Power producers group confident DoE, ERC will steer country to post-pandemic recovery

The Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc. (PIPPA) said it "looks forward to a balanced, responsive, and progressive Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) under the leadership and guidance of their respective heads, Energy Sec. Popo Lotilla and ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta.

In a statement, the PIPPA reiterated: "We echo the recognition from many in the industry, business groups, and academe that their (DoE and ERC) experience and deep knowledge of the power industry can achieve our objective to build greater energy security, affordability, and sustainability for the Filipino people."

Lotilla, the PIPPA said, "is no stranger to the industry, having worked with several of our generator members for the past 20 years, as head of DoE from 2005 to 2007, and president and CEO of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) from 2004 to 2005.

"Having been present in the early stages of the energy industry restructuring, Sec. Lotilla will be able to provide historical knowledge and foresight to steer the industry in the direction as envisioned by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.

"Dimalanta also carries a vast wealth of experience and wisdom navigating the technical and complex world of the energy sector. Aside from private practice, she answered the call to serve and chaired the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) from 2019-2021. She was able to push forth renewable energy policies for the betterment of the energy industry, while cognizant of the balance of a technology neutral mix needed to ensure that the country pushes forward to a truly developed nation.

"PIPPA is confident that with Lotilla and Dimalanta in the new administration, the country will be able to recover from a post-pandemic world and steer itself to the right direction with an energy industry that is adaptive and truly progressive. Our members look forward to a continuous healthy collaboration and a stronger relationship with the DoE and ERC."