SC order stopping DOE, ERC policy hit

MANILA, Philippines -  Former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares assailed yesterday a Supreme Court (SC) order stopping the implementation of the retail competition and open access (RCOA) policy of the Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Colmenares believes that the temporary restraining order (TRO) on the new DOE regulation requiring power consumers to source their supply from the 23 retail electricity suppliers designated by ERC would only benefit big power firms.

“The SC order would prevent consumers from having a choice on where their electricity will come from, and at what price,” he said.

“Delaying or stopping open access works in favor of big distributors such as Meralco (Manila Electric Co.), who incidentally also owns power generation companies,” he added.

Colmenares also called on the ERC to investigate reports that Meralco was pressuring its customers to rescind contracts with their suppliers after the high court issued the TRO.

Colmenares said they are considering intervening in the case to safeguard the rights of power consumers.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said his department was duty-bound to implement the RCOA, a key provision of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.

Cusi said they would question the SC order.

He said consumers should have the right to choose their power provider.

“The spirit of the RCOA is giving the consumers the freedom of choice, which can only be maximized when there is a level playing field for all suppliers,” Cusi said.

The high tribunal issued the TRO last week, granting a petition filed by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry last year.