Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In light of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP), a think tank in the energy sector, is reiterating its call for the adoption of its Seven-Point Energy Agenda. This comprehensive plan is designed to tackle critical issues essential for building a sustainable and resilient energy future for the Philippines.
Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP), a pioneering energy sector think tank, is renewing its call for the implementation of its Seven-Point Energy Agenda following President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). CERP previously submitted this plan to the Office of the President, aiming to address critical challenges in the Philippines’ energy sector.
REGULATORY REFORM
In his speech, Marcos proposed amending the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), an initiative also included in CERP’s Seven-Point Agenda, to reduce power costs.
“While EPIRA has laid a crucial foundation for a secure energy sector, it must be amended to improve energy accessibility, affordability, and competition,” stated CERP co-convenor Atty. Noel Baga.
Baga outlined proposed amendments, including subsidizing electricity prices, increasing investment incentives, and operationalizing Retail Access and Open Competition (RCOA) within a decade.
CERP also advocates for amending the EPIRA alongside the National Grid Code and Philippine Distribution Code to strengthen the DOE’s and ERC’s regulatory powers over power generation, distribution, and grid management and operations.
UNIVERSAL ELECTRICITY ACCESS WITHIN THREE YEARS
President Marcos highlighted the completion of interconnection projects such as the newly inaugurated Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose Transmission Line, the Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kilovolt Backbone Project, and the Dumanjug-Corella line, which will enhance national energy stability.
"While the President's infrastructure plan will improve power supply, we urge greater ambition: electrify every household by 2028 and hybridize the existing diesel plants with solar PV and batteries. This would reduce costs and subsidies while enhancing reliability," said CERP co-convenor Dr. Joey Ocon.
CERP’s Seven-Point Agenda also addresses other critical issues aimed at building a sustainable energy future, including:
Exploration of indigenous resources to secure a self-sufficient power supply
Deploying renewable energy-powered microgrids and solar home systems
Fostering more collaborative discussions between regulators, academe, and the private sector
Increasing funding for energy research and development
“CERP remains committed to working closely with the administration and continues to advocate for sustainable energy policies that benefit all Filipinos,” Dr. Ocon added.
CERP invites policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to review the full Seven-Point Energy Agenda here. The think tank will be hosting a series of forums to discuss these proposals and gather input from various sectors in the coming months.
The Center for Energy Research and Policy is a think tank dedicated to developing a resilient and sustainable energy landscape for the Philippines. Co-convened by Atty. Noel M. Baga and Dr. Joey D. Ocon, CERP brings together experts and advocates to foster participatory governance in the energy sector. Anchored in inclusivity, CERP provides actionable insights on energy development, aiming to ensure efficient, affordable, and sustainable power for all Filipinos.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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