Senator Win Gatchalian has reiterated the call for an energy transition measure amid mounting calls for coal phaseout.

“It’s important that we put in place as soon as possible an energy transition measure so that the coal phaseout, including its replacement, would be based on scientific optimization,” said Gatchalian, citing his Senate Bill No.157 or the Energy Transition Act which provides for the creation of an Energy Transition Plan to achieve phaseout of fossil fuel plants and net zero emissions by 2050.

In fact, the development of more renewable energy (RE) projects in the country is expected to bring down power costs and ensure sufficiency of energy supply, Gatchalian stressed.

He added that without an energy transition law, the country may not be able to put in effect its commitment to phase out coal.

“Since the commitment to phase out coal is voluntary, there needs to be sufficient policy signals that would provide incentive for such action,” the lawmaker explained.

“Kailangan nating maglagay ng mga insentibo para maipatupad nang maayos ang ating resolusyon na gumamit ng mas malinis na enerhiya,” he emphasized. An energy transition measure, which would effectively diversify the country’s current energy sources, would provide the most benefit for consumers.

Gatchalian also filed Senate Bill 485, An Act Enhancing The Implementation Of The Net-Metering Program, Amending For The Purpose Republic Act 9513, or The Renewable Act Of 2008. This proposed legislation, designed to foster increased investments in the renewable energy sector, seeks to remove the 100-kilowatt (kW) ceiling on generation facilities that can participate in the net metering program. Authorized under existing laws, net metering allows participants with their own RE facilities to feed power back into the grid and have their contribution to the common pool of power deducted from their consumption.