ERC Chief Dimalanta Leaves Legacy of Improved Electricity Market, Calls for Continued Progress

MANILA, Philippines – Outgoing Energy Regulatory ‍Commission (ERC) ⁤chairman and CEO monalisa Dimalanta is⁣ set to ⁣conclude her term on August⁢ 8, 2025, leaving behind a substantially‍ improved electricity market, though she emphasizes that further enhancements are still crucial for the nation’s consumers.

A Decade⁢ of Lower Generation Charges

Dimalanta highlighted a positive trend in the electricity market,noting a ample decrease in generation charges for customers in the Wholesale Electricity Spot market (WESM) ⁣as⁢ January 2023. “From January until May of this year, we saw a significant lowering of rates in most regions in the country, except in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) as more energy projects were put up,” she stated in a recent online interview. “This has been the lowest generation rate in⁤ the last 10 years.”

Retail Aggregation and Future Initiatives

The ERC’s introduction of⁢ the Retail Aggregation program for consumers, ⁢alongside other strategic initiatives, is‍ seen by Dimalanta‍ as a key part of ‍her legacy. “Now with the commission starting the Retail Aggregation program for consumers, and with other initiatives, I think the legacy I’m leaving behind is a ⁢state of a better market condition, but improvements are still needed,” she remarked.

Continued Efforts to lower Rates

Despite her impending departure,Dimalanta affirmed that her and the commission’s work⁢ would continue until her formal stepping down. “I believe we can still lower electricity rates‍ further throughout the country as we continue to conduct our fuel audits for electric⁢ cooperatives and ‍distribution utilities,” she explained. “I think the ERC will be able to finish this specific initiative this year.”

Accountability for Unjustified Charges

Dimalanta also referenced the ERC’s show-cause orders issued in May to 37 generation firms. These firms were cited for failing to provide data that could justify charges passed on to consumers, underscoring the commission’s commitment to transparency and consumer protection.

Early departure Amidst Performance Audit

Dimalanta’s decision to step down⁢ comes four years earlier than her scheduled seven-year ‍tenure. This move follows a request⁣ for courtesy resignations from government officials by President ferdinand Marcos Jr., amidst an ongoing performance audit.