_{Photo credit: ERC}

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) conducted a specialized training session for its personnel, aiming to equip staff with tools to address electricity price volatility and protect consumers from sudden bill increases.

The session, held on February 27 held at the ERC Main Office, brought in experts from Green Tiger Markets (GTM), including Andrew Koger, Vice President for Business Development, and Carlos Korten, President, as well as former ERC Commissioner Atty. Ina Magpale-Asirit.

“Price volatility remains a major challenge in the power sector and financial market tools may help protect consumers against sudden electricity bill increases,” said Atty. Magpale-Asirit, noting that the seminar aligns with ERC’s ongoing review of possible market-based solutions.

Koger discussed approaches to addressing price swings through structured trading and risk management mechanisms, while Korten explained how hedging in forward markets allows buyers to secure electricity at contracted prices, reducing exposure to volatile spot market rates.

Participants took part in a simulation exercise on a trading platform, covering online trading operations and a mock financial settlement process.

The training builds on GTM’s “Preventing Bill Shock Roundtable” held last January 26 in Bonifacio Global City in partnership with Power Philippines. The initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader review of market-based mechanisms, regulatory parameters, and interventions to stabilize electricity prices.

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