ERC eyes emergency powers during calamities

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is proposing amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to grant emergency powers for quicker response during calamities without needing a full quorum.

Philippine Star reported that President Marcos Jr. recently urged Congress to review EPIRA to assess whether its provisions remain suitable for current energy needs or require updates. 

ERC Chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta said that the proposal suggests that a single chair or division of the commission could be authorized to make prompt decisions when natural disasters disrupt energy services.

The current EPIRA guidelines require at least three ERC members for a quorum, with a majority vote needed to approve any decision, potentially delaying urgent responses. 

Dimalanta explained that the proposed emergency power would specifically address disaster situations, ensuring faster action while limiting its scope to avoid misuse.

Marcos Jr. recently told ERC to study the implementation of temporary relief for power bill payments in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. 

Following severe tropical storm Kristine, the ERC mandated energy providers in calamity-hit regions to suspend power disconnections for low-usage consumers and allow staggered payments over six months.

ERC warned that firms failing to comply could face penalties ranging from fines as low as Php 5,000 to franchise revocation recommendations for persistent non-compliance, subject to due process. Dimalanta aims to propose this legislative measure by the end of the year.