The National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda hailed the positive impact of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) on rural electrification, adding the latter has been instrumental in helping electric cooperatives secure competitive power rates through the Wholesale Electricity Sport Market (WESM).
Speaking during the 2025 Market Participants Update, Almeda said IEMOP fosters collaboration among power generators, distribution utilities, and regulators. This collaboration, he said, plays a vital role in stabilizing power supply in rural areas while maintaining affordable electricity rates.
“The IEMOP, as the market operator, ensures the transparency and efficiency of the WESM, thereby allowing power producers and consumers to participate in a competitive market,” said Almeda at the event in Cagayan de Oro City.
According to Almeda, WESM has allowed ECs gain access to flexible and cost-effective power supply options, which is crucial during peak demand periods or supply disruptions, as it enables cooperatives to source electricity without committing to long-term contracts.
“It (WESM) also serves as a backup source of power in times of peak demand and supply disruptions, allowing ECs to secure electricity for the benefit of their consumers without having to rigorously take into account the usual considerations that long-term commitments bring,” he added.
Almeda also emphasized the NEA’s commitment to helping ECs thrive as market participants and underscored the reforms the agency has instituted, including granting merit points to cooperatives that promptly settle their power accounts.
“We introduced amendments to the performance assessment mechanisms for ECs by placing emphasis on financial and institutional parameters. Part of these reforms are the grant of merit points to electric cooperatives who are able to timely pay their power accounts with their suppliers,” he said.
During his speech, Almeda also encouraged stakeholders to adopt a more consumer-centric approach when negotiating power supply agreements as well as balance sustainability with affordability by supporting market reforms that align with consumer interests while also integrating renewable energy solutions.
“While it is understandable that we all have our individual interests and responsibilities, we must always take to heart that we have a shared goal: to provide Filipinos with affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity,” Almeda emphasized.
IEMOP was established in 2018, as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), to operate the WESM. The 2025 Market Participants Update gathered industry leaders to discuss developments in the electricity market, reinforcing their commitment to a stable and efficient energy sector.
What do you think of IEMOP’s role in supporting rural electrification? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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