DREAM: Dimalanta suspension may lead to more delays

The Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent, Inc. (DREAM), an organization representing various renewable energy (RE) industry associations, has aired their concern over the recent preventive suspension of Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Monalisa C. Dimalanta.

In a statement, the organization said that this suspension is disturbing the work process of the ERC, which could cause further delays.

“This action once again disrupts the work of the ERC, which further exacerbates the already-delayed numerous unresolved pending administrative matters and quasi-judicial cases resulting from past ERC internal conflicts,” said DREAM.

The Office of the Ombudsman issued a six-month preventive suspension against Dimalanta on August 20 for permitting Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) to purchase electricity from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and pass the costs to consumers without regulatory approval.

National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (NASECORE) accused the commission chair of violating the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), with charges such as grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and gross neglect of duty, among others.

DREAM went on to say that Dimalanta thoroughly studied energy issues throughout her tenure as chairperson and had taken appropriate measures.  

“We trust that she can overcome this legal challenge with the fortitude and integrity when appropriate due process is duly accorded her,” DREAM added.