Europe-PH News

Traders Rush Open Access in Power Sector

March 14, 2011

Bing Arnold O. Devera

Europe-PH News

BUSINESSMEN have asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to fast track the implementation of open access and retail competition. 

In a position paper, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., and
European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), urged the ERC "to complete the administrative requirements needed for the effective implementation of open access and retail competition," given that the "legal conditions [were] already complied with."

The business groups are asking ERC to start coming out with rules, terms and conditions to meet minimum requirements for open access and retail competition to be implemented.  "Open access and retail competition is long overdue.  Completion of the administrative requirements together with identifying the responsible organizations or office for implementation and setting up clear milestones for the information of all stakeholders will assure the business community that this will soon be declared," Francis Chua, PCCI president, said.

"By assuring buyers of their electricity retail competition makes the market more attractive for investments in power generation projects. 

On the other hand, providing end users the freedom to choose their electridty supplier allows them to get the most reasonable cost and the most efficient service," said Jose Alejandro, PCCI chairman for energy.

Chua said interim open access in Luzon "on an optional and voluntary basis should proceed until the actual open access starts."

"The pursuance of interim open access will not only gauge how competitive forces will play under the deregulated power market, more importantly, it will enable the ERC and stakeholders in the electric power industry to identify and address, if any, other issues not initially conceived," he said.

 

Source: Manila Times, Business, 12 March 2011

  • Europe-PH News

  • December 03, 2024

    ECCP@Work Featured Articles | December 3, 2024

    Read More

  • September 17, 2024

    Converge Unlocks Next-Level Hospitality with Converge Concierge with SkyTV

    Converge ICT Solutions Inc., the Philippines’ leading fiber broadb... Read More

  • June 24, 2024

    Turkish Airlines Named Best Airline in Europe at Skytrax Awards for the Ninth Time

    Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than an... Read More