Photo credit: ERC

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has welcomed the approval of its proposed 2026 budget by the House of Representatives will allow the agency to expand consumer-focused reforms and strengthen its oversight of the electricity industry.

The budget endorsement was granted during plenary deliberations on September 26, with South Cotabato Second District Rep. Ferdinand L. Hernandez sponsoring the measure. ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, along with Commissioners Floresinda G. Baldo-Digal, Marko Romeo L. Fuentes, and Amante A. Liberato, attended the session.

According to ERC, the additional allocation will support the hiring of technical experts, capacity building for its personnel, and the timely resolution of regulatory cases—all seen as critical to improving efficiency, enhancing consumer protection, and ensuring fair electricity pricing.

The Commission also recognized the support of APEC Party-List Rep. Sergio Dagooc and PHILRECA Party-List Rep. Presley de Jesus in advocating for an increase in its budget, which ERC said is necessary to keep pace with its expanding mandate.

“With the support of Congress and close coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the rest of the energy family, the ERC is well-prepared to advance meaningful reforms that promote efficiency, fairness, and the protection of electricity consumers,” said ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Juan.

The regulator said the strengthened funding will reinforce its role in advancing the national energy agenda, particularly in security, resiliency, sustainability, and electrification.

How do you see ERC’s expanded budget shaping regulatory oversight and consumer protection in the power sector?

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