ERC needs teeth to regulate energy provider, says Sen. Gatchalian

Sen. Win Gatchalian (Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines —Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is advocating for the nation’s energy regulatory body to have the authority to penalize energy providers and companies.

Gatchalian said the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) needs enhanced powers to address lapses in the country’s power security.

He said he is particularly concerned about delays from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines in its transmission projects.

“ERC is one of the most important actors in the energy sector, so we have to make sure that it has enough power to penalize,” Gatchalian said.

In 2022, Gatchalian introduced Senate Bill 487, aimed at bolstering the commission’s powers and improving its governance structure.

RELATED STORIES
Slow drop of power rates in PH seen in coming months — ERC
NGCP hit over execs’ fat pay amid project delays