To ERC: Penalize NGCP for delayed transmission projects

Senator Win Gatchalian urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to penalize the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) appropriately for delayed transmission projects that adversely impact the country’s electricity supply.   “I strongly suggest to the commission to enforce fines and penalties so we can impose discipline on NGCP. We are not seeing discipline […]

Dismay over delayed NGCP projects for which charges are being collected

Senator Win Gatchalian expressed dismay over the National Grid Corporation of the Philippine’s (NGCP) delay in implementing 16 transmission projects considered to be Energy Projects of National Significance (EPNS). He said out of the 16 EPNS, only 6 have reached completion, representing about 37.5% completion rate as of March 2023 while the NGCP has already […]

Inquiry into series of power transmission disturbances

Senator Win Gatchalian wants the Senate to conduct an inquiry into the series of disturbances in the country’s power transmission system in the hope of ensuring a reliable and continuous electricity supply.   The vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Gatchalian filed proposed Senate Resolution No. 607, which essentially calls for an inquiry on […]

EVOSS expected to pave the way for more offshore wind energy projects

The Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) system is expected to attract investors due to a streamlined permitting process to develop more offshore wind (OSW) energy projects in the country, Senator Win Gatchalian said.   Gatchalian said the recent issuance of Executive Order No. 21 will further enhance the implementation of the EVOSS System, which in […]

Adoption of new technologies necessary to ensure energy security

Senator Win Gatchalian said the adoption of new technologies is necessary to ensure energy security amid expectations of stronger electricity and energy demand and to transition the country towards a cleaner energy future.   “We have to look at emerging technologies such as batteries and other energy storage systems. We’re also in the midst of […]

Gov’t should prepare for possible local price hikes following global output cut

Senator Win Gatchalian urged the government to prepare for a potential increase in domestic oil prices after global prices surged on Monday following the decision of Saudi Arabia and other OPEC + oil producers to further reduce oil output by 1.16 million barrels per day.   “This event is unfortunate, and the government should immediately […]

ERC assailed for failure to regulate DUs; DOE urged to review policies

Senator Win Gatchalian assailed the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for its failure to efficiently regulate distribution utilities (DUs) and ensure affordability of electricity rates, to the detriment of consumers.   “A regulator is supposed to protect consumers but if you’re saying our distribution utilities are operating without approved power supply agreements and are charging generation […]

Tariff suspension on electric vehicles necessary to develop industry

Senator Win Gatchalian, the principal author of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), said the short-term suspension of tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) is necessary to support the development of the industry.   The President signed in January Executive Order No. 12, which removed tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) in a bid to lower […]