Transparency in energy sector eyed
By Lorenz S. Marasigan – December 19, 2024
from Business Mirror
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has unveiled a series of digital transformation initiatives designed to streamline processes and enhance transparency across the energy sector.
ERC Chairman and CEO Monalisa C. Dimalanta said these innovations aim to improve service delivery and empower consumers with greater access to information.
“Through our initiatives to modernize our operations and processes, the Commission hopes to provide speedier and more efficient services to industry investors and stakeholders while empowering Filipino consumers with the information they need to navigate the energy sector confidently,” she said.
Dimalanta said the ERC’s Planning and Public Information Service (PPIS) introduced three key platforms: the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (Evoss) Dashboard; the ERC Procurement PH; and, the enhanced BuyYourElectricity (BYE) website.
The Evoss Dashboard, an internal tool, integrates an advanced “case management system” and a “pending cases aging section” to enable real-time monitoring of approved, pending, and terminated cases.
The Dashboard ensures compliance with Republic Act (RA) 11234, or the Evoss Act, which mandates timely processing of energy-related applications. The system is expected to foster accountability by providing visibility into case timelines.
Meanwhile, the ERC Procurement PH platform has been developed to improve transparency in procurement activities. It offers public access to procurement documents such as bid bulletins, contracts, purchase orders, and notices of awards. The platform also includes a public dashboard showcasing the ERC’s audit trail and project details, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to open governance.
For energy consumers, the enhanced BYE website provides tools to make informed decisions about retail electricity suppliers. The platform now features real-time data analytics, pricing trends, and resources to help users compare providers, understand their options, and learn their rights and responsibilities.
