MBC lauds ERC’s efforts to ensure affordable power

By Alena Mae S. Flores – January 12, 2023, 7:50 pm
from manilastandard.net

The Makati Business Club on Thursday expressed support for the Energy Regulatory Commission’s efforts to secure adequate and affordable electricity supply by pursuing transparent, accountable and investment-friendly policies.

“The ERC under Atty. Dimalanta appears focused, determined and on the right track,” MBC chairman Edgar Chua said after leading MBC’s meeting with ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta at the ERC head office in Pasig on Jan. 10.

“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,” Chua said.

The efforts 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. and industry players to find solutions to the many challenges in the sector.