ERC pleads for ‘another chance’
By Myrna M. Velasco – September 1, 2022, 3:52 PM
from Manila Bulletin
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has pleaded that it shall be given ‘another chance’ before Congress would make good on its threat to push for the abolition of the regulatory body governing the private sector-driven power industry.
In a budget briefing at the House Committee on Appropriations, ERC Chairperson Monalisa C. Dimalanta said “I do subscribe to the view that promises made need to be delivered, need to be fulfilled. Perhaps, what I can ask is: at least give this representation another chance so that we can – given the opportunity – fulfill promises that were made even if I did not make them; to at least deliver it on behalf of the agency.”
ERC officials have been fiercely questioned on the lingering brownouts in the provincial areas as well as the never-ending high electricity rates still being passed on to the consumers despite the more than two decades that already passed since the restructuring of the power sector.
In particular, Northern Samar Representative Paul Daza bewailed the perpetual brownouts as well as low voltage issues in the power grid – that is relative to electricity services being extended to consumers in his province.
It has been on that grumbling that the lawmaker sounded off his plan to lodge a bill that will call for the abolition of the ERC; or for the regulatory agency to be accorded ‘zero budget’ next year.
“I think we’ve had brownouts, low voltage and all sorts of issues in Region 8 for at least 20 years – promises have been made that they would be addressed and they have not been. So, I am inclined to make the motion – I’m actually thinking of drafting a bill that may abolish the ERC because I don’t think they’ve done a good job,” he stressed.
Daza added “the ERC committed to me personally that they will act on certain projects that will mitigate the brownouts and high cost of electricity three years ago – but no letters, no texts, no calls.”
Dimalanta explained “brownouts are results of different factors, but we just said to NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines) – I think we have discussed this also in the Commission, our need for a tighter enforcement, not just for NGCP, but on all regulated entities.”
When the solon asked though for a particular timeline on when the power service interruptions and high rates in his domain can be addressed by the power industry regulator, the ERC chief had not given any specific timeframe and commitment.
“I do not want to promise and break that promise; I guess that’s my dilemma right now. We will need to look into those projects that we can review and evaluate the commitments also of NGCP in delivering them,” Dimalanta noted.
She further conveyed “I’m afraid, I don’t want to waste our time – I’m afraid I would not be able to commit any timeline on the enforcement, but we will do it as soon as possible.”
The ERC has been given until September 19 this year to submit a definite proposal and action plan relating to the demanded resolution of brownout and expensive rate concerns raised by the lawmakers.
