The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given privately owned power distribution utilities more time to submit key tariff applications, easing compliance pressures while ensuring continued regulatory oversight.

In ERC Resolution No. 01, Series of 2026, the Commission extended the deadline for filing Actual Weighted Average Tariff (AWAT) applications from 60 to 120 calendar days from the effectivity of ERC Resolution No. 23, Series of 2025. 

All concerned utilities are now required to file by 22 March.

The ERC said the extension followed a review of its regulatory targets and “in consideration of requests from industry stakeholders, to align regulatory filing timelines while ensuring orderly and efficient regulatory processing.”

The Commission also clarified that the Olongapo Electricity Distribution Company is not required to file an AWAT application and that the previously indicated lapsed period for OEDC under the AWAT resolution does not apply.

Separately, the ERC shortened the advance filing period for Rate Reset applications under the Rationalized Rules for Setting the Distribution Wheeling Rates for the second, third, and fourth entry groups in the first regulatory period. 

Instead of 12 months before the start of the regulatory period, affected utilities are now required to file nine months in advance.

The revised deadlines are 1 April for the second entry group, 1 October, for the third entry group, and 1 April 2027 for the fourth entry group.

The ERC said these changes are meant “to improve regulatory sequencing, facilitate the efficient conduct of hearings, and ensure the timely issuance of regulatory decisions, while upholding transparency and regulatory discipline.”