ERC speeds up power permits
In just three months, the ERC has successfully processed and issued PSAs, COCs and PAOs way earlier than the timelines set by the EVOSS Act.
Daily TribuneIn just three months, the ERC has successfully processed and issued PSAs, COCs and PAOs way earlier than the timelines set by the EVOSS Act.
Consumers may soon benefit from a more stable supply of electricity and potentially lower power rates with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) accelerating the approval of key power projects in the first quarter of the year.
On Friday, the ERC said that it approved 14 Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) and issued 977 Certificates of Compliance (COCs) and Provisional Authorities to Operate (PAOs) from January to March to boost capacity and shield consumers from market price volatility.
“In just three months, the ERC has successfully processed and issued PSAs, COCs, and PAOs way earlier than the timelines set by the EVOSS Act,” said ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa C. Dimalanta.
“This is proof that the reforms we are undertaking are speeding up our regulatory processes to ensure energy security through additional capacity from new grid-connected facilities, while also empowering consumers to save on electricity costs by generating their power,” she added.
The PSAs cover distribution utilities in various regions, particularly Region 8 or Eastern Visayas.
The 977 COCs, on the other hand, authorize the operations of 94 self-generating facilities, seven independent power producers, and 868 net-metering qualified end-users.
Meanwhile, 77 PAOs were granted to power producers across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, accounting for 5,419 megawatts of new capacity.
COCs were processed in an average of 26 days, significantly faster than the 60-day limit set under the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop Act.
PSAs were approved in 60 days, ahead of the mandated 75-day period.