of electricity spot market trading

ERC lifts suspension of electricity spot market trading

Published May 1, 2026 10:41 am
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) lifted the suspension of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) across the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids, restoring normal trading operations effective Friday, May 1.
In a statement, the ERC explained that this WESM resumption marks a return to market-driven pricing after a month-long hiatus triggered by volatility in global fuel prices and supply anxieties linked to escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
WESM serves as the country’s primary trading floor for electricity, where power generators bid their output to be purchased by distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, and private suppliers.
Under normal conditions, these prices fluctuate based on generator offers, available transmission capacity, and the immediate balance of supply and demand. However, the market was sidelined on March 26, as the Department of Energy (DOE) implemented Special Operating Guidelines (SOG) for system dispatch. This emergency measure prioritized specific generating units to conserve fuel and mitigate the impact of price surges on consumers.
The ERC cited its mandate under the Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), which tasks the regulator with monitoring the generation and supply sectors to promote free competition.
The commission noted that after assessing the period of market suspension and the implementation of the Modified Administered Price (MAP), resuming standard operations is now necessary to enhance transparency and ensure efficient price discovery while preventing distortions in market settlements.
“After a thorough review, the Commission has concluded that resuming normal WESM operations is the most suitable course of action at this juncture. This will allow electricity prices to more accurately mirror current market conditions while maintaining consumer protection safeguards,” ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said.
He further emphasized that while the temporary pricing cap served its purpose during the height of the emergency, “prolonging its use could lead to unintended charges in market settlements.”
Despite the resumption of the spot market, the regulatory body assured the public that it remains vigilant regarding the stability of power rates.
The ERC stated it will continue to keep a close watch on fuel supply developments and power system reliability to protect the interests of the consuming public. The commission also maintained that it retains the authority to re-declare a market suspension and reimpose administered prices should future circumstances warrant such an intervention to prevent unreasonable price spikes. (Gabriell Christel Galang)

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Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM)
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