ERC steps up push to clear regulatory backlogs

MANILA, Philippines — In just a year, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) made a major dent in its long-standing backlog, clearing nearly 400 electricity supply deals and power infrastructure projects.

From August 2025 to July 2026, the country’s energy regulator approved 250 power supply agreement (PSA) cases and 144 capital expenditure projects.

This marked a significant increase from the previous comparable 12-month period, when just six PSA and six capex cases were approved.

The ERC also issued 2,350 decisions and orders, 6,936 licenses and authorizations and 38 rule-making resolutions while rolling out 25 new information systems to streamline its regulatory processes.

“When I assumed the leadership of the ERC one year ago, we inherited long-standing backlogs, delayed rate resets and an energy transition moving faster than our regulatory frameworks,” ERC chairman and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan said.

Juan, who took office in August last year, said the figures reflect the commission’s efforts not only to address regulatory gaps but also to facilitate investment in the energy sector.

Beyond regulatory approvals, the ERC said it is also focused on protecting consumers, with more than P71 billion in electricity refunds facilitated to date.

Most recently, the commission ordered power giant Manila Electric Co. to refund P9.5 billion to its customers, helping lower the electricity rates in Metro Manila and nearby provinces   this month.

According to Juan, the next phase of the “New ERC” would center on fostering a more investment-friendly regulatory environment to accelerate the development of additional generation, transmission and distribution capacity.

“The direction is set, the foundations have been laid and meaningful progress has been made,” Juan said, adding that the regulator will continue working toward a “reliable, affordable and fair energy sector for every Filipino.”