BIZ BUZZ: ERC caretaker not dilly-dallying

While many spectators expressed worries over potential hiccups in the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) due to the suspension order against Chair Monalisa Dimalanta, her temporary replacement is stepping up to the plate. 

Jesse Hermogenes Andres, with other commissioners, green-lighted the release of more than 500 approvals, just less than a week after formally assuming the position as temporary chief.

The ERC said the approvals were composed of 414 Certificates of Compliance (COCs) and 101 Provisional Authorities to Operate (PAOs).

The COCs are being issued by the ERC to entities to operate a power plant or other power generating facilities. Meanwhile, pending the issuance of a COC, the ERC issues PAOs to enable a generation company to immediately operate its facility.

“There is an urgent need to expedite the evaluation and approval process of ERC so that rollout and expansion projects of private sector proponents can immediately be accomplished,” OIC said.

Andres said that doing so—as quickly as possible—would boost the power sector.

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“This will expectedly increase capacities and efficiency in energy generation, transmission, distribution and supply sectors,” he said.

Dimalanta, who has vacated her post for six months following a complaint from a consumer group, remains optimistic about regaining the position.

“As we continue to respect and observe the legal processes at the Office of the Ombudsman, I remain hopeful that they will favorably resolve my Motion for Reconsideration filed on 11 September 2024, and lift the preventive suspension at the soonest time possible,” she earlier said.