Energy Regulatory Commission (Philippines) Explained

Energy Regulatory Commission
Preceding1:Energy Regulatory Board
Jurisdiction:Government of the Philippines
Headquarters:Pasig, Philippines
Chief1 Name:Monalisa C. Dimalanta
Chief1 Position:Chairman

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body electric power industry regulator in the Philippines. Its function is to regulate and maintain power service in the country. It was established and created on June 8, 2001, following the enactment of Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).[1] [2]

Primary duties

The primary responsibilities focused by the ERC are the following:

History

Coastwise Rate Commission

The regulation of public services started before in 1902, with the enactment of the Act No. 520 or the Coastwise Trade Act on November 17, 1902, led to the creation of the Coastwise Rate Commission. The responsibility of the commission was to classify vessels, merchandise, and passengers for coastwise trade and fixing maximum rates for transportation.[3]

The commission consisted of three members appointed by the Civil Governor.[4] [5]

Supervising Railway Expert

In 1906, Act. No 1507 was enacted, creating the position of Supervising Railway Expert in the Philippines. The law aimed to defined the duties of the position and provide for other related matters. It is responsible for advising railroad construction, overseeing operations, and conducting investigations, with the power to examine records and accounts, while being entitled to a salary and leave of absence.[6]

The Governor-General is responsible for appointing the Supervising Railway Expert with the advice and consent of the Philippine Commission, while the Philippine Commission is responsible for providing consent for the appointment of the Supervising Railway Expert.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Inquirer . Philippine Daily . 2024-05-25 . BOI, ERC team up to lure more power projects . 2024-06-30 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  2. Web site: Elchico . Alvin . 2024-06-11 . ERC approves Meralco petition for staggered payment in generation charge increase . 2024-06-30 . ABS-CBN News.
  3. Web site: Act No. 520 . 2024-06-30 . Chan Robles Virtual Law Library.
  4. Web site: Act No. 520 - Coastwise Trade Act . 2024-06-30 . Jur . en.
  5. Web site: History of ERC . 2024-06-30 . Energy Regulatory Commission.
  6. Web site: Act No. 1507 - Railway Expert Act . 2024-07-01 . Jur . en.