Consumer group pushes for ‘overhaul’ of electricity auction rules

Consumer group pushes for ‘overhaul’ of electricity auction rules

/ 03:02 PM June 10, 2025

Photo of rows and rows of electricity meters

INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — A group of consumer welfare advocates urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to drop current rules on power supply biddings. 

The National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms (Nasecore) said such rules have only “preserved the dominance” of market leaders, particularly Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Energy gap flagged amid Meralco-Eeri supply agreement setback

FEATURED STORIES

Nasecore asked Acting Energy Secretary Sharon Garin to launch a “comprehensive overhaul” of the competitive selection process (CSP). This governs power supply agreements (PSAs) between generators and distributors.

The consumer group said the current rules failed to deliver “meaningful market competition.”

“On the contrary, it has largely preserved the dominance of incumbent and affiliated generation companies, especially in the franchise area of Meralco,” it said.

READ: Review power supply deals

Article continues after this advertisement

“No new independent or reliable power suppliers have been introduced into Meralco’s generation mix in the past decade,” Nasecore told Garin in a letter.

Citing recent decisions from the Energy Regulatory Commission, Nasecore pointed out that Meralco’s PSAs have “steadily risen.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Sought for comments, Meralco reiterated that it “strictly complies” with government rules related to electricity procurement.

Aside from regularly updating its power supply procurement plan, the Pangilinan-led power distributor stressed that all power deals go through ERC’s assessment, such as regulatory evaluation and public hearings.

These practices, it said, “ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with established guidelines.”

“We remain fully committed to delivering reliable and least-cost power to our customers while adhering to the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the CSP and the energy sector in general,” Meralco said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Meralco, the largest power distributor in the country, franchise area that covers Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and select areas in Pampanga, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon.

TAGS: Department of Energy (DOE), Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), power supply agreements

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2025 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.