The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it will prioritize consumer protection and regulatory efficiency in 2026, as it lays out measures to address long-standing case backlogs and prepare the power sector for new technologies.

In a statement released on December 12, the ERC said its plans for the coming year include expanding consumer subsidies, strengthening market oversight, and accelerating regulatory processes across the electric power industry.

ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan said the Commission’s direction centers on transparency and public engagement, with consumer welfare remaining a core focus. “The New ERC stands for greater transparency, stronger public engagement, and a deeper commitment to consumer welfare,” he said.

On the consumer side, the ERC said it intends to expand subsidies for lifeline consumers and senior citizens, enhance protections under the Magna Carta for Consumers of Electricity, as well as improve rules governing metering and net metering. The Commission also said it will work with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to ensure the fair application of value-added tax and subsidy-related policies.

From a regulatory standpoint, the ERC said it will move to clear pending cases, enforce least-cost obligations, and complete delayed regulatory resets for distribution utilities. It also plans to streamline hearings and internal processes in line with the Energy Virtual One-Stop-Shop (EVOSS) and Ease of Doing Business (EODB) laws.

The Commission said it will also focus on updating market rules and technical standards to accommodate emerging technologies. These include offshore wind and liquefied natural gas, while expediting approvals for utilities, Power Supply Agreements, and renewable energy projects.

Juan said the ERC’s five priority directions for 2026 include fair and evidence-based rate setting, timely case resolution, robust market oversight, a stable regulatory environment, and proactive leadership that puts consumers at the center of regulation.

As the ERC moves to implement these priorities in 2026, how will faster case resolutions and stronger consumer safeguards affect confidence in the power sector?

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