Consultations on EPIRA in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to hold two days public consultations on the proposed amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 on Thursday and Friday in Cebu City for participants in the Visayas.

This is aimed at gathering sufficient inputs from all stakeholders amidst calls to review and the possible amendment of the Republic Act 9136, otherwise known as the EPIRA of 2001.

The scheduled FGDs per area will be held at Cebu Parklane Hotel.

Consultation with generators and distribution utilities is set on Thursday morning while consultation with consumers, non-government organizations, labor groups and the academe is set in the afternoon on the same day.

The following day, Friday, DOE will meet representatives of the business sector and chambers of commerce in the Visayas.

The same activity will be held simultaneously at the Waterfront-Insular Hotel in Davao City for stakeholders in the Mindanao area.

Consultation began last January 29 in Mandaluyong City for stakeholders in the National Capital Region (NCR).

"We are encouraging concerned individuals and groups to attend. Your presence will provide us with the necessary perspectives for the effective implementation of or essential changes in the EPIRA," said Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla in a statement.

The objective of these FGDs is to get the views and recommendations on how to enhance energy supply security at a reasonable cost.

Earlier last month, the DOE conducted consultations with its attached agencies, government agencies, donor agencies, generators and suppliers, distribution utilities, and other power market stakeholders in Luzon.

Following the FGDs, the DOE will also hold a Consultative Dialogue on Ensuring Energy Security at a Reasonable Cost on February 12, 2014.

Based on the FGDs, each sector will present and discuss their respective positions and recommendations on how to achieve the objective, which may include amendments on the EPIRA.  (FREEMAN)