Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan said the agency is positioning energy storage systems (ESS) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) as the “twin pillars” of its evolving regulatory philosophy, as the Philippines transitions toward a more flexible and consumer-oriented power system.

Speaking at the Philippine Grid Forming Workshop Series 5, organized by the Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA), Juan said the ERC’s forthcoming Rules for Energy Storage Systems will provide clear market mechanisms for storage, as well as guidelines on scheduling, dispatch, pricing, and performance standards. He noted that ESS will play a critical role in addressing the intermittency of variable renewable energy and reducing ancillary service costs, thus helping make the grid more stable and efficient.

Juan also highlighted the recently released Advanced Metering Infrastructure Rules, which aim to improve data transparency and consumer empowerment by giving users access to more detailed consumption information. The rules include standards for data security and support broader efforts to modernize distribution netwo

rks.

He added that the ERC’s goal is to evolve from a traditional “gatekeeper” to an “innovative and facilitative regulator” that proactively supports the country’s clean energy transition.

The workshop gathered representatives from the Department of Energy, National Grid Corporat

ion of the Philippines, AboitizPower, Huawei, Wood Mackenzie, AFRY, and TÜV Rheinland. Discussions focused on global lessons in BESS deployment, grid-forming capabilities, and integrating higher shares of renewable energy into system operations.

ERC said its participation in these workshops strengthens its technical understanding of modern grid technologies and helps refine its regulatory approach to better serve stakeholders.

Do you think clearer rules on energy storage and AMI can help accele

rate the Philippines’ shift toward cleaner and more reliable power?

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