EPIRA Amendments Should Lower Electricity Prices — Gatchalian

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the need for amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to result in lower electricity prices, benefiting consumers who currently face high energy costs. This statement follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call to review the law during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Key Points:

• Affordability Focus: Gatchalian stressed that any changes to EPIRA should aim at reducing electricity prices and ensuring a steady, sufficient, and affordable energy supply for consumers.
• Support for Presidential Call: Gatchalian supports President Marcos’s call to review and potentially amend EPIRA to address ongoing issues in the energy sector, including high prices.
• Empowering ERC: The senator advocates for amendments that would strengthen the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), enhancing its ability to enforce accountability among industry players who fail to fulfill their mandates.

Quotes from Gatchalian:

• “We need to be able to provide not just a steady and sufficient supply but also affordable energy for our consumers. Any amendment in the EPIRA law should be geared towards reducing the price of electricity.”
• “ERC plays a critical role in the industry, and we want strong provisions in EPIRA that would empower ERC to regulate industry players effectively.”
• “The accountability of industry players must be clear. Corresponding penalties should be felt by violators.”

Background on EPIRA: Enacted in 2001, EPIRA aims to ensure reliable and competitively priced electricity in the Philippines. The law divides the electric power industry into four sub-sectors—generation, transmission, distribution, and supply—to create a level playing field among industry players. However, President Marcos has pointed out that some provisions of the law have become outdated.

Gatchalian reiterated that the ERC should be equipped with sufficient authority to protect consumer interests and enforce industry accountability with independence, transparency, and clear penalties for violations.