PCCI backs power-industry reforms, saying they enhance competition, consumer welfare

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said it supports the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) recent reforms to enhance market competition.

In a statement on Thursday, the group noted the commission’s moves to lower the Retail Competition and Open Access threshold to 100 kilowatts; streamline net-metering requirements; and expand transmission infrastructure access through third-party participation.

The PCCI also welcomed the suspension of the Green Energy Auction Allowance, which is expected to provide direct relief to consumers.

“The ERC’s recent reforms reflect a clear commitment to lowering electricity rates and ensuring a reliable, transparent, and competitive power market,” PCCI President Ferdinand A. Ferrer said. 

The group also noted the ERC’s adoption of new rules on off-grid service charges to improve electricity access in underserved communities, as well as the approval of transmission development rules for point-to-point limited projects to boost energy security.

The PCCI also supports the ERC’s publication of generation market share data to enhance transparency, and its efforts to fast-track approval timelines.

PCCI Director for Energy and Power David O. Chua said the ERC’s measures are both pro-consumer and pro-industry.

“By expanding access, streamlining processes, and safeguarding competition, the ERC is laying the groundwork for a stronger and more sustainable energy future,” he said.

The ERC is a quasi-judicial body tasked to ensure reliable power services, enforce industry regulations, and handle consumer complaints.

Separately, consumer advocacy Power for People Coalition called on the ERC to conduct a comprehensive audit of electricity billing practices within the franchise areas of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) in the face of reports of unusual spikes in customers’ electricity bills.

In a statement on Thursday, the group noted that households in Metro Manila and nearby provinces reported that their electricity bills  nearly tripled despite little or no significant change in their power consumption.

The ERC can conduct random independent testing of electricity meters, review bill computation methodologies, and examine all pass-through charges imposed on consumers, the group said.

“Families already burdened by rising food prices, transportation costs, and stagnant wages are now forced to shoulder electricity bills they can barely afford,” they said.

The group also called on Meralco to adopt a “transparent and independent accounting of every peso reflected in consumers’ monthly bills.” — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz