Stop transferring all risks to consumers [Inquirer]
by Pete Maniego, published through Inquirer.net [READ HERE] I have spent almost two decades in the Philippine energy sector—as an engineer, lawyer, executive, chair of the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB), and now senior policy adviser to Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), which recently launched Presyo-PH, a price-watch platform helping consumers understand what drives their electricity bills. The single biggest driver, month after month, is the generation charge—fuel cost, priced in dollars, sourced from abroad, subject to disruptions we do not control. The Iran conflict has made that vulnerability impossible to ignore. When the Strait of [...]
The smarter energy path for Filipinos [Inquirer.net]
by Pete Maniego | December 12, 2025| Published by Philippine Daily Inquirer | READ THE STORY HERE The renewed pitch for nuclear power is seductive: one massive facility promising enormous output, low operating emissions, and the prestige of innovative technology. But beneath this polished promise lies a harder truth. For the Philippines—with our existing grid conditions, oversupplies, ambitious renewable energy goals, and abundant indigenous resources—nuclear is not just unnecessary. It may, in fact, derail the very progress we urgently need. Excess capacity—not scarcity—defines our grid. Contrary to claims that our grid is on the verge of collapse, [...]
Local governments to lead the renewable energy transition in the Philippines, ASEAN
DOWNLOAD PDF Local government units in the Philippines are leading their respective energy transition efforts by adopting renewable energy (RE) – this is the highlight of the second installment of the Philippine Energy Transition Dialogue 2025, held December 3-4, in Quezon City. With the theme “Localizing the Energy Transition: Ensuring Energy Security and Resilience through Renewable Development,” over 120 representatives from national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and civil society organizations gathered to discuss the potentials and urgency of localized energy transition efforts, emphasizing how deploying RE is equitable, resilient, and economically beneficial for communities across the [...]
Philippine Energy Transition Dialogue 2025: A collective call to accelerate the shift to clean, affordable, and secure energy in the country
Policymakers, national and local government officials, industry leaders, energy experts, and civil society organizations affirmed their collective commitment to accelerate the shift to clean, affordable, and secure energy in the country during the Philippine Energy Transition Dialogue 2025, held September 3-4 in Makati City. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin echoed the President’s vision and call for action in navigating the opportunities and challenges of the country’s energy transition. “By shifting to renewable energy (RE) sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, we can aim for a [...]