ERC seeks emergency power during calamities

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is proposing changes to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to include an emergency power allowing it to respond to calamities without needing a quorum.

- By BRIX LELIS

President Marcos earlier urged Congress to review EPIRA, saying the law must be revisited to determine whether the current energy policies are still applicable for the present time or if amendments are necessary.

"One of the things we're studying is (the proposal) to give authority to either the chairman or a division of the commission, so that we can respond quickly," ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta told a press conference yesterday.

This special authority, Dimalanta said, would enable the commission to make decisions in response to natural disasters affecting the energy sector without the need of a collegial meeting.