By: Gilda Francesca G. Flores
Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), one of the Philippines’ leading power producers, conducted a webinar with the San Beda University-College of Law (SBU-COL) to raise awareness on the laws, regulations, and reforms in the energy power sector last November 16 via Zoom.
The “Power 101” lecture delved into the changes in the electric power industry, reorganization of government energy agencies, energy crisis management, and renewable energy in minimizing the effects of climate change.
The lecture was spearheaded by two Associate General Counsel of AboitizPower, Attorney Charm Medina and Atty. Christopher “Coopey” Hermosisima. They talked about the laws that pave solutions on energy issues, specifically the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2011 (EPIRA Law), the Renewable Energy Act (RE Act), and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.
According to Atty. Medina, the EPIRA reformed the country’s electric power industry, which allowed more private sector participation to attain power security. EPIRA also emphasized the importance of private sector support and renewable energy deployment to provide energy to remote areas.
“The main objectives of EPIRA are to ensure the quality, reliability, security, and affordability of the supply of electricity; and a transparent and reasonable price of electricity in a free and competitive market,” she said.
Atty. Medina also tackled the creation of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which is an independent and quasi-judicial body that abolished the Energy Regulatory Board.
Meanwhile, Atty. Hermosisima expounded on the other salient features of EPIRA, namely: elimination of cross-subsidies; creation of the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM); and establishment of retail competition and open access (RCOA). He also discussed how the government works in regulating the energy sector as demands of end-users continue to shift.
On Renewable Energy
The Republic Act No. 9513 or the “Renewable Energy Act of 2008” (RE Act) sets the legal framework for the development of renewable energy in the country; and the creation of a renewable portfolio standard, renewable energy market, and green energy option system.
“The Philippines has already made a significant achievement in developing renewable energy sources. The Philippines is the second largest geothermal power provider in the world. The RE Act, together with EPIRA, has provided the most important framework to achieve energy security and clean energy generation in the Philippines,” Atty. Medina said.
Likewise, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, which took effect on May 24, 2019 lays out plans to reduce energy consumption within the country. It also mandates the use of energy efficient systems and technologies.
Atty. Hermosisima explained the “Energy Trilemma” that recognizes the interwoven links of the three dimensions on energy security, environmental sustainability, and energy equity.
“The Philippines performs highly in environmental sustainability. In fact, it ranked number 1 in the World Energy Council’s Energy Trilemma Index in 2017. But, it needs to improve its energy equity and energy security to achieve better energy sustainability,” he said.
Atty. Lyan Juanico, SBU-COL’s administrative officer, expressed his hope that the seminar would inspire the Bedan law students to become catalysts for change and leaders in the energy sector in the country.
THE BARRISTER 