ERC lets Meralco withdraw its PSAs

By Lenie Lectura – August 29, 2019
from Business Mirror

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) applications to withdraw the Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) forged with power suppliers.

The ERC said it was necessary for Meralco to withdraw its PSA applications following the Supreme Court decision that required all PSAs forged after June 30, 2015, to undergo Competitive Selection Process. “In view of the SC decision cited by Meralco as the ground relied upon for withdrawal, the Commission hereby grants the withdrawal of applicant’s joint application,” said the ERC in separate orders all dated August 13. The orders were posted on ERC’s web site on Wednesday.   Meralco withdrew its PSA with Global Luzon Energy Development Corp. (GLEDC), Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RPE) and Atimonan One Energy Inc. (A1)

“In light of the said SC decision on the ABP (Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas Inc.) petition, applicants are constrained to move for the withdrawal of the instant joint application,” said Meralco.

Meralco earlier inked seven PSAs with several power generation companies, including two from its power generation arm Meralco PowerGen, which is building power plants under RPE and A1.

The remaining five are with St. Raphael Power Generation Corp., Meralco’s joint venture with Consunji-led Semirara Mining and Power Corp.;  Central Luzon Premiere Power Corp. (CLPPC); Mariveles Power Generation Corp. (MPGC); Panay Energy Development Corp.; and GLEDC.

However, these PSAs, with a total capacity of over 3,500MW, were not implemented following the SC order which stemmed from allegations that ERC gave preference to Meralco by extending the deadline for compliance of CSP.

Meralco has recently published bid invites for three power supply contracts with a total capacity of 2,900MW via CSP.