Newsroom Category: Energy

Ensure electricity supply after ERC’s rejection of rate hike petition

Senator Win Gatchalian urged the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to ensure a continuous supply of energy for its customers following a recent decision of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) denying a petition for a rate increase made by the power distribution giant and the power-generation arm of San Miguel Corporation (SMC).   “As the contracting […]

DOJ opinion on removal of foreign ownership cap paves the way for more RE investments

Senator Win Gatchalian said he expects the number in renewable energy (RE) investments to rise substantially following a Department of Justice (DOJ) opinion that natural resources including solar, wind, hydro and ocean or tidal energies are not covered by the constitutional limitation on foreign ownership. The flow of investments is hinged on amending the Implementing […]

Distribution utilities urged to contract more renewable energy

Senator Win Gatchalian urged distribution facilities to contract more renewable energy (RE) as such a move will benefit consumers amid prevailing global energy risks.   Gatchalian’s call follows a decision made by the Department of Energy (DOE) to increase the percentage of the utilization of RE for on-grid areas from 1% to 2.52%, which will […]

Consumers to benefit from ERC reset of power transmission rates

Senator Win Gatchalian said a reset of power transmission rates by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which has been delayed for 10 years, could provide some respite to consumers.   The ERC has begun a review of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) rates as it promulgated Resolution No. 08 amending the rules […]

Aggressive implementation of solutions to rotational power outages needed

Senator Win Gatchalian called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide an explanation on the rotational power outages that hit parts of Luzon starting Sunday and urged for the aggressive implementation of solutions to address the issue.   “Such power interruptions are unacceptable at a time when the country is in dire need of […]

Protect PUVs, commuters from oil price and fare hikes

Senator Win Gatchalian wants to put in place an energy subsidy program that will provide a safety net for the public transport sector from oil price increases and subsequently deter fare hikes for the benefit of the commuting public.   Gatchalian noted that as a result of world oil price increases in recent months, the […]

Razon-Uy Malampaya deal should comply with the law to ensure PH energy security

Senator Win Gatchalian stressed that the recent agreement between Enrique Razon, Jr.’s Prime Exploration Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. (Prime Infra), and Dennis Uy on the acquisition of his MEXP Holdings Pte. Ltd. (MEXP Holdings) should be in compliance with the law to ensure the protection of consumers, the government, and […]

Gatchalian welcomes new ERC chairperson; urges pro-consumer regulatory structure

Senator Win Gatchalian welcomes the appointment of lawyer Monalisa Carneo Dimalanta as the new chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), replacing Atty. Agnes Devanadera who headed the agency for nearly five years.   Gatchalian, who has commended the ERC in many instances in the past, urges its new chief to carry out the same […]