The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued nearly 4,300 compliance certificates and provisional operating authorities for power generation facilities in 2024, adding over 24,000 MW to the country’s energy requirement.
The ERC on Thursday announced granting a total 3,959 certificates of compliance (COCs) and 334 provisional authorities to operate (PAOs) for both traditional and solar power generation facilities from January to November 2024. These approvals contribute 24,092.79 megawatts (MW) to the national power grid, significantly enhancing the country’s energy supply.
In November alone, the ERC authorized 321 COCs and 19 PAOs for a variety of power generation entities, including generation companies, self-generating facilities, distributed energy resources, and qualified end-users. The permits are crucial for the operation of new power plants, in line with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, which mandates that all new generation facilities must obtain ERC approval before commencing operations.
The COCs validate the official operation of these facilities, while PAOs allow companies to begin operations while awaiting their final certifications.
ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta lauded the commission’s efficiency in processing the permits this year, saying, “We have been able to process COCs and PAOs within 30 to 45 days, a timeline significantly shorter than the 60 days stipulated under the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop Law.”
Dimalanta said the swift approval process helps strengthen energy security and reduce costs for consumers. “The increased capacity from newly connected facilities, along with the growing use of self-generated power, is expected to deliver long-term savings and greater affordability for consumers,” she said.
As the country continues to build out its energy infrastructure, the ERC’s streamlined operations play a key role in ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply.
