The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is preparing a broad regulatory push in 2026 aimed at tightening consumer protection, clearing long-standing case backlogs, and strengthening competition across the Philippine electric power industry, as it seeks to reinforce investor confidence in the sector.

“The New ERC stands for greater transparency, stronger public engagement, and a deeper commitment to consumer welfare,” ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan said.

According to the ERC, its agenda centers on five core directions, including fair and evidence-based rate setting, faster resolution of pending cases, stronger market oversight, a more stable regulatory environment, and proactive leadership focused on consumers. Juan said the goal is to build a “future-ready Commission with people-centered service.”

Key measures lined up for 2026 include enforcing least-cost obligations for utilities, completing long-delayed regulatory resets for distribution utilities, and setting pricing frameworks for emerging technologies such as offshore wind and liquefied natural gas. 

The ERC also plans to streamline hearings and internal processes, while strictly observing the Energy Virtual One-Stop-Shop (EVOSS) and Ease of Doing Business (EODB) laws to shorten case resolution timelines.

On the market side, the Commission said it is updating rules and technical standards to accommodate new technologies, while fast-tracking investment approvals for utilities, Power Supply Agreements (PSAs), and renewable energy projects.

Consumer protection remains central to the agenda, Juan stressed. “Transparency, consumer protection, and fairness are the pillars of our work,” he said.

The ERC said it plans to expand subsidies for lifeline consumers and senior citizens, strengthen consumer rights under the Magna Carta for Consumers of Electricity, and improve policies on metering and net metering. It is also coordinating with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to ensure the proper application of value-added tax and subsidies in electricity billing.

The Commission added that public understanding of regulatory decisions is essential to a healthy power market, noting that accurate information helps consumers and businesses assess whether electricity services remain reliable, fair, and affordable.

The ERC regulates an electricity industry valued at about PHP 4.13 trillion, spanning generation, transmission, distribution, supply, and market operations nationwide. The agency said the scale and critical role of the power sector—supporting hospitals, industries, schools, households, and the digital economy—underscore the need for strict compliance, sound governance, and disciplined execution.

What do you think about the ERC’s 2026 priorities—will these reforms meaningfully improve power prices, project approvals, and consumer protection? Join the discussion.

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