EPT goes to Iloilo: Learning from the Philippines’ solar pioneers
by Rebecca Carmela Cruz Editor’s Note: Becca Cruz is a Senior Data Analyst with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities. Last February 12, our Energy Policy Team—the coolest team ever—joined Iloilo Provincial Board Member Rolando Distura on a ‘Lakbay Aral’ across Iloilo to witness firsthand its remarkable solar projects and initiatives. These efforts were among the key reasons the province was recognized as the pioneer and sole awardee of the Sustainable Awards for the Local Government Unit Category in December last year. True enough, we saw how solar energy is being utilized to improve lives, providing local communities [...]
STATEMENT: SC decision portends lower rates for electricity ratepayers
10 May 2019 -- The cloud of uncertainty that hovered over stakeholders in the power sector was lifted by the Supreme Court (SC) decision on the competitive procurement of power supply by distribution utilities, mainly for residential ratepayers, last May 3. The aims and expected results of that decision are to be lauded. If the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) hew to the spirit of the court’s decision well, ratepayers can expect lower rates than will otherwise be, and would have been, the case. But there are implementation challenges that have to be addressed. Prior [...]
ERC promotes cheaper, more reliable energy through new draft rules: think tank
PRESS RELEASE MANILA, 3 April 2019 – An international policy group commended the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) today for promoting fair competition in pursuit of cheaper, more reliable power in the draft rules it recently issued covering power supply agreements (PSAs). “The ERC is right to protect the public from fluctuating fuel prices in its latest draft rules for power procurement. Ordinary consumers and the whole economy would enjoy cheaper and reliable power if the Commission follows through in promoting genuine competition in the energy sector,” said Red Constantino, executive director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). [...]