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.

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).

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Philippines must pursue diversification of its energy source and energy transition in order to improve the country’s energy security in the long run, Senator Win Gatchalian said.

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.