The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is accelerating the review process for proposed power projects and contracts to support the government’s total household electrification program.
The ERC has issued a resolution authorizing the use of summary proceedings for applications critical to ensuring energy reliability and affordability across the country.
This includes applications for constructing dedicated point-to-point limited transmission facilities, capital expenditure projects, confirmation of over- and under-recoveries, and approval of power supply contracts.
The commission, however, clarified that summary proceedings would only apply to uncontested applications or those without intervenors.
For cases with intervenors, summary proceedings may be used only if all parties agree to this process.
ERC chairman and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan said the move affirmed the agency’s dedication to delivering faster and more efficient regulation.
‘We will do everything we can to accelerate the resolution of applications filed before the ERC. Streamlining our processes is key to fulfilling our commitment to a more responsive and revitalized ERC,’ Juan said.
According to the ERC, adopting summary proceedings in several cases aligns with the Marcos administration’s target of lighting up every household nationwide.
Based on the latest Department of Energy data, around 5.25 percent of households across the country still has no access to electricity, most of which were in Mindanao.
The electrification rate in Mindanao lagged at 83.45 percent, well below the 98.84 percent for Luzon and 95.23 percent for Visayas.
In his State of the Nation Address in July, President Marcos said about 200 power plants were expected to be completed within the next three years to energize four million households and over 2,000 factories.