Senate panel studies use of Malampaya funds to reduce universal charge, create consumer savings

The Senate Committee on Energy is studying the possibility of using the ₱204 billion Malampaya Fund to reduce the universal charge (UC) paid by end-consumers on their monthly electricity bills, which could result in household savings as high as ₱2,033.76 annually. The committee took up Senate Bill No. 924, authored by Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, which […]

Gatchalian lauds signing of Electric Coops Emergency and Resiliency Fund Law

Senator Win Gatchalian lauded the signing into law of a measure which will strengthen resiliency among electric cooperatives by institutionalizing government support and financial assistance during times of disaster. Earlier this week, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11039, otherwise known as the Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund Act. “The signing of RA […]

Formation of WESM’s Independent Market Operator

Senator Win Gatchalian welcomed the creation of an independent body that will operate the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM) as mandated by EPIRA or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Republic Act No. 9136). “After a delay of almost 10 years, DOE has moved to institutionalize an independent market operator which will handle the electricity […]

Bill to develop PH nat gas industry needed

Senator Win Gatchalian is looking to craft comprehensive legislation to develop the local natural gas industry as the country braces for the impending end of the Malampaya Gas-to-Power Project. Gatchalian, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, explained that the Malampaya project currently supplies fuel to five natural gas plants with a total installed […]

Government must prepare for $100 global oil shock

Senator Win Gatchalian on Monday urged the government to prepare ahead in the event that crude prices will reach the USD $100 per barrel threshold in the global market. “Filipinos are really starting to feel the negative effects of rapidly rising global oil prices. This should send a clear signal to our government that it is time […]

PH lacks legal framework for nuclear power

Senator Win Gatchalian on Thursday said the Philippines has a lot to learn from more advanced countries with respect to the development of nuclear technology as a national power resource. “There is a wide range of issues that we need to explore and thresh out before we can accurately measure the true potential of nuclear technology as […]

Development of PH natural gas industry sought

In light of the upcoming expiration of the franchise of the Malampaya gas field in 2024, the Senate Committee on Energy is set to hold a hearing on Thursday (April 26) with the aim of establishing a stronger legal framework to develop and regulate the country’s downstream natural gas sector. “There is a need to clarify the […]

AKELCO must avoid pass-on charges during Boracay closure

Senator Win Gatchalian on Monday urged the Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AKELCO) to invoke force majeure to avoid passing on extra power charges to its consumers during the impending six-month closure of Boracay Island. “The closure of restaurants, resorts, and other commercial establishments on Boracay Island during the effectivity of the closure order will not […]

Review of PH electrification plan needed

Senator Win Gatchalian is calling on the Senate to review the government’s electrification program, with the aim of assessing existing strategies in closing the gap in the number of households across the country that still doesn’t have power. “We want to check on the status of electrification of the country to assess and possibly revise the […]