The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a collaboration with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to create regulations that facilitate the shift toward clean energy in the Philippines.
In a report by BusinessWorld, a USAID representative affirmed their dedication to aiding the ERC in enhancing its institutional capacity to address emerging energy sector challenges and promote power sector reforms.
Among the included initiatives in the Energy Security Philippines Activity, supported by USAID, are the establishment of Green Energy Auction Reserve (GEAR) prices, rules governing distributed energy sources and net metering, development of a competitive retail electricity market, regulations for advanced metering infrastructure, promotion of energy storage systems, and the facilitation of electric vehicles and electric charging stations.
USAID’s initiatives also contribute to energy democracy by supporting ERC’s digital transformation, particularly through LINKod, which emphasizes consumer-centric governance.
Digitalized services offered by LINKod encompass various systems, such as managing consumer complaints, online filing and application processes, billing and revenue systems, uniform reportorial requirements, and monitoring and reporting mechanisms for the competitive retail electricity market.
The agency emphasized the country’s crucial role in strengthening sustainable and inclusive development in the region, underscoring its status as one of the largest bilateral donors investing in inclusive, market-driven growth.
USAID is currently formulating its Country Development Coordination Strategies for 2024 to 2029. As part of this planning, the agency intends to reassess its achievements, and collaborate with development partners, government stakeholders, and the US government interagency to set new priorities and development objectives.
Previously, USAID revealed a funding of Php 624 million for the Urban Connect Project which aims to enhance city services and financial management in partnership with various city governments across Batangas, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga.
USAID has had a long-standing partnership with ERC since the enactment of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
