The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has formalized a partnership with the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute (PERPI) to deepen data-driven policymaking and regulatory research, as the Philippines navigates increasingly complex energy sector challenges.

The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding on April 20, establishing a framework for collaboration on evidence-based energy regulation and broader policy development.

Under the agreement, the ERC and PERPI will cooperate on technical and analytical research support, capacity-building and knowledge exchange programs, and participation in forums and public consultations. The partnership also covers the joint development of discussion papers and research publications intended to inform regulatory decisions.

ERC Chairperson and CEO Francis Saturnino C. Juan said the collaboration is aimed at strengthening the regulator’s ability to respond to sector shifts.

“By aligning research, policy, and regulation, we strengthen our collective ability to respond to emerging challenges, support the transition to sustainable energy systems, and ultimately deliver reliable and affordable electricity to our people,” Chairperson Juan said.

For PERPI, the partnership signals a push to anchor energy policy in local research and institutional linkages. University of the Philippines president Angelo A. Jimenez, who represented the institute, emphasized the role of research in addressing the country’s structural energy issues.

“We hope to be able to use this partnership to contribute to the Philippine national goal, which is really dependent on our ability to solve our energy problem. And that energy problem calls for establishing a secure, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to fuel our drive towards becoming a fully developed country,” Jimenez said.

The ERC said the collaboration reinforces its commitment to grounding regulatory actions in data and research while strengthening institutional partnerships within the local energy ecosystem.

What do you think? Will closer regulator–research linkages materially improve policy quality and regulatory outcomes in the Philippine energy sector?

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