Newly appointed Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Francis Saturnino C. Juan has pledged to institutionalize open meetings, fast-track case resolution, and adopt a more proactive stance on consumer protection and investment stability.

Speaking at the official turnover ceremony on August 7, Juan emphasized that the transition signals more than a change in leadership.

“Today marks a pivotal moment for the ERC—a transition in leadership, but more importantly, a renewal of our commitment to serve the Filipino people by ensuring a stable, competitive, and consumer-centric electricity sector.”

Juan said he would propose that all Commission meetings he presides over be opened to the public, restoring a transparency measure briefly adopted during Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta’s tenure.

“Every decision we make, every rule we formulate, and every action we undertake must be rooted in integrity, fairness, reason, and evidence. This is what we must demonstrate to our constituencies.”

On power rates, Juan reaffirmed ERC’s duty to ground all decisions in factual, cost-reflective analysis, guided by stakeholder input.

“Our foremost duty is to ensure that electricity rates are just, reasonable, and reflective of true costs. We will base our decisions on rigorous analysis, accurate data, and meaningful stakeholder consultations, always prioritizing the welfare of electricity consumers.”

He also flagged slow case resolution as a major barrier to progress.

“Delays are not only costly; they also create uncertainty for investors, industry players, and, most importantly, consumers.”

To address this, Juan said the ERC will streamline processes to ensure clarity and fairness without unnecessary delay.

Citing competition as a key driver of lower rates, Juan committed to closer oversight of market behavior.

“A competitive electricity market must benefit consumers, not just the investors. I have always believed—true competition leads to better services and lower prices.”

He also pointed out that regulatory predictability is essential to unlocking long-term capital for power generation, transmission, and new technologies.

“Investors need predictability, fairness, and a rules-based system to commit long-term capital. By enhancing our regulatory framework, we will encourage more investments… More investments mean greater supply, improved service delivery, and ultimately, more affordable rates for consumers.”

Juan said ERC will no longer wait for issues to escalate before taking action. Instead, the agency will engage early with both public and private stakeholders to craft rules that address potential risks and reflect real-world conditions.

“We will not wait for problems to arise—we will engage stakeholders early, anticipate challenges, and craft rules (or revise existing ones) that are responsive to the needs of both the industry and the public.”

Calling for internal unity, Juan urged the full cooperation of ERC employees and fellow commissioners.

“Sa aking makakasama sa paglalakbay na ito, mula kay Raul, ang aking magiging clerk sa opisina ng Commission Chair, hanggang kay Commissioner Rexie, the most senior Commissioner, I plead for your full support.”

To the private sector, Juan gave a clear message: the ERC’s role is not to block innovation, but to ensure that its benefits reach all, especially consumers.

“We will be firm but fair. Our role is not to hinder progress but to ensure that growth benefits all stakeholders, especially the consumers.”

Addressing the public directly, Juan affirmed that the Commission exists to serve electricity users, not political or corporate interests.

“The ERC exists to serve you. Every decision we make, every policy we implement, every rule we make, will be guided by one question: ‘Is this in the best interest of the electricity consumer?’”

He ended his speech with a rallying cry to ERC staff to elevate public service standards.

“Mga makakasama kong kapwa kawani ng ERC, handa na ba kayong maglingkod nang may integridad, may pagmamalasakit at walang pagsasawalang bahala? Handang handa na ba kayong iangat ang kalidad ng serbisyo publikong maiaalay natin sa sambayanang Pilipino?”

Meanwhile, in her farewell message, outgoing ERC Chairperson Monalisa  Dimalanta expressed gratitude to the ERC staff and commissioners for their support during her tenure. She highlighted the agency’s progress in strengthening transparency and accountability in the regulatory process, acknowledging both the challenges and breakthroughs encountered under her leadership.

“We faced difficult decisions, but we made them with the consumer in mind and the law as our guide,” she said, thanking the ERC team for their commitment.

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