Press Release - Senator Pia Cayetano: Strengthen ERC for Reliable Energy Supply

PASAY CITY - Senator Pia S. Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy, today presided over the hearing aimed at strengthening the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) through proposed amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.

This is in response to the pressing need to review and update the decades-old law in light of persistent challenges in the power industry, including frequent outages and high electricity costs. Senator Cayetano emphasized the importance of this review, stating, "Our goal is that people have access to electricity in a reliable manner. And not on intermittent energy. We need our regulatory bodies to react quickly and not three years later and not five years later. "

The hearing focused on critical issues plaguing the energy sector, particularly the regulatory processes of the ERC. Participants scrutinized the causes and impacts of prolonged decision-making in regulatory matters, which have led to significant delays. Stakeholders also voiced their concerns about the complex and time-consuming nature of ERC's regulatory mechanisms, highlighting the need for streamlined procedures. These issues were identified as major roadblocks in achieving an efficient and responsive power sector.

"This measure will provide for pricing benchmarks and more efficient regulatory practices," Senator Cayetano explained. "Our goal is to ensure a dependable energy supply and, ultimately, achieve energy security for our country."

Senator Cayetano reiterated her commitment to balancing the interests of all stakeholders while prioritizing consumer welfare. "It is urgent for us to pass the bill that empowers, regulates, and streamlines the ERC's roles, jurisdictions," she concluded.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has identified at possibly amending the EPIRA Law in his third State of the Nation Address, and urged Congress to look at this matter.

PATATAGIN ANG ERC PARA SA MAS MAAYOS NA SUPLAY NG KURYENTE - SEN. PIA

Dininig ngayong araw ang panukalang paigtingin pa ang Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) sa pamamagitan ng pag-amyenda sa Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 o EPIRA, sa pangunguna ni Senadora Pia S. Cayetano,