The Department of Energy (DOE) has begun accepting proposals for coal operating contracts (COC) under the modified Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR) in developing the country’s indigenous coal resources.
In a circular, the DOE stated details on the awarding of COCs, and the creation of the review and evaluation committee (REC) under the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCECP).
The PCECP for the coal circular took effect on October 23, 2017.
Applicants for the COC must be a corporation or a partnership that is 60-percent owned by Filipinos.
The COC applications will be evaluated by the REC – which will be headed by the DOE undersecretary of the ERDB.
After which, applicants will be directed to publish an invitation for challenge in two broadsheets of general circulation.
REC will then examine, evaluate, and review the legal, technical and financial abilities of the applicants and its applications.
The highest ranking applicant will be recommended by the REC to the energy secretary in the awarding and issuances of COC.
Energy secretary Alfonso Cusi previously stated that they will allow the private sector to submit unsolicited proposals to develop coal and petroleum contracts – which will be subjected to a Swiss challenge to fast-track the development of the country’s indigenous sources.